How to fix a hole in my door

Hmm…first, you need to assess the damage. The above picture is an extreme case but I would suggest a full replacement for that one!

How big is the hole? Where is it? What type of door? Is it hollow core, solid, panelled and so on. You should weigh up the cost of repairing vs replacing, accounting for time and difficulty. The above example is pretty obvious but a small hole may be repairable. If there’s a fracture in the frame of the door and it’s splitting, then replace.

Hollow core doors are fairly cheap and in most cases, easily replaced as long as it’s one of the standard sizes. Measure it, and check that with your supplier.

If you’re electing to repair, clean up the hole. Ideally, remove the door and lay it flat somewhere so you can work on it. You may be able to glue in a thin sheet of timber as a backing for the filler. If not, fill the hole with something firm like cardboard or use a sprayfoam filler. I would use a two part filler, eg, “builders bog” or just head down to your auto supplies store and get a small can of body filler. Now, this stuff dries extremely hard and quickly, so be very neat with your application. It’s really hard to sand! Once you’re done with filling, time to paint.

Second option is to replace. Measure and order the correct door. Remove the old door. You will have to swap over all the hinges, door lock and hardware. This is where you must take care. Measure everything…and measure again! All of your hardware must line up exactly as on the old door, otherwise you may end up with closing and fit issues. Trial fit the door and check for fit and closure.

If its an internal door and all’s good, you should be ready for paint. You can remove it again and paint or if its an internal door, simply paint in situ. An external door should be removed and painted on ALL sides if it isn’t already. In 90% of cases the bottom of the door has never been painted and that’s how they can swell and cause closing issues.

Congratulations! Your door should be hung and closing nicely.

Contact your local Southern Highlands handyman service for DIY and small job help.