Putting together a solid oak-ledged or braced door can be a fun and satisfying project. You can either buy pre-finished doors or have them built to your specification. Both versions of these doors boast their own sets of pros and cons, but there are a few things you need to know before deciding which is the best.
How to Make Your Ledged Or Braced Oak Doors Look Amazing
For starters, you need to make sure the ledges are in the right place. It is not uncommon for a door to have a slight bend in the wood, so it’s best to leave some wiggle room ledge brace doors. After all, you’re not expecting your door to be a square when you plaster over it.
You’ll also need to decide if you want to put a privacy latch on your door, or simply leave it as is. A traditional thumb latch is usually the most common choice. You can also add a doorstop seal for a more contemporary look, or use iron bars as door side plates, for an old-world charm.
The best part about having a solid oak door is that it will not splinter or shrink in a moist environment. In fact, they will expand to fill in the gap. This makes them the perfect choice for a contemporary home, where the focus is on bringing the outdoors in. Lastly, you can use thick iron hinges to add to the ambiance. Depending on the size of your space, you may opt for a framed or unframed version. A framed door will also give you a more uniform look, which may be a better match for your decor.
open it up and have a look around.
To get a good look at your new oak door, you’ll want to open it up and have a look around. You’ll find the boards are narrower than the average 9″ wide board, but they’ll expand to fill in the gaps in your newly plastered room. You may also find the boards slightly bent, but this is easily remedied with a soft hammer. You might also want to check for any obvious defects, such as cracks and splits.
It’s also a good idea to make a note of the smallest and most functional parts of your door. You’ll also want to mark off the smallest screw holes. This is the easiest way to ensure you get a perfect fit. It’s also a good idea to pre-drill the smallest holes in your door, as this minimizes the possibility of splitting.
There are many other things to consider when building your own door, such as the color of your stain, the finish on your hardware, and whether you want to mount it internally or externally. Choosing the right door can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can have a solid ledged or braced door in no time at all. For a truly unique look, you may want to consider a hand-forged or antique-style latch, preferably one with a clear beeswax finish.
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