Is there an end to the peeling layers?

Susan
by Susan

it had veneer that was old and peeling. I began repairing with wood putty and glued where I could before finally deciding to lift the top layer. But the same issue was on second layer. What should I do? or could this entire door be layered veneer?

Side view

  4 answers
  • Lana Hassell Lana Hassell on Sep 12, 2018

    Susan, I think if you could peek through those layers some how, you are going to find that door is a hollow core door. Just looking at the end of it, it looks like a box was built, then the center is filled with a honeycomb thin material, then the veneer is added. Of course, that is my opinion only. Is there some way to gently pry up a corner to look into the door and see what you have? That might answer all questions.

  • William William on Sep 12, 2018

    If it's an exterior door there would be a foam core under the veneer. Sometimes there is cheap secondary wood under hardwood veneer. There could be two even three layers of cross grain veneer to give the door strength and prevent warping. Cross grain meaning the grain on one layer goes the length of the door, a second goes the width, and possibly a third going the length again.

  • Catherine Tonetti Catherine Tonetti on Sep 12, 2018

    Hi Susan, a solid door will make a different sound than a hollow door when you knock on them, so try that. I’m afraid I am of the same opinion as Lana in that is probably my a hollow core.

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Sep 13, 2018

    Old interior doors were constructed with a plywood made of several veneer layers over a frame with a hollow core. That appears to be what you have. New interior doors are often made of a synthetic material over a hollow core. Exterior doors now have to have a metal outer surface for fire safety. I don't think you can save this door. If you need to match it to others in the house, it may be costly because of the material (wood). Search thoroughly to find a replacement and if need be, check with antique stores and the like. You may get lucky and find a match!