Fixing a door with broken out panel

justdon · 09-08-2007, 08:21 PM

Some knothead stuck his fist thru an 80 year old door panel. It was one of a kind. An old French door that somebody used for a bedroom door(it swings both ways)(The door NOT the door buster,he is long gone). This door has the hinges on the absolute top and bottom of the door and I cant find anything close,size or style wise,,,and then there is the matter of matching the OLD finish. I was thinking of finding an old door panel and installing it,,,wood filler in what woodwork was busted out surrounding it,,,and IF it doesnt look quite right hang a mirror over that part!!

Do they sell door panels of aproximate sizes?? Would at least make a stab at matching what WAS there!!. Routering out the busted wood and quarter round it!! (The whole opening was made to fit THAT door,,quite unstandard height width and casing!!)

Thanks for ANY thoughts--just don--

MinConst · 09-08-2007, 09:20 PM

Don,
A picture would help but you should be able to make the door right again. How thick is this panel, overall size? How many panels are in the door? If the original panel was inset into the door you will need to make due with moulding to secure the panel. Maybe add the same moulding to the rest of the panels. This is why a picture would help out.
Don't give up yet.

Crackers · 09-09-2007, 08:35 AM

Just Don,

Don't give up on the door if you like it. Making panels is not hard; jointer, planer, mounted router and a bit of time. Inserting it may be more difficult, but there are some ways to make it look natural (sliding pins, mouldings etc). Color match is hard.

Many wordworking places can do it for you ($). Some colleges who do furniture making will take it on as a project also.