Have you noticed hairline cracks on your door? Humidity and temperature fluctuations cause wood to expand and contract, leaving splits on the surface of the door. Show
If you fix a cracked door early, you can prevent the splits from growing into huge crevices, which would otherwise compromise the door’s energy-efficiency. With a few inexpensive tools and materials, the job should be done in a few hours. ToolsYou will need the following tools and materials: Materials
Step-by-Step Guide on How To Fix A Cracked DoorFollow these simple steps to repair cracks on a solid door. Step 1. Choose between wood putty and fillerBoth wood putty and filler can help to repair door cracks but there are slight differences between the two materials. Step 2. Apply filler onto the crackWood filler offers a longer-lasting solution for dealing with door cracks. For the best results, be sure to choose good quality filler.
Step 3. Allow adequate drying time
Step 4. Sand the surfaceFor a smooth finish, you will need to sand the surface where you applied the filler.
Step 5. Paint the surface
Step 6. Use epoxy glue for medium-sized cracksIf you are dealing with a medium-sized crack, wood filler or putty will not fix the damage. Opt for a stronger compound such as an epoxy adhesive.
Step 7. Fix large cracks using wood splinesTo fix large splits on the door, you will need more than just glue or filler. Inserting a wood spline into the split offers the most lasting solution.
That’s is all there is to fix a cracked door. Your door should now look as good as new. Extended TipsBelow are additional tips to help you get the most from this project. Because this project involves sanding and painting, be sure to protect your floors with a dust cloth. You do not want filler, paint, or wood chaffing to ruin your floor or carpet. Before getting started, wipe the door to rid it of dust. Filler, putty, and even glue will not adhere well to a dusty surface. Be sure to wipe the door after sanding and before painting or staining.
To fix hairline cracks on a painted door, it is best to use wood putty, as you won’t have to sand the surface. Simply fill cracks with a small amount of putty, wipe off any excess, and you are good to go. Some interior doors are made of thin sheets of plywood, which is prone to cracking. In some cases, applying filler or putty will not permanently solve the cracking problem. If new cracks appear or the old ones keep opening, consider replacing the entire sheet of plywood. Removing the old plywood should be easy given that the sheet is attached to the doorframe by a bead of glue. SummaryDoor cracks are common and are usually an easy DIY fix. However, small hairline fissures can quickly become gapping splits that require more work and in some cases replacing the entire door. Proper care and regular maintenance of your doors will prevent costly repairs. Do you have a cracked door in need of repair? Leave your comments and questions below—we’d love to hear from you! When a wooden door frame dries out, especially when exposed to external elements, the tendency is for it to split or crack. In some cases, a door frame can also split when the door is forced open. Whatever the reason, a split or cracked door frame needs to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid security issues. If the split in your door frame is very small, you can simply use wood putty to fill the crack. You can then paint or varnish the area afterwards. If the split is quite big, use wood glue and a clamp to hold the frame in place. Once the glue dries, you can use wood putty or wood filler to even out the surface, and then finish with paint or varnish. Get the detailed instructions here. |