Should you Upcycle or Dispose Old Doors?
Upcycling your front door can be an exciting project, but before you start there are some practical considerations.
When Upcycling Makes Sense
If your door has historical or sentimental value, that can be an incentive to upcycle it. If it has minor imperfections that you can easily hide, it might be perfect for repurposing. Upcycling minimizes waste, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Assess the paint and dents on your door. These flaws can add character and become unique features when you repurpose your old door.
When Disposal Is Necessary
Significant rot or structural damage may make it difficult to upcycle your front door. If that’s the case, consider recycling or donating it.
Stylish Ways To Repurpose Your Old Door
An old door in relatively good condition offers endless creative possibilities. Here are some practical ideas to repurpose your old door.
Bench
Transform your old door into an elegant patio bench that enhances the overall ambiance of your outdoor space. Choose a paint or stain that matches your existing home décor. Add throw pillows or cushions to make the area more welcoming.
Office Desk
Upcycle your old wooden door into a sturdy office desk. The natural wood grain of a vintage door can give your home workspace a unique look. Paint or stain it to suit your office style. Consider topping it with glass or an acrylic sheet for a smooth work surface.
Wall Art
Door panels present an opportunity to be creative. Cut the panels from the door and work with them individually, or keep the door whole for a larger piece. Bring your creation to life by hand-painting it or even using wallpaper to add a personalized touch.
Bookshelf
Transform your paneled front door into a bookshelf, perfect for displaying your collection of books. Start by cutting the panels out of the door, which you can use as shelves. Position your bookshelf vertically or horizontally, depending on the layout of the room. The panels become shelves for your books, helping you create a functional and stylish piece of furniture.
Entryway Organizer
Upcycle your old door into a multifunctional organizer for your entryway or porch. Start by removing any hardware and plan where you’ll add hooks for coats and bags. Next, attach a few narrow shelves or wire baskets for mail and keys. If space allows, a bottom shelf can hold shoes or boots. Paint or stain the door to match your décor. Finally, secure the door against a wall, ensuring it's stable and ready to use. This simple upcycle offers a unique, space-saving solution for keeping your entryway clutter-free.
Outdoor Bar
Turn an old door into an outdoor bar. Build a custom metal frame using sturdy steel pipes or recycled iron railings. You can weld the pieces together for a permanent structure, or use threaded pipe fittings for a more modular design that's easier to disassemble. Secure the door horizontally onto this frame for a unique conversation piece. Hang string lights around the perimeter to create a warm ambiance. For added functionality, install shelves underneath for your bar supplies. Place barstools in front of it to transform it into a lively spot in your backyard.
Potting Bench
Repurpose an old front door into a potting bench for a stylish and practical addition to your garden. For a sturdy base, build a frame from weather-resistant lumber like pressure-treated wood or galvanized steel. Secure the door to the frame using heavy-duty L-brackets and galvanized screws. Install hooks on either side of the bench to hang gardening tools. Add shelves and place the pots or planters based on the size of each shelf. To protect the bench from weathering, paint it or seal it with a clear satin oil-based varnish.
Garden Trellis
Give your yard an artistic touch by repurposing your old door into a trellis. Add mesh rolled fence wire or wooden strips across the door’s surface to provide support for climbing plants such as vines, roses and ivy or vegetables such as cucumbers. Use the plant finder to check how much sun your plant needs. Place your trellis in a sunny spot that doesn’t obstruct the growth of other plants.
Porch Swing
Repurpose your old door by suspending it from the porch ceiling. Create a comfortable back rest to the swing by adding a reinforced wooden frame along the length of one end of the door. Strengthen the door by adding a reinforced wooden frame around or behind it. Make sure to install heavy-duty screw hooks along the edge of the door before hanging the door. Now all you need are some sturdy chains or rope attached to the door (now a swing) and to the ceiling hooks or swing frame. Make it comfortable with outdoor cushions or pillows. Ensure that the swing is safe and can support the additional weight before kicking back and enjoying the view.
Treat and seal the repurposed door with satin oil based varnish to make it weatherproof.
Dispose and Replace
Rusted or rotted doors may not be salvageable, meaning the only option is to dispose of them and choose a new door that matches your current taste and style.
Choosing Your New Front Door
After repurposing your old door, it's time to pick a new one. Consider your home's overall look when selecting materials and be sure to explore different styles. Your front door is the first and last thing guests see.