How to repair damaged external garage hollow door?

[steep_emcee]

 

Is it possible to fix this rotten hollow garage door?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @steep_emcee. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about repairing a door.

That looks beyond repair to me. You could repair it but the bottom framing timber appears to be compromised and will be in need of replacing. Hollowcore doors are relatively inexpensive, and by the time you purchase timber, filler, glue, primer, and paint and put in all the effort to repair the door, you'll be coming close to the price of a new door. You'd then still be left with a repaired door, which will never be as weather-resistant as a new door. See Hume Doors & Timber 820 x 2040 x 35mm Internal Door Primed MDF Flush H1 as an example.

Be sure to paint your new door on all sides, including the top and bottom edges. Not painting the bottom edge is the number one reason why this type of damage occurs. Note that hollow-core doors are designed for internal use, so if budget allows I'd recommend you upgrade to a solid-core door. Add a weather seal for bonus points and to prevent water getting in under the door.

Here are a couple of helpful step-by-step guides: How to hang a door and How to install a door handle.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Nailbag]

Hi @steep_emcee 

These are all great recommendations from @MitchellMc . So not to be confused, iI's worth noting that Bunnings do sell a hollow-core external door. Though designed for the elements once primed and painted it won't standup to the test of time the solid ones @MitchellMc linked in.

And as a tip when preparing the fixings for your new door. If you take the extra time in measuring these on your old door and transferring them to the new one, it will result a near or perfect fit to the door jamb. This will be particularly important as its made of steel and won't allow for much if any forgiveness.

Regards, Nailbag