Lloyd’s Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts
By Lloyd’s Woodworking Inc. · Published
Should I Keep the Original Wood Doors in My Old House?
DIRECT ANSWER:
Original wood doors may be worth preserving when they remain fundamentally serviceable, contribute to the home's architecture, fit nonstandard openings or would be difficult to replace with comparable character. Condition, function, safety and project requirements should all be evaluated before replacement.
THE DOOR MAY HAVE BEEN IN THE HOUSE LONGER THAN ANYONE LIVING THERE.
DON'T REPLACE IT JUST BECAUSE IT STICKS.
First determine what's actually wrong.
THE PROBLEM MAY NOT BE THE DOOR
A door can malfunction because of:
Hinges
Hardware
Frame movement
Seasonal wood movement
Paint buildup
Floor changes
Previous alterations
ORIGINAL DOORS MAY HAVE NONSTANDARD DIMENSIONS
Older houses may contain doors that do not correspond neatly with modern standard sizes.
Replacement can affect:
Opening
Trim
Frame
Hardware
Proportions
SAVE THE HARDWARE
Before discarding old:
Hinges
Knobs
Backplates
Locks
Latches
Other hardware
determine whether it is important to the door or house.
WHAT IF THE DOOR IS DAMAGED?
Possible problems include:
Loose joints
Cracks
Damaged panels
Missing pieces
Worn finish
Hardware damage
Not every condition automatically requires replacement.
WHEN REPLACEMENT MAY MAKE MORE SENSE
Replacement may be appropriate when:
Deterioration is extensive.
Required function cannot reasonably be achieved.
Project requirements demand another solution.
The existing door is inappropriate to the building.
Evaluate the actual condition.
Frequently asked questions
ARE OLD WOOD DOORS WORTH SAVING?
Some are, especially when they are repairable and important to the architecture.
CAN A CRACKED OLD DOOR BE REPAIRED?
Potentially, depending on the construction and damage.
SHOULD I REPLACE A DOOR THAT STICKS?
Not before determining why it sticks.
CAN A MISSING OLD DOOR BE RECREATED?
Potentially, if adequate reference information exists.
BEFORE YOU REMOVE IT, LET US SEE IT.
Original doors, trim, molding, built-ins and architectural woodwork may be difficult to replace once they are gone. Send Lloyd's photos before making an irreversible decision.
PREFER TO TALK? Call Lloyd's Woodworking 978-562-9007