I have to build a replacement storm/screen door for a customer. The existing door looks like Doug Fir – very straight grain. I don’t think I can find anything like this here in New Jersey so I’m thinking of using Sugar Pine or Western Red Cedar (if I can find that). The door has to be 1 1/2″ thick. Any ideas or recommendations on wood choice? It will have to be stained to match the existing old pine door, so Mahogany is out. Thanks for any suggestions.
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I'd think pine would be a good choice, cedar is pretty soft and doesn't stain well. Clear douglas fir is available - - if you have very deep pockets. I found some in South Alabama to make some replacement windows. Really hurt the checkbook. Check some of the internet suppliers since you're not buying a large quantity.
The cedar would work great for your door, but the color can be quite dark. If I were you I'd try to find some 8/4 Sugar pine which should be 1 3/4" or so. That gives you enough material to joint and plane it down to 1 1/2" so you're working with flat stock. No fun ending up with a warped door, which you'll get if you start with warped stock.
How do you plan to do your joints? Will the screen be removeable?
Thanks for the advise. I've already found the 8/4 Sugar Pine and priced it from a local supplier ($7.50 bd.ft.) I plan to mortise and tenon the joints and make a removeable screen and storm panels. I also found a source for a cam screw to hold the screen insert in place (picture attached). It's good to read an opinion that confirms what I've pretty much decided on already. A confidence builder. Thanks again.
What's your source for that cam screw? I found some (from Blaine), but they are not that nice. Also, do you have a plane for making the narrow slits in the door and the screens/storms (for the cam)?********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
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The hardware comes from Phelps Company. I haven't actually ordered them yet but I downloaded their catalog. I've attached their phone number below.Also, thanks for the info on Doug Fir and construction. I'll call them tomorrow for prices and availability.Just joined this list and am benefiting already. Cool!
Thanks. If you get info from them on the best way to cut the necessary slits, I hope you will post it back here.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
the ceadar is too soft and won't hold up well...
changes shape on it;s own at any provocation...
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That makes 3 from NJ. Try Diamond M Lumber in Vincentown.
There's actually about 6 or 7 from NJ.
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Cross the river and hit Bateman Bros. Lumber Co. They stock CVG DougFir in 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4,8/4, 12/4 and up in the loft, they have some 16/4.
Do NOT use sugar pine, unless you really are making a full wedged and pinned mortise and tennon, the end grain on the stiles will blow out. Trust me.
A haunched tennon is an absolute must.
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