Original vs new exterior doors

Thinking about replacing 80+ yr old original wood entry doors with a new wood doors of a very similar style. The original doors are functional but very drafty, sticks in the heat, and needs some TLC/restoration. Why do some folks prefer to keep or install original doors vs getting a new door. e.g. on their Brownstones? This property is not a Brownstone.

My new doors will cost about $800. I imagine hiring someone to strip and repair the original door will cost nearly as much? Is the only way to fix the drafty doors to use weather strips?

krobertson

in General Discussion 6 years and 9 months ago

10

Please log in, in order to post replies!

10 replies

Newest Oldest

krobertson

in General Discussion 6 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5125 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194495"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "krobertson"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BBD9r8yX5MeTzOFjXyQNTORI18Pw7y."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "krobertson"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(26) "K.robertson@resnewyork.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 14:44:17"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(37) "Keatrice Robertson Keatrice Robertson"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194495)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You can probably replace the existing hinges with self closing door hinges that have a spring inside. A lot of apartment buildings have them for the interior doors. For the main front doors I usually see the automatic door closer arm looking things on top of the doors.

murph | 6 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5121 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5122 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "14113"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtXSTW4BIdTGv7Hod2bWPFl8fIF.MM."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "mayocork9@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(52) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/sunsetpark/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:47:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(14113)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Probably a three-family or possibly four.

vivian | 6 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5125 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5123 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "4546"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "vivian"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "vivian"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "suzannejprice@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-10-28 22:31:13"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "vivian"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(4546)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I have a parallel question.. apparently the last owner of my Brownstone was cited for not having a front door that closes automatically. Has anyone else received this violation and if so, what did you do? Because I dont want to lose the beautiful old doors!!! Thank you all.

krobertson

in General Discussion 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#5115 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5126 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194495"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "krobertson"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BBD9r8yX5MeTzOFjXyQNTORI18Pw7y."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "krobertson"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(26) "K.robertson@resnewyork.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 14:44:17"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(37) "Keatrice Robertson Keatrice Robertson"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194495)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks for the advice everyone, its very helpful. The door isn’t in horrendous condition so I’ll give repairing it a shot.

murph | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5125 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5117 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "14113"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtXSTW4BIdTGv7Hod2bWPFl8fIF.MM."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "mayocork9@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(52) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/sunsetpark/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:47:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(14113)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Keep the original equipment but get weatherstripping and baffles at the base. Even new wood doors will leak over time. The real air leak barrier is the interior door. I hope you have it still in place.

bklynbabe | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5126 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5118 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "16501"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "bklynbabe"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "bklynbabe"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "boogerbrigade@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-09-05 21:53:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "bklynbabe"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(16501)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’m curious to hear your experience and what problems you had with your replacement door, Cook. I’m sure Housefix would too.

I don’t think a new door, even a reproduction, would be best in every case.’The point I was trying to make is that there is a lot to consider. A door isn’t just a slab of wood but a mechanism which has a few other working parts that might need to be addressed in order to avhieve a permanent fix.

solehappy | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5115 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191690"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "solehappy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B3y5PnYS5d9utCFv8uP0YhlGch9OKB0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "solehappy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "meritage211@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-22 17:09:17"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your first name Your last name Your first name Your last name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191690)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

speaking from experience expensive new wooden doors in the old style seem to have next to no staying power. i would do anything in your power to restore the old ones.

bklynbabe | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5125 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4859 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "16501"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "bklynbabe"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "bklynbabe"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "boogerbrigade@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-09-05 21:53:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "bklynbabe"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(16501)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It’s really up to you but I will share our experience if that would be helpful. We had a rotten. malfunctioning door that was installed before we bought our 100-something-year-old row house. We decided to do something about it this spring.

We had no love for our old door, but you might like yours. If you are in a row house, where there are more or less identical buildings attached to each other, replacing it can change the character of your house, block or neighborhood. There is a pleasing rhythm to seeing a line of such buildings. So consider keeping it, or having a faithful reproduction made by a craftsman.

We were hoping to find an old pair of doors that fit our house from a salvage yard or antique dealer (You might want to look into that, too) and didn’t have much luck. Even if we did find one it would need modification, refinishing and everything a new door would entail.

We considered replacing the door with a modern substitute but there wasn’t anything satisfactory out there at the home stores, or through a window contractor we had worked with. For one thing o ld doors are thicker. They can be 2 or 2.5 inches thick whereas most modern doors are 1.75 inches. Modern doors are a little different in proportion to the old ones. They tend to be wider and shorter. If you go with a new door you will very likely have to modify or replace the door surround on your house.

There are features available in modern doors that you would not have in an old door such as built-in tilting blinds, insulation, easy-care finishes. Some are attractive and if you like having those features by all means go for it.

As long as the wood hasn’t got a lot of weather damage, or isn’t badly warped, it sounds like your door can be refinished and repaired but it will cost you. If it has shrunk you might have to replace the door surround so it fits better.

Our door was hopeless so we decided to have the original 1900’s style door reproduced by a woodworking shop. We also had the workers replace the surround because it was badly deteriorated at the bottom. We also had some of the interior moldings replaced. This is not cheap but we are really happy with our new door which looks old yet has another 100 years of life left.

If you go with an reproduction door you are likely to also have to replace the surround, the doorsill or threshold, the transom if you have one, and the hardware. Good locks are expensive (as much as 500 per door). You may wind up doing work on the vestibule if your house has one (most did). Our door has weatherstripping which eventually will need to be replaced. You will also have to try to protect it from the elements (an awning?) and maintain it with an annual coat of varnish.

If you are not sure, it costs nothing to have someone come to your house and give you an estimate, and their expert opinion as to your old door will help you decide.
Hope this helps!

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

> @HouseFix
> Why do some folks prefer to keep or install original doors vs getting a new door
Because a new door will not last the 80+ years the old door has already lasted. The door doesn’t necessarily need to be completely stripped, it could need adjustments to the hinges and yes, some weatherstripping. Keep the old door!

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

> @HouseFix
> Why do some folks prefer to keep or install original doors vs getting a new door
Because a new door will not last the 80+ years the old door has already lasted. The door doesn’t necessarily need to be completely stripped, it could need adjustments to the hinges and yes, some weatherstripping. Keep the old door!