Q: We just bought a sweet little mid century modern home. It's got hollow core doors that are stained dark brown. I am looking for ways to paint/glaze/refinish them so they won't look so cheap. Alternately, I could stalk the local building supplies thrift store for doors, though I am not sure what style would look best in the home. Any tips your readers could provide would be most appreciated!
Sent by Katie
They are wood hollow core doors? Maybe you could prime and paint them (any color you want) with an enamel?
I have hollow core doors as well and I am trying to figure out an easy step by step method to put little windows into my doors to transform their appearance. I'm sure there is an easy way to do this I just can't seem to find a good how to with material list. Doors with windows in them are pretty expensive so it would be nice to achieve such a look with cheap hollow core doors. This would be a great form/function transformation--a modern look while allowing natural light into bedrooms and bathrooms.
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Recycled doors, even at places like Re-Store are pricey. Priming and painting is probably your best bet unless you are only replacing one or two doors. The easiest replacement will be a door that has the door knob latch in an identical place as your present doors as well as the hinges.
Regarding the glass insert? Look for a small old house wooden window that has the identical thickness as your door or slightly thinner. Buy some thin wooden lathe (1/4") and subtle wood trim. Figure out where in the door you'd like the window. Draw out the size of the window plus the thickness of the lathe. Cut the hole. Wood glue the lathe to the insides of the hole. Make sure the window fits. It should be snug but not super tight. If it's too loose, chip off some wooden shims from the extra lathe and insert between the window and lathe; too snug then sand the lathe until it fits. Make sure everything is level. Glue the window in place. Miter cut the wood trim to fit over the window and lathe (to hide the cut edge). Glue and nail into place. Wood putty any gaps and sand. Paint.
I wouldn't suggest using a large or heavy window in a hollow core door; the door won't support the weight. If you can't find a window that you want to use or you need several uniform sizes, go to a Mom and Pop glass store and have them make the windows. Describe the project and tell them the width of your door.
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Thanks linbo!
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