How to Fix a Crack in a Wooden Outside Door

Remove the exterior wood door by stepping inside and then closing the door. Remove it from the hinges by using a screwdriver to slide the hinge pins up out of the hinges. If needed, tap the screwdriver with a hammer to free the pins.

Open the door slightly and then lift it away from the frame. Carry it to a location with plenty of workspace and ventilation and straddle it on top of two saw horses. Make sure the cracked side of the door faces upward.

Insert the tip of a putty knife into the crack and run it along the length of it to remove any chipped or peeling paint or splinters.

Open a bottle of penetrating epoxy sealer, which is a very thin, liquid substance. Squirt a 1/4-inch bead of the liquid along the entire length of the crack. Wait until it absorbs into the wood and dries. This substance hardens the underlying wood, which stabilizes it.

Open a tub of epoxy-based wood filler and scoop up 2 to 3 teaspoons using the tip of a plastic putty knife.

Spread the putty into the entire length of the crack until it fills to the surface of the door. Scrape off the excess putty from the top.

Wait until the putty dries fully and sand the surface of the door using a medium-grit sandpaper. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses when sanding the door.

Apply a coat of paint or wood stain to the surface of the repair in a color that matches the surrounding door color.

Reinstall the door on the frame by sliding the hinge pins back into place.