Hollow Core Door Makeover

Hello there friends.  Our newest project has been such a fun one...and a huge improvement for very little cost.  Our house is chock full of those chinsy hollow core doors.  Initially, we were going to replace them with the nice white doors, but wanted to try and update the current ones first to see if we could live with what we have.  I'll walk you through the steps we took to dress up closet door in our dining room.  We love how it came out, and the only money spent was on primer (we had extra left over), wood glue ($4), trim ($25) and paint (white semi gloss left over from house trim - Martha Stewart Popcorn color matched to Behr) - and we chose to update the hardware for $8.

Before pic taken during a walk through prior to closing on the house.  You can see the awesome yellow trim paint color that was on every single inch of wood trim throughout.  Lucky.



Eric removed the door and all its hardware.  I mapped out the trim pattern on the door with a sharpie, t square, measuring tape.  I chose to do a nice and simple 4 box pattern inspired by a solid wood door in our kitchen.




Once I had the pattern sketched on the door, I took the measurements and used my miter saw to cut the trim pieces. 



I used Elmer's wood glue to secure the trim to the door.  Nail would not have worked because of the nature of the hollow core of the door.




Once the trim is on the door and is exactly where it should be very gently set some heavy flat items on top of the trim to ensure that the trim is securely adhered.  I used books and storage boxes to do the trick.





And, here she is all finished!




I am so pleased with our new glass hardware.  I love the contrast and the sparkle.




Before and After


Special notes to make it easier if you want give this project a whirl....it helps to lightly sand the door prior to priming it.  The primer was an essential step because of whatever finish was on the door originally.  It stain blocked the door, covered my sharpie marks without issue and prevented the final finish from chipping and peeling. 

 Now. I am off to work on our bathroom door next.  Wait till you see what I have planned!

UPDATE 4/27/12 ***

Click here to read Hollow Core Door Makeover Round 2