What a Difference a Door Makes…

041813_11Though I’m a lover of older homes, I’m not a lover of out-dated, ugly doors. So it was a happy day last Tuesday when the Jeld-wen truck pulled into the driveway and work began to replace all my 1952 flat-panel doors. The process began weeks earlier when I strolled into the Window and Door department of my local Home Depot. The Department Manager told me about their partnership with Jeld-wen Windows and Doors and how easy it is to replace existing doors with Jeld-wen replacement doors.

Home Depot arranged for a Jeld-wen representative to come to my house and measure each door opening with a $25,000 laser tool. Wow! It was, indeed, an impressive tool! The door openings were measured at many points to ensure a custom fit. Each replacement door is custom made for each existing opening.  The representative brought hardware samples and I was able to choose the style and finish of the knobs and hinges. There are several price points to fit a variety of budgets. The knobs are manufactured by Kwik-Set and I chose egg-shaped knobs in an oil-rubbed bronze finish.

041813_1  041813_2

fall scents for your home

I didn’t think I needed to label the photos “before” and “after.” I think it’s pretty clear! Nice, huh? I love them! I chose the 1940s-inspired Rockport style. I also opted to have the doors painted; they come primed unless you pay the up-charge for paint. Several nice colors are available but I stuck with white, which nicely matches Home Depot’s Ultra Pure White by Behr.

041813_4  041813_5  041813_9

I painted my bedroom when I contracted for the doors. It really needed it and I decided to tackle the project prior to the door install so I didn’t splatter paint on the new doors. I still need to sew window treatments and get new rugs but with the new baby, my priorities have changed! The color is Bakery Box White by Martha Stewart. I had it mixed in Behr paint and it’s very nice – soft, soft aqua with a hint of green.

041813_6  041813_7

The new door really brightens up the front foyer. I may look into a runner for the stairs though. Seems like a lot of white now.

041813_8

041813_10Another view from the living room into the small hallway. There are three doors in this space – to the basement, pantry/closet, and half bath. What a difference!

The Jeld-wen boys would’ve hauled away my doors for $10 per door but I decided to save the $140. I’ll probably take them down to the Habitat For Humanity Re-Store or list them on Craigslist for free. If anybody wants them, give me a holler!

All in all, I was very pleased. I upgraded five doors from hollow-core to solid-core so I could hang my pantry rack, shoe rack, and mirrors on the back. They advise against hanging things on the hollow-core doors. One door was split on the edge … one might say de-laminating a little, so I’ll have to call the Jeld-wen Rep and get a replacement. Otherwise, it was a great experience and really improved the look and functionality of the house. I’d highly recommend the process, especially for those of you who don’t have a handyman handy!

Now I’m off to do some more sewing. I’ve got lots of projects to share with you. Spring has sprung here in Buffalo and I’ve even got the windows open today. Feels great!

 

Originally posted on Cottage and Creek.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What a Difference a Door Makes…
Scroll to Top