How can i fix this?

Rita Hairston
by Rita Hairston
We have a door at the top of our stairs and my dog tore some of the bottom up. The door is sort of like a thin wood. What would y’all recommend. thanks
  7 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Dec 27, 2017

    Adding some trim around the edges was the first thing that came to mind. Sorta like this:

  • Lisa S. Lisa S. on Dec 27, 2017

    Consider putting a decorative trim at the bottom. A piece of decorative wood work. You can get it at a Home depot. They will even cut it for you.

  • Dawn Dawn on Dec 27, 2017

    Maybe a kick plate?

  • M. M.. M. M.. on Dec 27, 2017

    There are wide "kickplates" available at hardware stores. They are usually a metal rectangle plate that will cover the bottom 5 inches or so of your door. Since your door looks like a hollow core one, with thin wood, I'd recommend using some kind of adhesive to attach it instead of screwing it in. While the glue is drying, tape the plate into place to hold the plate firmly against the door. This will also help keep the plate from sliding down - gravity is always "on", haha! If you don't want a shiny metal look, some come ready to paint, which you'll have to do before attaching it to door. Allow glue to dry as specified in its directions, then slowly peel tape off...


    • Terry Terry on Dec 30, 2017

      That is a good idea and would prevent further damage. Cats and dogs do this when they are locked up...cats tend to destroy carpets and dogs destroy doors...I gate my dogs in when they need to be contained.

  • Sharon Sharon on Dec 27, 2017

    You dog obviously has some seperation anxiety issues, I would get a crate for him/her and begin crate training so you can safely leave them home alone before the dog destroys your home.... http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/crate_training.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

    Place the crate on a hard surface, as I've seen dogs tear up the carpeting, and have also seen dogs literally eat through a door to escape

  • I would fill the damage with wood filler, sand and paint. Then I would add a kick-plate.

  • M. M.. M. M.. on Dec 30, 2017

    Of course, my vet says that cats and dogs should not be left alone for more than 2 hours. That's about how long it takes for them to become either bored or anxious and then destructive.Maybe when they're younger, but 2 hours is a very small window for errands,appts,etc.!