5 Things To Consider When Building A Shed Door
Building a shed door is a relatively simple thing, if you have some basic skills in carpentry and are prepared to put in the time. It is often much cheaper than buying a replacement if yours should become damaged, and you should be able to get results that will stand up to both the elements and anyone trying to get in if you do it well. The five tips below are not a comprehensive guide, but should help to make sure that you get better results from your efforts:
Measure carefully before you begin. Did you know that shed doors are rarely the same size as ordinary domestic doors, being six feet tall rather than the six feet six inches favoured indoors? Do not assume that you know how big yours needs to be. Instead, take the time to measure everything carefully, noting any inconsistencies in the shape of your frame. You want a finished result that fits well, and it is better to have something that you have to sand a couple of times before it will fit than to have something with a gap.
Select the right materials. For most designs you will be working with wooden boards. If your shed consists of other materials, you will need to consider whether you have the skills to work with them. For timber options, try to use the same wood as the rest of the shed, for a coordinated effect. Make sure that the one you choose is sufficiently hardwearing to stand up to long periods outdoors.
Use the proper bracing. A door is not just a few planks nailed together. Instead, almost all designs will use some sort of battens or cross pieces, and you must settle on a formation before you begin. Simple three batten designs are common, and can fit in well with the hinges, but Z or X shaped arrangements can offer greater stability. Balance the look you achieve with the strength of the finished product.
Add the proper fittings. A door is only as strong as its lock and hinges. If you forget that, you are opening the way to thieves and other intruders. Make sure that you select a solid lock, bolt, or latch arrangement, and that you spend time seating its component parts well in the door and frame. Remember that the way you hang a door is as important as the way you craft it.
Finish the design well. Remember that any woodwork designed for outdoor use will need additional protection if it is to function well. Use paints or varnishes that offer good protection from the elements, and consider using pesticidal or fungicidal finishes to prevent future damage from burrowing insects and common mosses.
If you follow these steps, you should find that building a shed door becomes a little easier. More importantly, you should find that the results of your efforts are much more effective, and are ones that you can feel proud of hanging on your shed.
Measure carefully before you begin. Did you know that shed doors are rarely the same size as ordinary domestic doors, being six feet tall rather than the six feet six inches favoured indoors? Do not assume that you know how big yours needs to be. Instead, take the time to measure everything carefully, noting any inconsistencies in the shape of your frame. You want a finished result that fits well, and it is better to have something that you have to sand a couple of times before it will fit than to have something with a gap.
Select the right materials. For most designs you will be working with wooden boards. If your shed consists of other materials, you will need to consider whether you have the skills to work with them. For timber options, try to use the same wood as the rest of the shed, for a coordinated effect. Make sure that the one you choose is sufficiently hardwearing to stand up to long periods outdoors.
Use the proper bracing. A door is not just a few planks nailed together. Instead, almost all designs will use some sort of battens or cross pieces, and you must settle on a formation before you begin. Simple three batten designs are common, and can fit in well with the hinges, but Z or X shaped arrangements can offer greater stability. Balance the look you achieve with the strength of the finished product.
Add the proper fittings. A door is only as strong as its lock and hinges. If you forget that, you are opening the way to thieves and other intruders. Make sure that you select a solid lock, bolt, or latch arrangement, and that you spend time seating its component parts well in the door and frame. Remember that the way you hang a door is as important as the way you craft it.
Finish the design well. Remember that any woodwork designed for outdoor use will need additional protection if it is to function well. Use paints or varnishes that offer good protection from the elements, and consider using pesticidal or fungicidal finishes to prevent future damage from burrowing insects and common mosses.
If you follow these steps, you should find that building a shed door becomes a little easier. More importantly, you should find that the results of your efforts are much more effective, and are ones that you can feel proud of hanging on your shed.