Greetings,
Long story, but I’d like to buy an entry door for a lot less than the cool $3,000 cottage-style door my SO’s got her eye on. No construction loan, our hard-earned money would be better spent elsewhere.
Not nuts about metal or fiberglass, and don’t want to build a custom door.Thinking about buying a fir slab door on the cheap, maybe adding some molding details, then cutting a round window into it.
I’d be okay with several years of service but more would be just fine in case I end up happy and don’t want to replace it. Some questions:
-The door would be painted (no darks)and installed inside a covered porch. No rain very little direct sun. Is fir okay, stability wise in this situation? Central PA, air conditioned.
-Storm door a no-no?
-I know fir isn’t ideal for painting. What kind of sealer, if any, would help?
-Anyone know where round, pre-trimmed, drop-in windows are available for this application? That would be easiest, but the other option is a visit to my local glass shop, then making the trim, I guess.
Sorry for being a little long-winded. Any input would be appreciated.
Todd
Replies
Drop back, take a breath, and start over again. Door or windows? Take your pick in this question. Doors: Even a recessed door deals with elements, so that must be considered. Did your SO happen to read an article in April's Best Old House Stupid Restoration Journal about an obscure door maker in Swarthmont who is now three years behind in his custom door orders, and she's now decided that she has to have one of his? Likely won't fit anyway. Buy a fibreglass door as a temporary but immediate means to keep out the weather while you wait for your SO's dream.
Todd, think about it, even the cheapo doors with any kind of openings have the fake frames and panels configured around those holes.
Surprise her with the door, could be worth a whole lot more than 3,000 beans.
Or, call me, I can make that door for 2999.99
Earl Scheib
Don't worry, we can fix that later!
visit your local architectural salvage operation - just might score that special slab you're looking for - - for a whole lot less than $3K
one of my customers found a replacement oval leaded glass insert at Lowes with trim (plastic) for 50.00 in the special orders that did not get to the customer who ordered it aisle...
we took a solid core lauan slab, and I mounted the insert into a cutout..a jigsaw and ten minutes.
Had the look of a much more expensive door...it got marine varnish, no direct sun or weather..screen door that goes "THWAP" when it closes..he grew up in Missisippi..missed that sound.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Fir is fine for an exterior door. Paints well and should last many years. Make sure you paint the bottom , helps prevent moisture seeping up in the rail.You should be able to find a new fir door for under $400.00. See if their are custom door shops in your area, they'll make the door and put round window in . The window adds to the cost, not sure what it would cost. Many door shops will prime the door for a nominal charge.They will install hinges too, make sure that they have a story rod with the jamb mortise marked out .
mike
Here's a fir veneered full light that was $115 pre-hung from Lowe's Contractor's Yard.
You might also want to check your local yards for doors that were special ordered and never picked up. Some are pretty inexpensive. Don't worry, we can fix that later!
Wait a minute. Your SO wants a cottage style door, and you want one with a round lite in it? Don't you think you want to resolve the style issue before you go any further with door sourcing?
Thanks for the replies.
Bucksnort - $2,999.99? Low-balling again, huh? To me that's actually a pretty good looking door for the price. Wondering how long it would last...
David - Good idea. Nobody nearby but I check a couple places when traveling.
Snakeman Sphere - Good idea also. Re your other thread, I have some blacksnakes myself. Don't mind spiders, rats or other vermin but after a close snake encounter I need Charmin.
Bob - Circle windows at top and bottom of stairwell. House is not an authentic style of any design type, guess you can call it eclectic (sp). Fair point.
Thanks again, guys. Enjoy the upcoming holiday.
Todd
Re the storm door, the main problem is if direct sun (especially early afternoon) can hit the door. That can cause a rather surprising increase in temperature (probably in excess of 250F), damaging just about any type of door you might install. A storm with a temperature-operated vent can prevent this, though (but such storms aren't as attractive as a full-glass storm that shows the entire door through it).