Build a door

Tongue and grooved 2x6 is used for log cabin or timber frame flooring for 2nd floors to give a finished look from below. Should be available at a real lumber yard. Joe

Edge joint your 2" stock and rip or dado each side for a spline. Make sure the spline grain is at right angles to the stock. 1/4" plywood makes a good spline. Once sized a glued up with waterproof glue, you can carve, rout or finish the door any way you want. Bugs

Sounds like I should get door quality wood and t&g it myself if that's the style we end up with. Would Gorilla glue withstand abuse in an exterior door? Chas

gorilla glue is likely fine. it's a matter of personal preference, given a glue with water and UV resistance and sufficient open time.

That would be what we call a 'Ledge & Brace' door. there is also a variation known as a framed ledge and brace. I assume a simple ledge and brace, normally 1" planks, often t&ged, horizontal pieces (ledges) diagonals simply jointed into them (braces), the whole thing nailed together. Rustic.

Tim w

Ok, another fly in the ointment. I have what could be described as a French Tudor(1923)-red multiple roofs and stucco exterior. This door will be 2 steps down from the driveway. The rest of the doors in the house are typical colonial, 6 panel, and 1 panel for the second floor rooms. What style would you recommend? My wife doesn't want anything too rustic, tho' that is probably the easiest to build. Chas

French Tudor colonial 1923 ?????

do you live in disneyland?

Tim w

ok, then help me out. It has multiple roofs, no mansard, a curved roof over the lr window, stucco exterior. Could be described as a sidehall colonial. It was built in 1923. I have pix...including photos when it was built. Chas

Sorry, I have never been to America and my wife has explained to me that there is no Tudor there, only Tudor Style and likewise no French only French type and I was probably a little rude.

Tim w

Well, I was a little put off, but I appreciate your acknowledgement. Those of us in America who love house styles of all kinds are very aware of the fact that our 'traditional' homes are of a particular style, not actual true examples. Although there are a number of indigenous styles that were developed here. However, I STILL don't know what style of door to build! Chas

Hi gang, you were sure right about the expense to have one made. I called a recommended millwork in the area, and he said about $900. I have GOT to find some way to make a solid door look nice!! Chas

I fear I still don't understand. You are surely not asking complete strangers who have never even seen your house or met your wife to tell you what style of door you ought to build?

Tim w

Tim, I fear that is exactly what I'm asking. Isn't it possible on a group devoted to woodworking, that someone out there with doorbuilding experience might have an idea? I'm just looking for suggestions, not a remote redesigning of my home. If this post is so objectionable to you, please don't read it or respond. This newsgroup is for people willing to provide help and ideas, without being criticized for having the gall to ask a 'stupid' question.

You're right, of course and there is nothing to object to. I would help you myself if I could, in fact if I was in your position I would look at framed ledge and brace because they need not be rustic, you could avoid difficult and time consuming mortise and tenons, and you could maybe incorporate a shape or something from the rest of the house.

Tim w

Chas, if your house is tudor style then a nice ledge & brace door would be very much in keeping with the period. From the outside they are the same, while a tudor door has boards across the back instead of a Z-brace.

Here is a nice ledge & brace door

Thank you, it seems that ledge and brace is the way to go. I now have to convince my better half! Chas

Thank you, it seems that ledge and brace is the way to go. I now have to convince my better half! Chas

Another variation on the plank door is this one - very Tudor this:

tim w