Updating a Standard Sliding Screen
Anyone in the Greater Philadelphia Region wondering why we had a heat wave last week?
It's my fault. I finally have a screen door that works and keeps out critters, so immediately we were unable to use it and had to turn on the AC! (Sorry about that).
Here's the deal, we have a dog. (Need I say more?) Our sliding screen door was bent and busted, so I threw it out. I went to the home improvement store for a replacement, only to discover our door was not "Universal" in size. The replacement we ended up buying never fit properly and someone continued to plow through the bottom of it, and we ended up with what I call the "Redneck Doggie Door".
But we love him, so I had to solve the problem.
I was so excited to try this!
I bought the track, let it sit in the box for a year, then used it on the laundry room door, and still had the Redneck Doggie Door this Spring. :(
So...one new track, one unfinished wood screen door, and a door molding kit later...
I've got this...
I originally intended to add the wood pieces to create the barn door look, but I needed to be reminded that this is a colonial style house and sometimes I just have to accept that. (sigh).
It blends nicely from out here.
Skill Level
This was a one woman job. I would say it took minimal skills for this.
The only power tool I used was a drill to attach the track to the house and some elbow grease.
Cost
The door was around 70 bucks at Lowe's, and I painted mine white
I ordered the track from Amazon, it's now less than $50 and ships free with Prime.
TCBunny 6.6 Feet Sliding Door Hardware Closet Set Antique Style (Black)
The molding/weather stripping that I tacked around the frame of the door was less than $20. So it cost about as much as a custom replacement screen, but this is way more interesting!
...and I taught this guy to speak to come in and out!
Thanks for looking!
Click here for an update on this post!
Re: Sliding Screen Door
ReplyDeleteWonderful job, is there a video on the project? I was hoping to see the inside work of the door from how the inside handle was placed, and how the weatherstripping was done. I know with barn doors there is usually a small gap which is fine for indoors, but for an exterior door, would have to be sealed well to keep insects out.
Hi Diane, I got your comment, which I deleted by accident :( But yes, it keeps all the bugs and critters out. I trimmed the gap with a wood trim kit from Lowes http://www.lowes.com/pd_104805-81-87981___?productId=3200767&pl=1&Ntt=door+weather+stripping made for screen doors. The wood lined up with the edge of the door and the "foam part" slides against the glass door and prevents bugs from coming in. Thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! It looks great and I would love to try it at our house. One question, though--Is the door attached at the bottom at all? If not, do you have any issues with it swinging out away from your door opening? I don't have any experience with barn door tracks, but I love the way they look! Thank you for sharing your awesome project!
ReplyDeleteWhat is on the bottom of the door to keep it in place?
ReplyDeleteWow-I think this is the answer to my problem!Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDid the hardware rust over time?
ReplyDeleteNot at all! In fact, I left the door out all winter and the hardware still rolls smoothly and looks brand new.
DeleteWhat do you call the lines on the sliding door? is this a diy project? i love the whole barn look!! so cute!
ReplyDeleteHi Gloria,
DeleteI don't know what this would be considered as far as architecture goes, but the door itself is from Lowe's and I painted it and hung it on the barn door track. Thanks for looking!
I myself would like to see it from the inside, looks great from the pictures.I think it would be a great project for myself and do it the same way.Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! LOVE it! But we are still worried about bugs coming in. I wish there was a video though of how to apply the weatherstripping. do you apply it to the actual new door? or do you apply it to the original frame somehow? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea! My front door has a "slam" screen door (one that you just let bang shut), so thinking I need one out my kitchen sliding door. Now, to make my husband agree.
ReplyDeleteI am having the same problem finding a replacement screen door. Glad I came across this. Have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI visited your blog for the first time and just been your fan. I Will be back often to check up on new stuff you post!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! Question, is you dog able to nudge the bottom out and then nudge the door open and get out? We have a 9weeek lab who is a smart lil lady and I am fearful she could sneak out the bottom. Is there a latch inside? thank you! Great work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Justina! I added a sliding door floor guide- the same type used on interior closet doors- screwed into the porch floor and it keeps the door from "flopping" outward. I also added a magnet latch outside to secure the door shut, but I definitely think an interior latch would be a great addition with a smart little pup!
ReplyDelete