Asked on Nov 20, 2018
How to fix/hide splintered bottom of otherwise good interior door?
by
Katy
+5
I have an interior wood door to my main bathroom, and the bottom is absolutely horrible. It looks like someone peeled wooden pieces from the door, not really sure this is from normal wear and tear or how this happened. (The door was like this when we purchased our home.) Aside from purchasing a new door entirely, does anyone have any tips or suggestions to hide or fix this eyesore? Believe it or not, the rest of the door is perfect. Help!!
The only way to fix is glue down the loose veneer and fill with wood patch and sand. Will take several applications. You'll probably need to paint afterwards. It's very damaged. If want to keep it stained, will need to replace.
The veneer is lifting. It may have to do with the moisture in the bathroom. You could remove the loose pieces and fill it in with wood filler. Sand smooth and paint.
Fill in with wood putty. Make sure the wood putty is stain-able. After dry, sand down and stain or paint as you like.
I have fixed a door like this by first making tissue paper patterns in larger areas. Then carefully glue down (wood glue) anything loose. Use an artist's pallet knife to spread the glue and wipe off all excess. Might need to remove door from hinges and place weights (books) to hold firm overnight. Now you can use the pattern to cut veneer to fill spaces and/or use an easily sanded filler product that can be stained and/or faux painted. Again, spread thin and not much beyond damaged area. I have used a very inexpensive watercolor kit to get the right shade of brown. Then seal with polyurethane. Note: this is my DIY method...if you have an eye for faking with paint! There are lengthier videos on methods for using veneer.
My idea is a simple one. Put a kick plate across the bottom of the door. It’s metal and comes in brass, but can be spray painted any color. And just make it a feature of the door. All it takes is 4 screws on the ends.
I think Lilly has the best answer .That's what I would do .
I would go to home depot and buy a 1/4 inch piece of plywood, sanded side up. Cut to fit, glue piece to damaged side of the door. Paint to match.
Door knob may need changing due longer screws, because of 1/4 inch difference. Or you could use any material, even maybe vinyl, or metal for a different look. Look outside the box, have fun!
There used to be a more readily available 3-ply 4x8' sheet of wood called Door skin specifically for covering the damaged surface of a hollow core door. It is great for other projects too but hard to find in my area.