How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

When my sister brought me on to the Topsail Beach condo renovation, she had a laundry list of DIY projects she wanted me to complete. One of them was dressing up the hollow flat doors with moulding panels. She showed me a pin that led to One Life to Love’s DIY beadboard panel doors. After seeing the photo, I knew it would be a great DIY upgrade to make. But, we decided to use real beadboard (instead of beadboard wallpaper) because it had to hold up to the stress of being a rental.

To Begin:

Start by measuring and marking the doors to determine the size of your panels.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Draw lines 5″ in from the top and two sides of your door.  Draw the bottom line  6″ up from the bottom. Finally, leave 5″ between the top and bottom panels.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

When marking your doors, use a pencil and level to draw your lines.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

After we had our panel measurements, Caitlin and I headed to Lowe’s. But, she refused to push me in the cart (party pooper!)

DIY Add Molding Panels Flat Door

We pulled some 4′ x 8′ beadboard panels and took them to the lumber cutting area. We gave the Lowe’s employer our measurements and asked him to cut the boards for us. While he cut our beadboard, Caitlin and I gathered the rest of our supplies.

Materials:

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door Supplies

Instructions:

Assess the condition of your door. If there are chips or dings, you need to fix them before proceeding.

Apply wood putty and allow it to dry.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

After dry, sand the putty smooth.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Time to apply the beadboard panels. Squeeze construction glue onto the back of the beadboard panels.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Set the panels on the door and double check the level and plumb of the panel.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Press the panel firmly to spread the glue. Use the finish nailer to secure the panel around the perimeter.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the lower panel next.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

To trim the panel, measure and cut your trim molding to fit around the panel.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Set your top piece in place and secure it with the finish nailer.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Set the side pieces in place. Use painter’s tape to hold the corners tightly. Use more tape to secure the side piece if necessary.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the side molding with finish nails.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the opposite side and the bottom molding pieces. Putty the nail holes and caulk the seams. Then prime and paint the doors.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Ooolala. How about that transformation?!

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

The newly paneled doors make a huge difference in the look of the condo.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

It’s all in the details.

How to Add Panels to Flat Hollow Core Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Like what you see? Take the tour of the entire Topsail Beach Condo Renovation for more upgrade ideas.

PHGFancySign

 

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How to Add Molding Panels to a Flat Door | Pretty Handy Girl

118 replies
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  1. Jen
    Jen says:

    Did you paint the door frame too? You didn’t find that between the paint on the door and the paint on the frame it was too tight when closing the door?

    Reply

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