Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Feb 08, 2008 02:07am | #1

   This is a flat-surface door (as opposed to a paneled door)? You have to remove the old skin or the door will no longer fit (unless it opens out, which would be unusual for a residential door).

   But it may not be possible to remove the old skin without destroying the door in the process. "Solid-core door" is often a misnomer; the "solid" is typically a coarse, particleboard-like concoction.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   troys | Feb 08, 2008 09:45am | #3

   I don't know how old your door is but if you are a glutton for punishment you might try this, it worked for me. On the door from my last house (a round top door made in 1928 with a very thick 1/8 inch veiner) I planed it off with a hand held makita power planer then I sanded it smooth with a hand held belt sander and then a palm sander. I glued on a new door skin that was from Home Depot. To glue it on I coated both the door and the door skin with a layer of titebond 2 and then let them dry then ironed them together with a hand held cloths iron. I still can't believe it worked but over 12 years latter the door is fine. I like the idea of taking it to a door shop and running it through a wide belt sander, even if it cost 100 dollars it would be money well spent.Good luckTroy

2. 
   kreuzie | Feb 08, 2008 02:34am | #2

   Take the door to a local cabinet shop. They should have (call first!) a wide belt sander that can accept a 36 inch wide piece. Have them sand off the outside skin.

   Depending on the thicknesses of the old and new skins, your refurbished door might be a little thicker (or thinner) than the original. If you measure first to determine what the final thickness will be and find that it'll be too thick, have them sand down the door  accordingly before you glue on the new skin.

   If you can find it (the internet has sources), use white oak veneer for the new skin; it holds up better to the elements and stains like red oak.

   Be sure to top coat with a spar varnish.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/7/2008 6:40 pm ET by kreuzie

3. 
   colebearanimals | Feb 09, 2008 12:03am | #4

    

          I hate to say it but I think it's time for a new door. Especially since it's exterior.

                                                                      Paul

1. 
   troys | Feb 09, 2008 04:36am | #5

   aw what fun is that, unless your talking about making a new one of course?Take care.Troy

1. 
   colebearanimals | Feb 09, 2008 08:43pm | #6

    

      Absolutely make a new one. Any excuse to make some shavings and saw dust :)

                                                                          Paul

1. 
   troys | Feb 10, 2008 04:56am | #7

   Not to mention buying desperately needed tools:)Have fun

1. 
   saschafer | Feb 10, 2008 04:57am | #8

   Isn't any tool you don't have "desperately needed," by definition?

   -Steve

    

2. 
   troys | Feb 10, 2008 10:13am | #10

   So true

2. 
   Tinkerer3 | Feb 10, 2008 08:30am | #9

   When ever I make something, that is what I get - shavings and sawdust.

1. 
   colebearanimals | Feb 11, 2008 10:17pm | #11

    

        Unless you've grabbed a piece of steel by mistake.

                                                        Paul

2. 
   kipster_ | Feb 14, 2008 12:43am | #12

   thanks for your input I was afraid that I probably needed a new door, but I was kind of looking forward to fiddling around with it.  so I guess I'll have to find a new project.