Return of the Frames
Many moons ago at the start of the build, existing door and door frames in our house were chipped out and carted away for restoration. Rotted wood was replaced, nail holes and other damage were puttied before everything was sanded, treated with “termite inhibitor” and coated in a single layer of primer.
This week, some of the door frames returned so they could be fixed into place.
For each door opening, a curve roughly approximating that of the frame was first chiseled into the concrete.
Each frame was then moved into place and positioned accurately in relation to the final level of the floor. The curve of the concrete arch was finessed and the frame finally mortared into place.
As well as restoring our existing doors, we also commissioned a large reproduction window for the upstairs guest bedroom. Designed to match the existing window below, this new window is made of new cedar (sufficiently dried of course). Once in place, it will look as if it’s always been a part of the house, even though it is brand new.
From the outside, here is how it’s coming together.
Before the door themselves (and new window panels) return to site, the frames will be smoothed with automotive putty and sanded once more. A final coat of primer will be applied along with two coats of automotive paint in glossy blue to match the already restored door panels, waiting patiently for their debut at our carpenter’s workshop.
