Mark Cool

Fixing termite damaged doors- How to?

Do you have a door with termite damage that you want to save?

Here’s how I saved a couple that I had stored too close to a dirt floor and the termites feasted on. Ugh!

I cut out out the compromised wood, cutting until I reach “good wood”, where I could attach a patch piece.

Once the damaged piece is cut out, then I shape the patch piece out of 2 x 4 or 2 x 6. Often with antique doors, the wood needs to be shaved to less than the 1.5″ thickness. For example, my doors were 1.375″ thick. I do this on the table saw.

Once the patch piece is cut, I glue and screw it into place, and then fill and skim with Bondo. Bondo dries fast and it readily sand- able. It’s a great filler and the fast drying nature makes it great if multiple coats are needed to get to a smooth finish.

Note: On this two piece patch, I used a biscuit joiner as well as screws.

I fill and then sand with a palm sander until there are no visible seams, then one final step before primer.
I use a speed square and a nail or a screw to score a line and re-create the impression of a seam between the door panels.

Here are a couple of doors I’ve done this with. after primer and paint, you’d never know the termites had feasted on them!

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