This simple project is a great way to add a vintage touch and a little drama to a large empty wall. This art project would look great in a loft or any industrial space. You could also make this for a plain condo that needs a little architectural interest.
I find old vintage doors set out for the garbage all the time. If you are not having any luck then post an ad on Craigslist. I bet you will end up with more free old vintage doors than you know what to do with!
Overall though, I thing this process should cost you about $5 if you get a free door or already have one.
To Make a Large Frame Out of an Old Vintage Door You Will Need:
1 Vintage Door (I recommend the kind with two recess panels)
Jig Saw
Large Metal Picture hanging hooks
Plexi Glass (Cut to your Size)
Power Drill
4 Large Industrial Washers and Bolt
Double Side Scotch Tape
Sand Paper
Primer (optional)
Paint (optional)
Paint brushes or rollers (optional)
The first step is to cut your vintage door in half. Now this step is optional if you would like to leave the door intact and whole that is perfectly fine.
If you do want to cut it down to a frame size though, simple measure how wide t top area is above the top recessed panel. Usually this will be about 4 to 6 inches. Measure this far down from the bottom edge of the recessed panel and draw a straight line across the door horizontally.
Now, use your jug saw to cut off the lower portion of the door at the line.
If your line falls in path with your do hardware, then cut below the hardware, still in a straight line. You wan to keep the handle and any hinges to add to the industrial look of this home improvement project.
Now, use your sand paper to smooth out the bottom edge of the door where you just cut it.
You will want to lightly sand the entire door if you are going to paint it.
Now, apply your coat of primer. Let this dry. Next, apply your paint treatment.
Just skip these steps f you are not painting.
Now, choose which side of the door will be the back. Go ahead and install your picture hanging hooks you the aback of the door. You wan to do these about one inch in fro the edges of the left and right. Do not install them in a recess panel area or you will not be able to hang the door.
Turn the door back over and lay it front side up on a flat work surface.
You will want to have your sheet of plexi glass cut to the same size as your recessed panel. Most home improvement stores will happily cut plexi glass for you.
Now, lay you plexi glass in the recess area. Mark each of the four corners where you would like to have your washer and bolt go through the door to attach the plexi gals. You can make this dot with a black magic marker.
Now, drill through the hole in the plexi glass, all four of them. Repeat this process drilling the same four holes into your door. Make sure you are using a drill bit that matches the size of your bolt.
Now, place a piece of double sides tape on the back four corners of your art work. Center the art work in the middle of the recessed are in the vintage door.
Lay the plexi glass back into place. Lay the washer over the hole, then the bolt. Use a nut to screw onto the back of the bolt and hold everything in place.
Now, hang the art project on any wall you want.
You can make as many of these as you want and line an entire wall with them.
Tip: If you find that the handle of the old door is not letting it hang flat on your wall them you will need to remove the entire handle form the door. You should be able to do this with a simple flat head screw driver.
Once the handle is off you can glue the front part of the handle back onto the door on the front. Use an epoxy glue for this. Glue the face plate back on first. Then insert a glob of glue into the hole where the handle will go. Insert the handle and let it dry.
