Last Updated on December 24, 2015 by Kristi Linauer
Once again, we had gorgeous weather yesterday, and I was determined that I wanted to get an outdoor project done…or at least get a good start on one. The project I had in mind was installing two screen doors on the front doors.
So let me back up a bit.
We have one of those houses that has two front doors. When we bought the house it looked like this…
I hated the two front doors, and planned almost immediately to turn the side door (which goes into my office) into a window.
Then one day, on one of my regular driving routes around town, I noticed an old house (probably 100 years old) with a similar door configuration, and it had matching screen doors on the doors. It was the most charming thing ever, and every time I drive by I crane my neck just to get a view of it.
I finally called the real estate agent (the house is vacant and for sale) and asked if I could just go up to the house and take pictures.
After a days-long search for these exact screen doors (online and around town at places like ReStore) with no luck at all, I finally decided that I would make some similar to these. But to save time, I would start with two pre-made screen doors from Home Depot or Lowe’s. So a couple of weeks ago, I picked up a couple of these when I was at Home Depot.
And of course, both screen doors were just slightly too wide for my doorways. So yesterday I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather, and get outside to cut down my doors and get them installed.
I started with the 32-inch door that goes into my office. I measured and marked my cut line on the door.
As I’ve mentioned, I don’t have a table saw. Yet. So I had to use my circular saw.
Now I don’t know if you’ve ever used a circular saw to trim off a tiny bit like this, but it’s not easy. Since there’s no wood on one side to hold the saw straight, and keep the blade at a perfect 90-degree angle, the saw keeps wanting to tilt. And of course, that’s what happened. Also, with some types of wood, when you’re cutting with the grain of the wood, the blade wants to follow the grain. So try as I might to keep perfectly on my cut line, the saw kept pulling and wanting to follow the grain.
Plus, about half way through, my blade stopped turning altogether.
So I stopped, tightened my blade, and tried again. But for some reason, my blade kept stopping. So I had to move at a snail’s pace in order to keep the blade going. Let’s just say that by this time, my attitude was heading south in a quick way.
To add to my frustration, the trimmed door didn’t fit.
Arrrggghhh!!
So I measured and marked another 1/4 inch, and started to saw that little bit off. Well, again, my saw wasn’t acting right. So while I was concentrating on the back end of the saw, trying to figure out what was keeping the blade from turning, I got completely off course, and did this…
At that point, I was just mad. So in my fit, I chucked that circular saw across the front porch, marched inside and flung myself on my bed to have a good ‘ole pouting session that would rival that of any teenaged girl. 😀
Matt came in and talked me down from the ledge, and encouraged me to go outside and finish the cut with my jigsaw. I finally did that, and it worked just fine, but I have no idea how I’m going to salvage this door with that big gash cut into the side like that. If I trim off any more, it’ll be too small for the doorway.
I’m tempted to just toss this door, use the other 36-inch door somewhere else (I can’t return it because I’ve already opened it), and just make my own doors from scratch for the front. With a Kreg Jig, the actual construction would be simple — definitely a heck of a lot easier than trying to trim off 1/4-inch from the side with a circular saw that isn’t working properly.
So that’s where I left my project yesterday. And there you have it — proof that not all of my projects go smoothly. But I’ll regroup, come up with a plan, and I will have my cute little vintage-inspired screen doors by the spring!
And hopefully I’ll even have a table saw by then, too.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
68 Comments
sheila f
February 25, 2014 at 10:10 amI am sorry that you had a bad day yesterday, but your title gave me my first laugh of the day. You make my day!
Joy Davis
February 26, 2014 at 6:58 amI am glad that you are not the only one that has that problem with cutting off small slivers of wood and that I am not the only one that has a problem with their circurlar saw not wanting to cut some wood. It is so frustrating!!! And Table saws are not prefect either by the way. With a large thing like a door it takes two people to cut it. And I am jelous of your warm weather. I am trying to redo a bedroom in sub-zero weather. So everything has to be done inside. I need it done by the middle of March.
Dani
February 25, 2014 at 10:14 amSorry that it did not work out (so far). I appreciate you being so honest & letting us know you are human. 😉
Taking a break from it, sleeping in on it, etc. will allow you to come up with another (brilliant) save and learning experience for the rest of us who are continually inspired by you & your work.
Chin up & move forward!
Genelle McDaniel
February 25, 2014 at 10:15 amLOL. Just realized how human you are. Before throwing the door away, try lots of wood filler and sanding. Could you rent a table saw for 24 hours?
Sherry Lee
February 25, 2014 at 11:31 amI was going to suggest wood filler as well (one that can be painted) and the renting idea is good as long as it’s inexpensive…..
Pamela
February 25, 2014 at 10:20 amHello,
If you clamp a 2×4 to the door, it will make a perfect guide for your saw and you won’t get off track. Don’t give up! You can totally do this! Good Luck!
Pamela Olivarez
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Karen
February 25, 2014 at 10:23 amLots of wood putty and sanding??? Good luck with your project. I need a storm door on my house, but I’m not quite that talented so I’ll just be buying something. Haa haa!
Anne
February 25, 2014 at 10:27 amPerhaps you could rent a table saw. I think if you put the door on another piece of wood that you don’t mind scrapping if you cut into it, and then placing a board as a guide with the same thickness up against where you are cutting it may make cutting it easier and ease the fatigue on your wrist trying to keep the angle right. I hope that makes sense…It is clear in my head but doesn’t always translate well. Good luck…I love this site.
Justin
February 25, 2014 at 10:33 amWhat you need (I need one too cause I can’t cut a straight line to save my life) is a “sled” for your circular saw. Some of the fancy pro models come with them but I recall my grandfather (who was a finish carpenter) built his own. There are probably plans on the net somewhere, though they probably assume access to a table saw. 😉
Basically, it’s a fence (a straight-edge, essentially) for your circular saw that you clamp-down onto the sheet good you’re trying to cut. Then, you run the saw along the fence.
If you can get a straight 1×4 (or similar) that’s as long as the door and a couple of clamps, you could mimic the same behavior without building anything.
laura
February 25, 2014 at 10:33 amLove ur site so much ,just shared w/ a friend!
brenda
February 25, 2014 at 10:36 amI have wondered about Matt. You are fortunate to have a husband who does not argue about your decisions for remodeling. He encouraged you when you were down. Does he help with any of your projects?
Jennifer
February 25, 2014 at 10:36 amIf ever there was a person who deserved a table saw, it would be you! Go get yourself one!
Emily
February 25, 2014 at 10:39 amI have returned open items many times. I’d tAke the other door back
Heidi
February 25, 2014 at 10:40 amWhat about trying Bondo (the stuff for automotive repair)? I have seen this used on Rehab Addict a few times to repair doors. I think it would provide the strength needed to build the door back up without worrying about it falling off after finishing (like wood filler or putty). Maybe even drill a few holes in the door’s side to give it an “anchor” like when you sister two pieces of wood or concrete. Good Luck!
Pam
February 25, 2014 at 10:41 amI think Home Depot would have trimmed those for you.
I always tell my husband, if you get frustrated, STOP! Nothing good ever happens when your frustrated…only BAD! Lol
Lori
February 25, 2014 at 10:43 amCan I just say… I love you! Your honesty and transparency is beautiful! You are a real person! You don’t have a perfect life or a perfect family or a perfect house! You relate to me the “average joe” just trying to improve and beautify their life and home. Although, I will agree I think you are Wonder Woman in disguise. Your stamina and motivation is INCREDIBLE!! You go, girl! Love your blog and I can’t wait to read another post! Blessings, Lori
Kathy
February 25, 2014 at 10:45 amLove your blog….your reaction is what we here in Mississippi call a hissy fit!!!!! I must I have had a few myself
HeidiFawn
February 25, 2014 at 10:51 amI think I would try packing that area with wood putty then sand it nice and smooth. I’m sure no one would even be able to tell once you were done with it.
Suesan
February 25, 2014 at 11:01 amIf it were me, I would trim off the mistake, go buy a $7 can of Bond-O from the automotive store, mix up enough to fill in the space, let it dry, sand it down and your problem is solved and the door is ready to finish and paint. But that’s just me.
angela
February 25, 2014 at 11:10 ami think you should go back and do the front door and make side door a window. too me you are try to match the other house and i do not think that is you. you do not do things that have been done before so if you just do the front door and make a cool window.
Mary Taylor
February 25, 2014 at 11:12 amGet you some guerilla wood glue a strap with an adjustable buckle. Fill your cut with gluewrap with strap and tighten it as much as you can. Glue will ooz out wipe off access glue and let sit for 24hrs if not 48 he’s to dry. You should be good to go. Hope this might be helpful .
Diane Mansil
February 25, 2014 at 11:12 amAgree with earlier posters – fill it, sand it and use it. you’re going to paint the door anyway, right? Nobody but the thousands who read your blog will ever know. 🙂
Kim
February 25, 2014 at 10:26 amI love this idea! I want to take my pantry door off and put in a vintage screen door instead. My husband and I just made a kitchen table and used a metal yard stick as a straight-edge clamped to the wood as a guide for the saw. The table top was too heavy to bother with on the table saw, so we used our circular saw as well. Totally worked like a charm! Give it a try!!
Also, love your blog and all the hard work! 😀
-Kim
Kim
February 25, 2014 at 10:27 amFor the gouge in the door, could you take a file and make it look like it’s there on purpose? Shabby chic /farm house style? If not, I’d say putty & a sanding should do the trick!
Beth Langhans
February 25, 2014 at 11:30 amAll those suggestions above seem good to me..don’t sweat it girlie..just keep moving ahead!
Beth 🙂
Alta
February 25, 2014 at 11:33 amLOL! Thanks for sharing your ‘hissy fit’ with us. It just says that you are after all, human. I for one was beginning to wonder! Just Kidding! Clamp a straight edge on top of the door before cutting next time, and use the wood filler or Bondo to repair the off cut. Sanding and painting will cover the mistake; it sure has done wonders in my remodeling projects!
But seriously, don’t be so hard on yourself for not being able to complete projects as quickly as you want. You’ve done so much so fast that my head would be whirling if it were me. Some projects just take a little more time. Please don’t feel that you have to finish a project quickly just to post pics for us on the blog; I think I’m safe in speaking for all of us who continue to be amazed at the speed with which you complete projects, and will still admire you if it takes longer. Eh, guys?
Oh, and hats off to Matt for the moral support. Good job, Matthew!
April
February 25, 2014 at 11:33 amI wished you lived close to me, you could come use our table saw:)
Susan
February 25, 2014 at 11:34 amYes, yes, as previously suggested, BONDO would work perfectly!
Maryann
February 25, 2014 at 11:58 amHere in the state of Kansas, that’ s called “pitch in a fit”! If anyone can get it done, you can. Thanks for the laughs and the courage to try again…tomorrow…maybe
Cathy
February 25, 2014 at 12:06 pmKristi, sorry you had such a time. I am in love with my Dremel Saw Max! It would have been perfect for this project and I use it in place of my circular saw for just about everything because it is so light and easy to use. When trying to cut a long, straight line I just create a fence using a 2×4 (as long as it’s straight!) and clamp it in place. Perfect cuts every time. I’ve put mine to the test with tile, wood, plastic…everything!
Kismet
February 25, 2014 at 12:06 pmIf it is just 1/4 in you need to take off couldn’t you use a planer rather than a saw?
Sue
February 25, 2014 at 12:31 pmYikes! Good to know that everyone has those days. Would’ve loved a photo of you chucking that saw across the porch – Olympic material, no doubt! LOL Wood filler will probably solve your problem or maybe some kind of trim?
Margaret M
February 25, 2014 at 12:36 pmI have a table saw, but for this job I’d use a jointer plane or a jack plane instead. I got most of my planes from antique stores and junk shops for cheap, and sometimes they were in such good condition I didn’t even have to sharpen the blade. They’re much easier to use than a table saw for a job like this too, you don’t have to worry about keeping the door level and against the fence as you push it through. I think we have a tendency to reach for power tools, but they’re not always the right choice.
Shirlee
February 25, 2014 at 12:43 pmThank you for keeping it real and sharing the good with the bad. I’m sure you’ll come up with a solution. I can’t believe you don’t own a table saw though. My husband sold ours prior to moving which I think was a big mistake.
Luanne
February 25, 2014 at 11:54 amSorry you had a bad day but at least you tried. And the best part about it is I’m glad I’m not the only one that throws fits like that, So thanks for letting me know I’m normal lol.
Kacy
February 25, 2014 at 12:57 pmSince I can see myself easily getting into a situation like that, I want to say “Thank you!” It’s refreshing to hear someone admit that they sometimes struggle to get it just right, and they make mistakes along the way. But most importantly, it’s encouraging that you don’t give up. Put it aside and think on it, yeah. But you always regroup and come up with a plan to accomplish what you want. I really enjoy your blog, your beautiful creations, and your transparency.
Deb
February 25, 2014 at 1:52 pmLove those screened doors. Wonder if you considered making the one to your office a non-operational door. Still a window that looks like a door on the outside. Inside it could give you some options to preserve wall space.
Racheal
February 25, 2014 at 2:20 pmWhenever I have to make any cut with a circular saw I clamp a board in place to run the saw along because apparently I have crooked eyes and cannot make a straight cut otherwise. Another way to get good straight cuts for a lot less than a table saw would be to invest 35 bucks in a Kreg rip-cut.
Krikit
February 25, 2014 at 2:29 pmDonchajusthatethat when it happens? 😉
Can you glue and nail a shim as a ‘fill’ for that space and use wood filler and sanding to repair it?
Carla
February 25, 2014 at 2:34 pmCould you use a router instead of a saw to take that small portion off?
julie
February 25, 2014 at 2:52 pmI’m in the same boat, Kristi. I do not have a table saw…so during my projects when I realize I need to trim off a very narrow part like you needed to do — I GROAN! Cuz I know it’s gonna be a pita trying to do it with my circular saw. You know, I actually think you COULD salvage that door. With some (a lot!) wood filler or bondo. Let it dry, sand it all nice n smooth, paint it up. Voila! Perfect looking door that no one would ever guess almost got chucked across the yard with the saw. 😉 Good luck with whatever you decide to do. And thanks for letting us in on a mishap. Any avid DIY’er has been right there with you many times. 🙂
Brenda
February 25, 2014 at 3:01 pmI’m so sorry you had a bad day…but it makes me feel SOOOOO much better about the messes I make sometimes. It will get better. 🙂
Patty
February 25, 2014 at 3:06 pmUgh, that’s my least favorite (and most common occurrence!) part of DIY … Until you can get a table saw, there are lots of ideas out there on how to make guide for them – http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/4283497 is one that I like. The family handyman website has one as well, and there are others too – basic concept is a jig made to fit the width of your circular saw.
I have a feeling this little hiccup is going to turn out fine, you seem to have a way of always making lemonade 🙂
Judy
February 25, 2014 at 3:19 pmYou could go ahead and trim it straight, add a lattice strip to take up the gap on the side, and then top it off with some decorative trim.
Ann W
February 25, 2014 at 3:22 pmOK – soooooooo glad I am not the only one that tests the “endurance” of their tools with a “chuck across the porch” test from time to time!!!!
We have not invested in a table saw yet either – and we needed to do some door trimming as well! My husband came up with an idea – a planer – it was a fairly cheap version at Home Depot or Lowes – cannot remember which – and boy has that thing come in handy many a time!
I have done the whole circular saw and jig saw “trimming” and man can that try one to a breaking point!!! The planer had worked like a charm!
Leslie
February 25, 2014 at 3:38 pmYou will never know how many people are envisioning you chucking that saw, stomping into the house and flinging yourself on the bed. Ohhh…the vision makes me laugh…Sounds like this is the perfect excuse to buy a table saw. With the house (and garage) you now have the room and the storage for it 🙂 Go for it!
janpartist
February 25, 2014 at 4:32 pmYou’ll figure out something. Eat some chocolate. Here’s what I want to know…I thought that side door went into Matt’s game room. Am I crazy or did you trade rooms?
Margo
February 25, 2014 at 4:49 pmSorry you had a bad day, but I’m just wondering when you might be getting back to finishing the living room? I’m so anxious to see the final decor. Just asking, not judging 🙂
Marcia
February 25, 2014 at 6:44 pmReading about your goof makes me feel so much better about my many blunders. Making mistakes is better than never trying.
Dee T.
February 25, 2014 at 6:57 pmYou’re amazing! Your statement, “But I’ll regroup, come up with a plan, and I will have my cute little vintage-inspired screen doors by the spring!” says that you’re a fighter and that you won’t give in to adversity. You’ll figure it out and get those beautiful doors installed. Plus a little pity party never hurt anyone! You go, girl!
BobsGal
February 25, 2014 at 7:04 pmDear Kristi….. I can give you absolutely no advice on cutting a 1/4″ off of your door….. But, I guess it’s the artist in me….. just take a look at the WHOLE picture you took of the door marked for cutting. Now let your eyes travel to the left just passed your door….. below your door are the most beautiful array of fallen oak leaves…..placed as only Mother Nature can do…… you received really an unexpected gift….so you see…..your day was not a total loss. 😀 BIG ((HUGS)) Pat
BobsGal
February 25, 2014 at 7:09 pmPS: Love the White Wooden Doors…. however, I would be rethinking louver for the outside…. speaking from personal experience, they will be a “Bugger” to keep clean…… Pat
Sydney Catlett
February 25, 2014 at 6:46 pmA carpenter taught me several years ago to use Bondo instead of wood filler. It is much easier to sand, is waterproof, and sets quickly. I would advise you, though, that it does shrink a little with drying, so overfill and wait a couple of days before painting to see if you need another layer. I have even used Bondo to repair wood rot on my windowsills, door surrounds, and shutters.
Cathy
February 25, 2014 at 8:39 pmI know we’re a 45 minute drive away, but still… you’re welcome to use our table saw any time you want to.
Sheila Edmond
February 25, 2014 at 8:41 pmYesterday was a message- go buy a table saw. 😉
Rhydonia
February 25, 2014 at 8:58 pmI have had my fair share of aggravation with circular saws & jigsaw!!
Finally just went out & bought me a miter saw with the laser. Can do straight cuts & miter cuts. It was a great investment! ! It was only $ 250 & has saved me much time & stress. I would recommend it highly!!
Also love the Kreg & my nail gun & brad nailer!! It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when you have the right tool for the job.
You are such an inspiration!! Keep up the good work!!
JP
February 25, 2014 at 9:20 pmTake heart. You’ll be OK. 🙂
http://www.familyhandyman.com/carpentry/how-to-use-epoxy-on-wood-for-repairs/view-all
http://www.hereandthere.org/oldhouse/fixing-decayed-wood.html
http://www.thediyvillage.com/2012/09/bondo-to-repair-furniture.html
But you are an astounding researcher, so I’m probably not telling you anything. If anyone can recover from this, it’s you.
Ginger
February 25, 2014 at 9:52 pmDeep breath! Start again with fresh eyes tomorrow. 🙂
Susan
February 25, 2014 at 10:53 pmI know this comment will get lost in the hundred before it. But if you can’t afford to buy a jig saw, why not just buy a cheap hand saw? When I read that you used a circular saw for this kind of cut, my mouth dropped open and I couldn’t believe your husband didn’t come out and tell you how stupid that is. Especially alone. This 1/4″ cut could have been very bad for your health. The fact that you got it done at all even badly is amazing…. Now to fix it.
Remark a straight line, use a hand saw and have someone hold the door while you cut, to cut down on the vibrations throwing you off the mark. Then use a shim on the side the screws go into to hold the door to the house to bring the door over to the right side. Paint it all the same color and no one will ever notice.
Good luck. Still amazed you didn’t cut your leg off in this process.
Gayle
February 26, 2014 at 3:34 amI just love you and your blog- I think the way you describe everything is great, you are so much fun to read!
I usually do a whole lot of swearing…….too cheap to throw any power tool lol.
Matt sounds like he is very supportive, you should do a post about him, we all are interested in meeting the guy behind the WONDER WOMAN!
Thanks for the giggle today 🙂
Jaybird
February 26, 2014 at 12:02 pmYep, Bondo is what you need. It will work like a charm.
It’s nice to know that youngsters have these “hissy-fit” problems…I was afraid it was just my age :^) Duck if you see a sewing machine flying by…….even the cat cringes upon occasion!
Blessings,
J
Vicki
February 26, 2014 at 9:30 pmKristi,
I believe that Lowe’s and Home Depot will cut the door for you. They have some GIANT saws in the back just for that purpose. I got them to cut some chalkboard for me recently. You might be able to get a similar screen door at ReStore. Although the door cost you $50, still, that’s not bad if you have to get another door.
And, I LOVE the wood blinds under the fabric shades–AND the painting! Bree orders canvas pictures (of the kids) a couple of times a year when she finds them on sale. Let me know if you need the site she uses.
Leena Lanteigne
February 27, 2014 at 12:17 amOMGosh! You poor thing! I feel your pain, I really do. I wonder, if you get some skinny moulding, really skinny so as not to take away from your door’s design, could you cover that slit and save you from buying another door? It’s the easiest, least expensive fix I could come up on the fly. Hope something works! Hugs, Leena
Linda
February 27, 2014 at 1:38 amWood filler, caulking and sanding. Then paint. It works out perfect.
DIY Kitchen Countertop Options
February 28, 2014 at 10:31 am[…] that this week was more about planning than actually working on projects for me (especially after my DIY fail on Monday), and one thing that I’m trying to figure out is how to DIY some inexpensive but […]
Heidi
March 1, 2014 at 8:31 pmCheck out this video for repairing broken wood or filling voids.
http://www.ronhazelton.com/projects/how_to_repair_broken_corners_on_furniture
Elizabeth Sagarminaga
March 6, 2014 at 3:34 amHello,
I love your blog. Your sincerity, simplicity is beautiful, and you are a real person! Your endurance and motivation is unbelievable! Of course making mistakes is better than never trying. You are such an inspiration.Keep up the good work! Start again with new eyes.
Megan
September 11, 2014 at 6:16 pmI was watching Fixer Upper on HGTV and they were in Waco, Texas. And I believe that same house with the two doors was the house they looked at. Its listing price was $95,000. And was built in 1910. Pretty Cool.