Blog, News and other Interesting Stuff

How to transform a Victorian internal solid panel door into a Victorian Stained Glass front door

Written by Tim Bell Monday, 12 July 2010 15:17

In terms of construction and timber used there is little difference between a Victorian front door and a victorian solid paneled internal door. They are both made using mortice and tennon joints. There is also a popular misconception that these joints were glued, but they were not. Wedges were inserted into the joints which allowed for expansion and contraction.

Similarly the solid bottom or top panels would have been floating panels i.e. again not fixed or glued to allow expansion and contraction. There would have been a 3-5mm expansion gap around each panel not so much on the top or bottom of the panel but to either side (widthways) which would avoid the splitting of panels during expansion or contraction. The addition of heavier, possibly bolection, moulding would often be added to the bottom outside panels to enhance the look, although flush moulding is also acceptable if well sealed in.

A front door would usually be approx. 44mm or 1 ¾ inches thick, whereas the standard depth for an internal door is 35mm or 1 3/8 inches,  but there were also (thankfully) many 44mm or 1 ¾ inch internal doors also made. Many reclamation yards convert these doors and in the following article you will find all the information you will need to do this for yourself.

This tutorial is also available as a video slideshow on youtube.com Click here to watch it.

Read more: How to transform a Victorian internal solid panel door into a Victorian Stained Glass front door

Ever wondered how it's done?

Written by Tim Bell Thursday, 10 June 2010 09:39

Creating a half glazed front door with stained glass panels

Over the next few weeks I will be explaining how to take a 44mm thick internal door with solid panels and turn it into a half glazed front door with stained glass panels. I will be performing this task over the next week and will publish photos of the process here.

Tim Bell

Scotland's woodland cover to increase

Written by Tim Bell Thursday, 10 June 2010 09:37

Plans announced to boost woodland cover

The Forestry Commission in Scotland have announced plans from the Scottish Government to issue advice to help planning authorities prepare for a major increase in woodland cover across Scotland. The plans will increase cover from 17 per cent to 25 per cent of Scotland’s land mass during the second half of this century.

Read the article here

How To Buy At Reclamation Yards

Written by Tim Bell Thursday, 10 June 2010 00:00

Channel 4's Kirstie Allsopp explains the process

From the hit TV show Kirstie's Homemade Home this article give hints, tips and advice about buying reclaimed furniture (including reclaimed doors) to kit out your home.

Read the full article here.