Renovation project - How to restore an old wooden front door

Renovation project - How to restore an old wooden front door

We have decided to keep the old main front door for a number of reasons,

1.  It is an odd size so would cost a fortune to replace
2.  I do not want the hassle of applying for planning permission
3. We like it

However it will need a lot of work doing to it, it has been painted and the paint is flaking off. I scrape all the loose paint and scrub the window panels to see where the actual wood is and where there are bits missing (very old dirt can hold windows in place!)

John then uses a paint stripper and a heat gun too remove all the old paint. This leaves a wonderful wood finish; unfortunately it is not an even colour.

Putty is added to the bits that are missing making the window panels safer and covering all the gaps in the wood panels.

We then have no choice but too stain the door a slightly darker colour. But once finished and varnished it has been restored to its former glory.

Top tips

• ·         If you are doing a renovation on a budget, check to see where you can make do and mend.
• ·         The result can look like a new door for a fraction of the cost