Hollow door repair

Answer 1

Generally, the easiest job is to replace the door, however matching a frame may be more difficult than replacing the entire door and doorframe. Cost is generally around 80-100, depending upon door quality/pattern/finish. Remove trim carefully so you may replace it later. Use hacksaw blade or recip. saw to cut brads holding frame. Remove frame. Lots of websites you can Google to install new doorframe and door. Very easy. You need level, shingle shims, 3 inch brads, hammer, square, centerpunch and putty. You will probably need to plan out what finish the door will need. Repair is time consuming and slightly cheaper. Est. $35-$50, depending upon supplies you may have on hand. Results do not come close to replacement as far as appearance is concerned. Some hollow doors may be patched, assuming there is a hole in the panel. A smooth finish would be required to avoid any patch being visible later. Small holes may be puttied but for a larger hole; Square up the hole with a rectangular pattern cut. Clean edges of the new opening. Cut a plywood backer that may be fitted inside and turned 90 degrees so it may be glued flush to the inside of the new hole. Have a wood screw in the center of the backer to act as a handle. Liberal use of contact cement works well here. A firm pull on the screw and the glue will set the backer onto the inside of the door panel. A tight fitting patch, matching your new cut rectangular hole can now be glued to the backer. One can use bondo, or wood putty/filler to fill the seams. Sand well, you may have to repeat this process to get smooth finish. Then paint entire door.