Five ways to re-purpose an old door
Redecorating a home with unique decor can be expensive. But, there are many ways to re-purpose old goods for new purposes, while not draining your savings account. Re-purposed old doors are an easy project that can save big and add a distinct look to your home. We have plenty of old doors to re-purpose at our Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley ReStore in Ann Arbor. Here are five ways you can re-purpose our old doors to inspire you:
A Porch Swing
What you Need: Two old doors, circular saw, chalk line, 6 eye hooks, 2 S hooks, 6 carabiner clips, a bunch of 4 inch nails, 2 L Brackets and several 1.5 inch screws to attach them, palm sander or sanding block, paint and sealant, 2 eye hooks (to hang the swing from the porch ceiling), 8 lengths of chain.
The task may be a bit labor intensive, but the result is outstanding. Click here to see a step-by-step guide on creating your old door porch swing.
A Dining Table
What you Need: drill and screws, pocket-hole jig, power sander and sandpaper, chop saw, under-leg plastic disc (protect hard wood floors from table), paint and brushes, four 1x3x8′ poplar boards, beveled-cut glass the size of door/tabletop.
The task may look daunting, but in reality is only 9 steps if you add the beveled glass on the top. It sounds like the perfect Saturday project. For our favorite step-by-step guide from HGTV, click here.
A Room Divider
What you Need: Three to five doors (depending on your desired length of the divider), hinges (three for each connection), sand paper and paint.
Sharing a space with another person? A DIY old door room divider has your name on it. Visit the ReStore and pick out four or five of your favorite doors. Sand and paint to your liking. Connect two doors together with hinges, then opposite for the next two doors. Finally, surprise your roommate with privacy you will both enjoy.
A Photo Frame Board
What you Need: An old door with glass frames, possibly paint (if you want to paint it) and pictures.
Simply measure the window panes, order pictures of your liking to that size and paint the door as desired. For a more in-depth guide, click here, also the picture featured in this article.
A Bookshelf
What you Need: One door, Jigsaw, sanding paper, wood glue, screws and a screwdriver/drill, wood board, measuring tape and chalk paint and brushes.
Simply cut out the door panels, sand, cut and add the wood board for shelving, then paint. For a more detailed guide to re-create the bookshelf pictured, click here.