I have so many boring doors in my home. This post is how to DIY interior doors on a budget. Previously, I updated our basement door with a really cool geometric door design that went viral over the internet. I love the door and it’s a show stopper. Now it’s time to update our pantry door. All the doors in my home are hollow core doors. This door needs a simpler design as it’s in the middle of an open concept kitchen/ living/ dining space. I used a similar method and materials to achieve this $40 door design.
Materials for our DIY interior door update
– ¼” thick piece of 8×4’ MDF
– ¾” 18 gauge nails
– Handle
– 220 grit sandpaper
– Painters tape
– 2x 2” long 8/32 screws
– Paint. I used leftover interior paint to save money: Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black in matte
– Spacer. I used a L ruler
Tools
– Orbital sander
– Table saw (or get the hardware store to cut the pieces)
– 18 gauge Brad nailer
Let’s start our door makeover
1. Take your door off the hinges using the drill
2. Paint your door the base colour. This is a crucial step to make your life easier. I didn’t do this and really regretted it later and had to pull out my paint sprayer to save the day.
3. I used a ¼” thick piece of 8×4’ MDF. I purchased this from a hardware store for $10.
4. Cut the panels down to 3.5” wide use a table saw. If you don’t have a table saw, ask the hardware store to cut it down. Most will do it for $1 a cut.
5. I didn’t need to, but if any edges are really unfinished, give them a quick sanding with p200 grit.
6. Remove the door handle. This will replaced with a ball catch later
7. Find the centre of the door in length. My door was 80” long. I made a line at 40” across the door. This is going to the be starting point, so ensure it’s in the middle.
8. Start laying your boards down to see how the pattern will look. Try to align them to follow the centre line as closely as possible. You will have pieces that hang out over the edge. I cut the ones down that were very long just so it would be easier to work with and I could use them elsewhere on the door.
9. Grab a spacer. I used a L ruler, but you can use anything. Now start nailing the pieces, with the spacer in between each piece. It’s looking great! I can see it come together
10. This next step I struggled with, but I think the best way is to grab a friend and get them to help you flip the door over. Now grab your circular saw and adjust the blade depth so you can cut off the edges from the BACKSIDE of the door. Some pieces may come loose and need to be refitted.
11. Flip your board over and admire your hard work!
12. Let’s fill all the holes using drywall spackle. I find drywall spackle a lot easier to sand vs wood filler.
13. Lightly sand using p220 grit sandpaper until smooth
14. Prime the door using either BIN primer or Sherwin Williams Wood and Wall primer. I used the latter.
15. Paint the door 2-3 coats with regular interior door paint.
Finishing touches:
16. Hang the door with your drill. You may choose to change the colour of the hinges to match your door handle. I painted mine with rub n buff in antique gold afterwards.
17. Follow the instructions in the packaging to add the ball catch. This is essential for you to be able to open/close your new door.
18. Now add the handle. My best tip is to apply a piece of painters tape across the back of the handle. Then poke a hole with the screws.
19. Transfer the tape to the door. Use a level to ensure it’s level and straight. Drill a pilot hole directly on top of the holes of the tape.
20. Screw in the handle from the back. I had to get a 2” screw to accommodate for the thickness of the door (as this handle is meant for kitchen cupboards that are less thick)
This door is such a beautiful show stopper. I love how the black can go so well with so many spaces. If you complete this door update, I’d love to see it. Share with me on instagram
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