How to Repair a Crack Down the Side of a Wooden Front Door

If not treated properly and kept in good condition, weathering can cause a door to crack. Or course, physical abuse, such as something slamming into the door, can also cause damage. But a crack in the wood does not mean the door has to be replaced. If, however, the crack is larger than a split or that there is a lot of splintering around the crack or pieces chipped out, a new door would be the simplest solution. But a crack in the side of a door is generally an easy fix.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sander
• Sawhorses
• Paint
• Wood filler
• Clamp

1. Remove the door, taking it off its hinges.

2. Place it across the sawhorses for sanding. Completely sand off all the old paint--on all sides.

3. For cracks on the face or back side of door, fill the crack with wood filler. Wipe away any excess. Don't worry if it is not perfectly smooth at this stage. Let the filler completely harden. Re-sand the dried surface (where you repaired the crack).

4. For cracks on the the narrow side of door, that part that closes against the doorway frame, fill the crack with wood filler and then use a C-clamp to clamp door. Wipe away any filler excess. When dry, sand it down smooth. It is important to clamp the door because you do not want the door's thickness to change and a crack may have widened the door from its original size.

5. Repaint the door, doing each side separately and allowing to completely dry. Then rehang the repaired door.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to use an outdoor weather paint when repainting your door.