Replacing interior doors
Sometimes trying to repair or rejuvenate an old interior door falls short of the mark. If you cannot bring a door up to your high standards, simply replace it. It is not a difficult project, and it gives you the chance to get the exact door you want. This article will give you a feel for what is involved in replacing an interior door. There are three basic types of doors: hollow-core, solid-core and solid wood. Hollow-core doors are a popular option for many do-it-yourselfers. They are priced for the budget-conscious and are light and easy to handle. They come with either smooth or molded surfaces. Smooth doors have a stain-grade veneer of import hardwood plywood, oak or birch, so you can stain or paint it to match your decor. The surface of a hollow-core molded door is made of hardboard molded into a multipanel design. The most popular style is the traditional 6-panel, but other classic styles are also available. Hardboard is a durable material that resists shrinking and swelling. The paintable surface has a wood texture, providing the look of wood-paneled doors for a budget price. Solid-core interior doors look and feel like solid wood doors, but they feature a wood fiber core. They offer greater sound-deafening properties than hollow core doors, and they can withstand rougher treatment. While these are not "fire doors," their solid core offers extra fire protection, since it burns through slower than a hollow door. The solid-core door offers the style and properties of a wood door without the cost. Solid wood panel doors can be stained or painted for a rich finish. Solid wood has natural sound-deadening qualities that keep the noise in or out. The properties that give wood its character may determine if these doors are an option in your home. They are very heavy, and you may need an extra hand to install them, but the weight gives solid wood doors a stable feel. Wood swells and shrinks over time and with humidity changes, so more precision is required during installation. Oak and white pine doors are very popular, but other types of wood are available through special order. Project Level: Advanced (what's this?) If you have decided to replace only the door, not the jambs and trim, the most important job will be measuring. You must replace the old door with another of exactly the same size. (Unless, of course, the old door did not fit well.) Keep in mind that this is a more difficult project than installing a prehung door, since the hinge relief mortises must be cut with precision. Installation of a doorknob is also more involved with this method. Courtesy of Lowe's Contact Gary; phone# 415.999.2695 |
Contact Gary 415.999.2695
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