need input on screen/storm doors

[oldhouseluvr]

We got our double wooden storm doors from Victoriana East. The owner actually came out to the house to take measurements and returned to install the doors when they were finished. We paid about $800 for both, including installation and hardware. We didn't buy the screen inserts, only the plexiglass panels. Here's a picture of our.

[Lynners]

One of the projects that I'm puttering away on is replacing the crappy brown aluminum storm on the front entrance with a salvaged wood one ($2 at an auction ).

It came with two mortise butt hinges, but like the idea of more decorative surface mount spring hinges. Is this doable? Or is the glass + wood combo too heavy for that type of hinge?

In other news, I just realized today that the door is set up for left hand entry, where as right now we have right hand entry. Blerg!

[1880 Stick Victorian]

can't you move the hinges and door knob to the other side and filled the holes with a putty or wood epoxy?

[Lynners]

Unfortunately, since I want to stain, not paint, that's not an option.

I think I decided to put it on the back entrance instead of the front...just means I'll have to deal with the crap tastic brown aluminum door for longer.

[Eden]

Unfortunately, since I want to stain, not paint, that's not an option.

The gel staines cover paint, plastic, nails and leave a beautiful finish on the wood, it all blends in wonderfully. I have always used Bartley gel and it has the finish included, a one step process. You can also buy it in liquid.

[1870 Georgian]

Hello all. Although I've been trolling around this site for the past year or so, this is the first time I've submitted a post. About two years ago I bought a nice old 1870 (or there-a-bouts) classic Georgian farmhouse in West-Central PA. Although it hasn't been maintained well for many years, it hasn't been buggered up too badly either. Anyhow, the side (main) entry has a good old wooden storm door with divided glass insert. The original screen insert is no-where to be found. I've been looking for a screen insert that will fit it at auctions and wherever I see stacks of old doors. The issue took on more urgency earlier this summer when a chipmunk entered my house and started running amok (because I had the door propped open to cool the interior). Low and behold, about two weeks ago I was driving through the center of town and a neighbor had the identical wooden door with both the glass and screen insert sitting on the curb with a 'FREE' sign taped to it! I couldn't pull over fast enough! Though missing the screen and the strips that hold in the screen, the insert was a perfect fit. I took the insert to a local refinishing shop and they stripped it for me for free. Well, I actually traded the stripping work for an old oak dresser I picked up at auction for $5... almost free. I'll be cutting the screen securing strips this weekend and then painting the insert to match the door. There's actually still a local hardware store that will install the screeen (properly stretched and tensioned) for $15. I'm very much looking forward to getting this screen insert installed! So I would say to anyone looking for an insert for their storm door, "Keep looking!". They're out there. Spring clean up day, auctions, architectural salvage... those are all good places to find what you need for your old house! I'm still looking for a Monitor Top refrigerator, farmhouse sink, side-fill clawfoot tub... and the list goes on !

Regards,

Dave

[1880 Stick Victorian]

hey dave... take some pics and post after you get the door installed!