An old front door can be charming and warm, but it can also come with its own set of issues. From drafty gaps to worn hinges, an old front door can cause a lot of headaches.
Honestly, our front door is a mess! The wood is cracked, and the small top glass window is broken. The locks are installed upside down, and the white paint is dingy and dirty. Overall, it is completely unsightly. Because we had more pressing issues to focus on, this project has taken a back, back, back seat. But, refreshing our small front porch has been on my mind lately now that spring is deciding on arriving.
In this blog post, I’ll take a look at some of the most common repairs for an old front door, and how you can tackle them on your own. Hopefully, this will inspire me to make the repairs on our existing front door instead of buying a new one.
Repair Drafty Gaps
Old front doors are notorious for letting in drafts, which can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. One of the most common causes of drafty gaps is a worn weatherstripping. Over time, weatherstripping can become brittle, crack, or even fall off, leaving gaps around your door.
To fix this issue, you can replace the weatherstripping on your door. First, remove the old weatherstripping by pulling it out of the groove with a pair of pliers. Then, clean the groove with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Next, cut a piece of new weatherstripping to fit the length of the groove, and insert it into the groove with a putty knife. The video below shows you how to tackle this repair.
Fix Loose or Worn Hinges
Another common issue with old front doors is loose or worn hinges. This can cause your door to sag or not close properly, which can be both frustrating and a security risk. If your door is sagging, it’s likely that the hinges are worn or loose.
To fix this issue, start by removing the door from its hinges. You can do this by removing the hinge pins with a hammer and screwdriver. Once the door is removed, inspect the hinges for any signs of wear or damage. If the hinges are loose, you may be able to tighten them by tightening the screws that hold them in place.
If the hinges are worn or damaged, you may need to replace them. To do this, remove the old hinges by unscrewing them from the door and frame. Then, attach the new hinges to the door and frame using screws, making sure to align them with the old hinge marks. Finally, rehang the door by inserting the hinge pins into the hinges.
Repair Scratches or Dents
An old front door can accumulate scratches and dents over time, which is not good for curb appeal! Fortunately, you can easily repair these blemishes with some simple tools and materials.
To repair scratches, start by cleaning the area around the scratch with a damp cloth. Then, fill the scratch with wood filler using a putty knife. Once the wood filler has dried, sand the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
For dents, you can use a hammer and a block of wood to gently tap the dent back into place. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause more damage to the door. Once the dent is back in place, use wood filler to fill any remaining gaps, and sand the area smooth.
The video below has an extreme example of deep wood scratches that a dog made to a wood exterior door. Take a look at how this creator handles it. The results are amazing!
Fill in Cracks
Over time, a wood front door may develop cracks due to exposure to the elements. These cracks not make the wood look awful, but cracks can also allow water to seep in and cause further damage.
To fill in cracks, start by cleaning the area around the crack with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Then, apply wood filler to the crack using a putty knife, making sure to fill the entire length of the crack. Once the wood filler has dried, sand the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. If necessary, apply a second coat of wood filler and sand it again until the surface is smooth and level.
It’s important to note that if the crack is very large or deep, it may require more extensive repairs, such as replacing the affected section of the door. In this case, it’s best to consult with a professional to ensure the repair is done properly.
Choose the Right Paint
When it comes to painting your exterior wood front door, it’s important to choose the right type of paint to ensure long-lasting protection against the elements. Look for a paint that is specifically designed for exterior use and is resistant to fading, chipping, and peeling. Acrylic and latex paints are popular choices for wood front doors, as they offer good durability and are easy to clean. Oil-based paints can also provide excellent protection, but they tend to take longer to dry and can be more difficult to work with. Remember to always prime your door before painting to ensure better adhesion and a smoother finish.
Check out my Pinterest board all about “Front Door Colors” for inspiration.
Replace Hardware
Replacing old or wonky door knobs are an easy step to refresh front doors. There are so many amazing options now that are not just sleek and modern, but they offer the convenience of keyless entry as well. I think about how many times we’ve locked ourselves out of our place, and how much it would have helped to have a coded entry.
I have my eye on a few, but the Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock looks amazing. It has multiple features, but my favorite is the “Advanced 5-in-1 Keyless Entry” which includes fingerprint, code, fob, smartphone, and key.
Replace Doorbell or Knocker
A front door with a sweet sound can compliment the front door’s refreshed look. I love the sound of a friendly door bell, but a door knocker that is unique or personalized can add that perfect touch that can make your front door feel special and just like “home”.
These options from Wayfair are incredible! I especially like THIS peacock option.
With a little effort and DIY know-how, you can restore your old front door to its former glory and enjoy its unique charm and character for years to come.
Let me know about your own front door transformations, and your own tips and tricks to keep your front door looking fresh this spring.