What is the front door? It’s not the first entrance into your home, it’s a symbol for the exterior and interior. In fact, many would argue that it is pretty much the tone-setter.
The first thing your guests will see and touch of your home will be the front door. So, it should be one of the best things about your decor, design, and style. During the Victorian Era, front doors went through notable changes. Although front doors went through the biggest change during the Georgian Era which came before it, the Victorian Era did something that is still done today. The classic tall dark and handsome style was introduced.
Perhaps the best example is that of No.10 Downing Street. The big black door is large, stylish and symbolizes strength and nuance. If you would like your door to also give off this vibe, here’s how you can begin.
How to DIY Your Front Door
Let’s get started.
Step 1 – Tearing off the existing door
For larger doors, you need stronger frames. This is because the doors aren’t just larger than the average front door but they’re also heavier. Made from higher quality wood than you would find in average homes, these doors need frames that can handle their size and weight. Hence why tearing the frame down is where you need to begin.
Take your current door off its hinges and start to slowly unscrew and unseat the frame from the wall. Removing the door frame is quite simple. You need to cut it loose first by using a utility knife which will remove the caulk and casing.
Then pry the casing off the wall using a pry bar and knock off the shims that hold the hinges in place. If you can’t take the nails out, then saw them off to free the frame. Do all of this slowly so you don’t damage the integrity of the wall.
Step 2 – Fitting a new frame
It’s a good idea to inspect the brick and general condition of the wall before you add a new frame. You may need to strengthen the wall in places if you’re going to make bricks out to allow space for your new frame.
Then it’s a case of a reverse process to fit the new frame. For an authentic Victorian front door, the frame should be slightly neoclassical in style. A staggered step frame is extremely popular because it brings attention to the frame, door and therefore the house from afar.
Fit the casing and the shims so the frame has something to latch onto when the screws are fitted. For that, you’ll need an electric tool so read the reviews of the best framing nailer on the market. Each of the best products has different weights, dimensions and force pressure, so read the reviews carefully.
Step 3 – Work in Some Classic Victorian styling
The most common Victorian frame color is limestone white. It’s not sheer white but it’s not cream either. Pearl white is perhaps the best definition of its shade. Incorporating intricate designs of lions or roses into an arch would be a quintessential touch.
Replacing a Front Door Isn’t As Challenging as it Looks!
Although it might seem like a big job, replacing a front door is really quite straightforward. It’s a case of prying the old frame out, readjusting the brickwork and fitting the larger door frame and door in via reverse process.
Here’s a final note on a door replacement. Not only will it add curb appeal to your property, but a snug front door will also help save cash on your heating and cooling bills.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
This blog celebrates all things home.
