Folding closet doors resemble shutters.
Handmade shutters may be created in a variety of ways, eliminating the need to purchase prefabricated ones. Re-purposing folding closet doors is one solution. These doors are perfect for tall windows, and they may be cut to fit smaller windows as well. This project may be completed in a few hours or a over the course of a few days, depending on the level of detail and the installation process. The shutters can be closed if necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the old closet doors from the closet attachment by unscrewing any connecting brackets. Lay the freestanding closet doors down on a work surface and remove any hinges, brackets or knobs. Measure the length of the doors. Hold this measurement up to the exterior sides of the window and determine if you will need to adjust the door size. Proceed to Step 4 if the current door size is workable; otherwise adjust the door size with the following steps.
2. Determine the desired length of the shutter and write this down. Measure that length from the top of the closet door down and mark the position. Cut off the solid board at the bottom of the door, below the slats. Hold that solid board flat on the closet door with its lower edge even with the marked position. Make a mark on the door, using the top of the solid board as a guide.
3. Cut along the second mark with a saw. Hold the cut edge of the bottom board up against the cut edge of the door and drill two holes through the bottom of the bottom board and into the cut edge of the door. Apply wood glue to one of the cut surfaces. Attach the boards together with 5-inch wood screws. Allow four hours for the glue to set.
4. Paint or stain the door using thin, even strokes and keeping all strokes in the same direction. Allow four hours for the first coat to dry and then apply a second coat. Allow four hours for the second coat to dry and then apply a coat of sealant. Apply three total coats of sealant following the same procedure and then let the door dry overnight before installing it.
5. Position the door on the side of the exterior window and leave 1/2 inch between the door and the window frame. Position two all-weather hinges evenly against the door and the wall of the house. Mark the location of the hinge screw holes on both door and wall. Remove the door and drill holes through each of the markings. Attach the hinges to the door and wall using 3-inch galvanized screws for the wall and 1-inch galvanized screws for the door. Repeat for other door.
6. Open the door and position a small eyehook on the bottom of the door. Screw the eyehook in until the eye is level with the surface of the wood. Position a swiveling hook on the wall next to the eyehook so the hook can catch in the eyehook. Screw the swiveling hook into the wall at this position. Repeat the process at the top of the door.
7. Attach a hook to the bottom of the opposite door, and an eyehook to the wall next to the hook. Repeat this for the top of the door so that the doors can latch together when closed.
Tags: closet doors, Allow four, Allow four hours, door size, door wall
