How to Recycle Old Doors

Solid-Panel Door

• 1

  Fill a bucket with warm water and add all-purpose cleaner according to package directions.

• 2

  Wash the door thoroughly using a scouring pad to remove stubborn dirt and grime. Rinse clean with clear, warm water and allow the surface to dry thoroughly.

• 3

  Sand the door lightly with fine sandpaper and vacuum up the dust and debris. This will roughen the surface to provide better adhesion for a new coat of paint.

• 4

  Roll a coat of paint onto the flat surfaces. Use an edging brush for panel detail. Allow the paint to dry overnight.

• 5

  Drill pilot holes for the screws that you will use to attach a set of table legs to the underside of the door. This will keep the wood panels from splitting or cracking. Screw in the table legs at the four corners. Turn the table upright to stand on its new legs.

• 6

  Measure and cut wallpaper pieces to fit the door panels. Apply the panels with wallpaper adhesive.

• 7

  Add a fitted piece of tempered glass to the surface of the door. This will provide a practical, washable finish for your new dining table.

Hollow-Core Doors

• 8

  Choose three hollow-core doors of equal size. You may use doors with attached hinges or buy new hinges if the old ones have been discarded. The doors will provide three sections for a custom room divider.

• 9

  Remove the hinges from the left door using your screwdriver. Leave the other existing hinges in place. Lightly sand the surface of the doors and vacuum the debris. Roll on a base coat of paint on all edges and door surfaces. Allow the paint to dry.

• 10

  Align stencils on the door fronts. Affix them with masking tape. Keep in mind that the left door will have no hinges, while the remaining two doors will have hinges on the left front sides.

• 11

  Pour a small puddle of acrylic paint on a paper plate. Use different plates for each color. Apply a small portion of paint to your stencil brush. Remove excess paint with a paper towel to provide a light coat for application to the stencil. This will prevent bleeding at the edges. Allow the stenciling to dry.

• 12

  Place the doors face up and side by side on the floor. Connect the doors using the existing hinges or install new ones as required. Use your drill to provide pilot holes for screws to prevent cracking. Stand your doors upright and bend them at the hinges to provide a stable base for your new divider.