How Do I Build an Old Door With Windows

Use 80-grit sand paper to smooth window frame pieces.

Building a door out of windows is a creative project that adds life to porches and back doors. The trick to constructing such a door is to use wooden windows so you can deconstruct the frames. Once the frames are dismantled, see what pieces you can apply to the door itself. Build a screen door, for example, with the use of wooden window frame parts. Thankfully, many identical pieces -- stiles, for example -- are used in the construction of both doors and windows. Consider using two or the same window for additional pieces.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Sand paper
• Sander
• Stain
• Paint
• Saw
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Wood glue
• Brackets
• Screen
• Scissors
• Spring hinges
• Handle

Instructions

1. Draw an outline for your door. Mark the height, width and thickness, and how many door rails are required. For example, three rails are needed for the top, middle and bottom. Examine the windows to see what additional lumber you need to buy.

2. Dismantle your windows. Remove the windows if they are still fitted into place and lay them aside. Detach the jamb, which is the wood encasing the top portion of the window frame. Remove all window panes.

3. Disconnect top and bottom sashes and the center rail connecting the two pieces. Strip off the stiles on all of the sashes. Sand all pieces you intend to use and stain or paint them, as necessary. Label and set all of these pieces in a convenient area where they are accessible and will not break.

4. Build the door, using stiles to help frame the door. Attach the jamb as the top of the door frame and attach the center rail as the middle, horizontal piece connecting the upper and lower half of the door. Install window mountings, if possible, -- checkered pieces that hold window panes --to add pizzazz to the door.

5. Measure and cut the screen to fit accordingly in the upper and lower half. Glue the edges of the screen to the inside of the frame.

6. Attach brackets to conjoin short pieces of window wood into any extended lengths needed to complete the door frame. Secure all brackets, handles and hinges with wood screws.

References

• Preservation Nation: Historic Wood Windows
• This Old House; How to Build a Screen Door; Joseph Truini

Resources

• Tip Deck: How to Build a Door