How To Renovate Plain Doors
A step-by-step guide to transforming your plain doors into a classic statement piece, using Richard Burbidge mouldings and basic woodworking tools and techniques.
1. Choose your Richard Burbidge moulding.
Firstly you’ll need to decide on the style you’re going for – we recommend our decorative panel mouldings for this project. Richard Burbidge mouldings are of the highest quality and can totally transform the look or character of a whole room. For a Victorian style select our DEC6027 moulding, or for a contemporary look we recommend the DEC6025 moulding.
2. Determine the dimensions and placement of your chosen mouldings.
On a piece of paper, draw out your door with dimensions, and then map out where you want to place the mouldings. Make sure to include accurate measurements to ensure the mouldings fit together allowing for a symmetrical design. Then, map out your design onto the door with a pencil and tape measure. Use a spirit level to ensure the design is aligned and straight.
3. Cut the moulding to desired length.
Cut each piece to the required length, the moulding needs to be mitred (trimmed on a 45 degree angle). To do this you can use a mitre box and hand saw, or a power mitre saw. Make sure to stick to the measurements you have calculated from step 2. If you are not confident with the saw, leave an additional few mm as a cautionary measure, you can always make another small cut if required. To finish, very lightly sand the ends of your Richard Burbidge mouldings with sandpaper.
4. Apply moulding to door
Apply a sparing amount of your favourite wood glue to the moulding, then line up to the marks you have drawn onto the door, ensuring that the positioning is accurate. Once the glue has dried, hammer in finishing nails, start from the centre and work your way to either end. Repeat this process to apply all of the mouldings.
5. Add the finishing touches.
Once all of the mouldings are applied and your design is complete, use decorators caulk to patch any gaps, cracks or holes prior to painting. Lastly, paint your moulding and door to match. Be sure to read the paint instructions as you may need to prime the surface before painting.
6. Share your DIY renovation project
We love seeing how you have transformed your home with Richard Burbidge. Upload a picture of your DIY project to Instagram or Facebook and tag us @richard_burbidge. You can also upload your images to our testimonials page here. We can’t wait to see what you create with Richard Burbidge mouldings!