- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Mark Topic as New
- Mark Topic as Read
- Float this Topic for Current User
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Printer Friendly Page
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Front door replaced to get more light in
My fine wife wanted more light to be let in to our entry hallway, so I replaced the front door.
I bought a slab of wood and some bits and pieces to go with it. Sliced the slab in half with my trusty circular saw and swapped the pieces to put the straight bits on the outside
A chisel, router and trimmer did most of the rest of the work. I got a few bits of glass made to size to let the light in. Twisted and bent a bit of 1” bar for the handle (welding with my new welder). All tools and even the door lock from Bunnings.
End result: wife happy
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: how i got more light in
Hey @markde
Welcome to Workshop and thank you for sharing with us all.
I have to say wow because not many would think to say I'm going to make my own front door and seeing this I bet you have just inspired a few to now go do the same.
It is very Australian fitting and feels like it should be on a house set in the bush or large property.
How did you go about fixing it together is it just glued and screwed? Is the glass panels rebated in at the inside ?
Carl
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: Front door replaced to get more light in
Great to have you join the Bunnings Workshop community @markde. It looks like you have a lot of experience and creativity to share with other members. We trust you will receive plenty of inspiring ideas and helpful advice in return. Please don't hesitate to post anytime you need a hand or have something to share.
As per Carl's message above, I'm sure many community members will be interested in reading more about this project, too.
Welcome,
Jason
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: how i got more light in
I used a double mortise and tenon joint, it was pretty fiddly to get right, but slow and steady gets there, with ratchet straps to pull it together and hold it while the high-strength wood glue dried.
For the glass I routed a slot on the inside of the door and used a structural silicon adhesive, and on the rectangular pieces put a trim on the inside
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: how i got more light in
Brilliant, many thanks for the extra detail @markde.
Looking forward to seeing what you tackle next.
Jason
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: how i got more light in
Afternoon! @markde
Is the new door - now taller? Or is there more glass above it, as seen in the original door photo?
Cheers!
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: how i got more light in
The new door is taller 🙂
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: how i got more light in
Morning! @markde
The twisted 25mm steel bar door handle looks neat. Difficult or managed on the first attempt?
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Highlight
- Report Inappropriate Content
Re: how i got more light in
First time, but:
I did it in a TAFE blacksmith workshop with a proper furnace and legvice, the right tools make all the difference, and I had an excellent TAFE blacksmith nearby in case anything went wrong.

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?
Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects