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Suggested wood choice for building a porch screen door ?

778 Views 19 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  Knockonit
We have a screened porch that a previous owner had built. The structure and roof were done well but their choice for the screen door was a cheapo PVC thing with plastic spring hinges that can be found at the orange and blue big box stores. We want to replace this door with a screen door hung from barn door hardware so that we have more usable floor space inside the porch or outside on the deck. I can't find any place that stocks a door wide enough for this, so I'm going to build one. My problem at this point is figuring out which wood to use (that I can get).

It's going to be painted. I figured douglas fir would be a good choice, but I can't find anyone around that sells it (central Virginia). I need a wood that will hold up in hot sun, rain, humidity, and occaisional snow. Will clear pine hold up if primed and painted? Any other suggestions suited for outdoors that will sand and take paint easily?

Being hung as a barn door, I don't expect to worry about it sagging. I figure I will just use pocket hole joinery, plug the holes, sand, and paint. I'll also be installing a doggie door in a lower panel.
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well, since you have a "Franken" shop, you could build her a "Franken Door" and keep it out of sight until it's done. Then, install it as a "gag" - taking into consideration that she has a sense of humor. (or, it could turn out bad).
Fixture Wood Door Wood stain Rectangle


But, in all seriousness, my Dad made a screen door for our 1960 Homestead using Douglas Fir and it still stands today. The bottom had 1/2" hardware cloth on top of the screen as we had dogs that would push the door open. The hardware cloth is good insurance on any screen door. (OR- the ornamental aluminum sheet from the Box Store). As for the "sliding barn door style", I'm having a hard time envisioning that in my mind - never seen it before as a porch screen door that may be used a lot.
When you get it laid out on paper, could you share your sketch, drawing or sample photo with us ??
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