After finishing a full office renovation, I realized the final touch was right in front of me—my office doors.
The old solid core French doors, while functional, kept the space hidden and blocked out the natural light, especially with my new navy blue walls. I knew the finishing touch would be swapping those doors for something that would let the light in and showcase my hard work.
That’s when I decided to take on a new DIY project: replacing the old solid doors with elegant 12-light French doors. Not only did this update brighten up the room, but it also gave me a beautiful view of my new office every time I walked by.
Why We Made the Change
The decision to update our office doors came down to two main reasons: light and visibility.
After renovating the office and painting the walls a deep navy blue, the space felt a bit closed off—especially with the old solid core French doors blocking both the view and the natural light. I wanted to be able to see into the office from the hallway and let more sunlight flow through the space. Especially since it doesn’t have any windows.
Swapping the solid doors for 12-light French doors was the perfect solution to brighten up the room and showcase the new design every time I walked by.
Finding the Perfect Doors
When it came time to choose new doors, I wanted something that would let in plenty of light and match the style of our home. I started searching online and, almost by accident, stumbled upon the perfect set of 12-light French doors on Facebook Marketplace. I had never thought to look for building supplies there before, but it turned out to be a fantastic resource. Not only did I find exactly what I needed, but the doors were also available for delivery, making the process even easier.
The doors I purchased were pre-hung and unfinished, which was ideal because it allowed me to paint them to match our existing trim and doors.
If you’re considering a similar project, I highly recommend checking Facebook Marketplace or other local resale sites—you might be surprised at what you find! Just be sure to measure your doorway carefully before buying, as doors come in many different sizes and widths. Double-checking your measurements will save you a lot of hassle down the road.
Tools & Materials
Since the doors were pre-hung, I needed to remove the old doors and frame. Here’s what I used:
Here’s what I used:
- Baseboard/trim puller: To carefully remove the existing trim and door frame without damaging the walls.
- Brad nailer and screws: For securing the new door frame to the studs.
- Level and measuring tape: To make sure everything was straight, plumb, and fit perfectly.
- Paint and brushes: Since the doors were unfinished, I painted them to match the rest of the house. Getting into all the little crevices around the glass panes took some extra time!
- New hinges and door handles: I chose oil-rubbed bronze hardware to give the doors a modern, cohesive look.
No special tools were required, just some basic DIY essentials.
Step-by-Step: How We Did It
Painting and Finishing the New Doors
The first step actually started a few days before installation. After receiving the pre-hung doors, we removed them from their new frame so I could paint and finish them. I spent two days carefully painting the doors to match the existing doors and trim in our home.
Taking the time to get into all the cracks and crevices around the glass panes was tedious but worth it for a seamless look. Once the paint was fully dry, we were ready to move on to installation.
Prepping the Doorway
With the new doors ready, we turned our attention to the old doorway. We removed the old doors from their hinges and then took out all the old hardware.
Next, we carefully pried off the trim around the doorway and pulled out the old door frame, making sure to remove any remaining nails and debris.
Installing the New Frame
We positioned the new frame in the opening, making sure it was level and plumb. Once everything was perfectly aligned, we secured the frame to the studs using brad nails and screws.
Hanging the Doors
With the frame in place, we installed new oil-rubbed bronze hinges and carefully hung the freshly painted doors on the frame.
Installing and Painting the Trim
After the doors were hung, we cut and installed new trim all the way around the doorway. I painted the trim to match the rest of our home, letting it dry completely before moving on.
Adding the Finishing Touches
The final step was adding new door handles to match the oil-rubbed bronze hinges, tying the whole look together and completing the transformation.
Challenges
Surprisingly, this project went smoother than I expected—especially since our home is a newer build and everything was already decently square and level.
The biggest challenge was making sure the new frame was perfectly plumb and level so the doors would open and close smoothly. Taking the time to double-check everything with a level made all the difference.
Painting the doors and trim, especially around the glass panes, was also a bit tedious, but patience paid off for a professional finish.
Tips for a Successful Door Update
- Measure Carefully: Before buying new doors, double-check the size of your doorway. Doors come in many sizes and widths, so accurate measurements are key.
- Consider Pre-Hung Doors: Pre-hung doors make installation much easier, especially if you’re replacing both the door and the frame.
- Use Basic Tools: You don’t need fancy equipment—just a few basic DIY tools will do the job.
- Take Your Time with Painting: Painting around glass panes can be tedious, but using painter’s tape and a small brush helps get a clean finish.
- Check for Level and Plumb: Ensuring the frame is perfectly aligned will save you headaches later and ensure your doors function properly.
- Small Changes, Big Impact: Swapping out doors is a budget-friendly way to make a dramatic difference in your home’s look and feel.
Before & After
Updating our office doors was a straightforward DIY project that made a huge impact on both the look and functionality of the space. By taking the time to paint and finish the doors, carefully install the new frame, and add thoughtful details like matching hardware, we were able to create a bright, inviting entryway to my newly renovated office.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to refresh your home, don’t overlook the power of a door upgrade—you might be surprised at just how much it transforms your space!
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