Monday, June 23, 2014

DIY: Repurpose an old door into a bar!

Summer is here, and so is the season for home improvement and DIY projects!  There are a ton of ways to re-purpose an old door, so why not kick off the season with a new bar!

http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/build-a-bar-using-a-reclaimed-door-for-the-top/index.html

Build a Bar Using a Reclaimed Door For the Top

A salvaged glass-panel door is transformed into a unique bar top for an outdoor entertainment area.
Tools and Materials:
3/4” plywood
reclaimed door with glass panel
Brad nailer with 2” nails
two fluorescent light panels with switch plate and bulbs
four pre-finished bracket feet
composite light panel (cut to the size of the glass panel on the door)
wood glue
sander and sandpaper
wood putty
wood stain or paint and painting tools
polyurethane or marine-grade varnish (recommended for outdoor use)
clear silicone caulk
newel posts
table saw
miter saw
speed square and a tape measure
Steps:
1. Our found door measured 72” by 28” with a glass panel measuring 64” x 18”. Our measurements for the bar are all based off of the door. The size and shape of your bar will vary based on the door you’re able to find.
2. Add decorative trim around the sides and around edge of the door/bar top.
3. Build a simple light box from 3/4” plywood that will sit underneath the door/ bar top and above the bar. Our box measures 6” x 64” x 20”.
4. Center the fluorescent light panels into the bottom of the light box and secure with the included hardware. Drill a hole in the light box and feed the cords through the hole. We made one side of the light box sides removable to make it easy to change light bulbs.
5. Build the base of the bar from the 3/4” plywood. Our base measures 32” x 56“ x 13” with a 1-inch recessed bottom and a shelf sitting 15 inches from the bottom. Attach the four bracket feet to the bottom of the bar base with the included hardware.
6. Place the light box on the bar base and secure with wood glue and brad nails. Place the door/tabletop onto the light box and secure with wood glue and Brad nails.
7. Drop the composite light panel into the glass panel of the door. Secure this with a bead of silicone caulk around the edge of the panel.
8. Add newel posts to either side of the bar face for architectural detail.
9. Sand rough edges, fill in any gaps or holes with wood putty then stain or paint the bar. When the stain is dry, apply one to two coats of weatherproof varnish.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

French Doors!

Summer is here, and the sun is shining! Let more light into your home or office with French Doors!

http://www.hgtvremodels.com/interiors/french-doors-9-styles/pictures/index.html

French Doors: 8 Styles

What is a French door, you ask? It's not only a door with windows extending for the whole frame, it's a great way to add style and privacy without giving up the view.

Make an Entrance
French doors create a welcoming entry to this eclectic home office. Need a little extra storage and architectural oomph? Try a thin, vertical shelf on either side of the door. Design by Ana Donohue Photo by Michael Lee Photography.

Custom Closets
In the 2009 HGTV Dream Home, Linda Woodrum used single-pane French doors to frame a fully stocked wine closet. Design by Linda Woodrum

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Antique Appeal
Ten-light doors, topped with a transom window, give a beautifully old-fashioned feel to the back door of to this farmhouse kitchen.


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Graceful Charm
Doesn't it look like Grace Kelly and Cary Grant will stroll through these elegant doors and onto the balcony at any moment?


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Attention to Details
Adding a small row of lights at the top of a single-pane door is a simple way to give the effect of a transom window.

Practical Doors
French doors can open inward, swing outward or, like these, they can slide. Designed by Christopher Grubb.

Sensible Design
The simplicity of these white doors echoes that of the den's design — a good rule of thumb for any room. Design by Inside Matters


French Doors Open into Formal Bathroom Suite Designer, Sue Adams
A Serene Touch
Add elegance and privacy to a bathroom with French doors.