Options for an Eco-Friendly Door

- The product The "Ledgestone" Doorlite Kit has been added to comparison list.
- The product The "Ledgestone" Doorlite Kit has been added to comparison list.

There is nothing more disappointing that seeing an original mid-century door lying by the side of the road on bulk trash day. Keep reading for three ways to avoid the dumpster dance.

Just a few weeks ago, a neighbor down the street replaced an original flush wood door with fake-panel steel front door featuring a beveled glass lite. Their home, a funky ranch with a low-pitched roof, no longer matches the aesthetic of the neighborhood. And the most difficult truth is that the original door was probably a great candidate for an eco-friendly restoration project!

There are a few ways to include your front door replacement in your green remodeling plans.

1. Reuse Existing Materials

Many existing front doors are flush, veneered wood doors that have seen better days. But with a little elbow grease (ok, a little sandpaper and a lot of paint) they can be restored. The addition of a Doorlite Kit can turn that flush door into a modern masterpiece while adding light and visibility!

2. Increase Energy Efficiency

Our insulated Doorlite Kits provide both energy efficient and sound dampening qualities. If your existing door has got to go, take it to your local architectural salvage shop and opt for a flush fiberglass door. Energy Star ratings may apply when your insulated Doorlite Kit is paired with certain fiberglass or metal doors; see your local door or millwork retailer for details.

3. Protect Your Investment

The best way to stop the cycle of planned obsolescence and disposable goods is to provide adequate care and maintenance of your door so that it will not need to be replaced! Make sure your door is adequately sealed on all sides (front, back, top, bottom, hinge and strike sides), including under the hardware, and keep it under a minimum 3-ft overhang to prevent standing water or harsh sunlight.

Check out Chad Kelly's do-it-yourself door do-over!

Check out the veneer on the interior side. Wow.

Chad sez:

"David Erwin over at Crestview Doors wrote these great instructions on how to cut big holes in your door without freaking out... they also include perfectly drawn out, scientifically formulated window placement options that are based on the type of window shape you get. I chose the Ledgestone layout, which seems to go best with our mail slotted door that we can't really remove.

Basically, after tracing the trim onto the door, you whip out a drill with a fat bit, drill a couple holes, then stick a jig saw down into said holes, and cut out the rectangle. Again, there's this diagram on the instructions that lists a cut sequence to make a pretty fine rectangular hole.

So now... BRAND NEW/OLD DOOR! It's Miller Time!

Chad has a full tutorial on his site. Way to go!!

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