The Reno Projects

Sourcing the Doors

What a weekend I had. Not only did I have a 4 day weekend, I also was able to celebrate two lovely wedding ceremonies; I have gained my first sister in law (Congrats to AF and BC!) and meet one of my oldest friends new charismatic Brazilian hubby (Congrats LC and DP!). Needless to say, there was plenty on the agenda for the weekend, but one of my exciting house events was out to Mr.Used. This is a warehouse in the east end of Hamilton that has every and any used item that you are looking for. We are talking everything from old coke bottle coolers, vintage sewing machines, baby carriages, furniture, etc.  My purpose for the outing is to find doors.

I have this vision of replacing some of the existing doors with older, solid woods doors. Three doors upstairs are those hollow, light as a feather kind of doors that many new homes house. I am not into these doors, at least not for my 1920’s home. This is a place that I can restore a bit of the old into the house that has been stripped of it’s character. My goal at  Mr.Used was to find older doors, with some history, weight and interest. 
Before going to the warehouse, I had to take correct measurements on the existing doors to ensure a perfect fit with the older doors. If you are embarking on retro fitting doors into your house, here are some tips to help find the right door for you:
* Take both vertical and horizontal measurements in two spots. This will help ensure what the biggest size is, as not all doors are square.
* Note how high your doors are off the ground. Most are not more than half an inch, but with my house, the floor is off, and some doors drag; that is something to note.
* When you find a door with the correct measurement, consider the finish for the door; is it painted, stained, burnt (yes, I saw some burnt ones), or cracked? These are all factors that will make the re-finishing more difficult.
*Can’t seem to find the right size? It is possible to cut down a doors but you must consider the ratio of that panels. If you start to shave off some of the door, is it going to look weird or obvious that you cut it?
* Also if you do cut the door, you will likely need to remove it’s hardware. Although the hardware could be the selling feature, the door will need to be run through a planar saw and the hardware would get in the way.
These tips were what lead me to hold back on some of the doors I did find. As it was my first time out searching, I decided to not jump the gun and compromise on the few doors that I found. I liked them, but didn’t love them.

Here are some inspiration pictures I keep in the back of my mind when I am looking. Do they inspire you to replace your doors?

These are the kind of doors that I am looking for, 
cool handles and all.

These doors are amazing. They lack privacy, but how
interesting is the glass inlay?

Via

If I could use the barn door style in my house, I 
would!
Via

Original hardware such as these crystal knobs
would be amazing to find. I may hold out for one
of these finds!
Via

Transom windows, above doors, is a very old style
that use to help bring light into hallways. What character
they bring to a home!
Via

I will keep you updated on my search for the old doors because I know they are out there for a reasonable price! As one door opens, another one closes, right?

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Comments

  3. I would LOVE to see some salvaged vintage doors in your new house! I have heard that lots of vintage-style glass knobs and escutcheon plates are sold in flea markets and antique markets – maybe a trip to St. Jacobs is a good idea, keep an eye out for knobs so that you can buy the doors you like and customize the hardware.

    Oooooh I can't wait to see the kind of doors you pick – I am secretly hoping they have gorgeous details on the hinges!

    *Tania @ Passport2Design.com

@kmsalterdesign