Frequently I browse the door selection at the Habitat Restore Store and I have brought home several and donated back a few.

Over a year ago Cynthia and I found this solid wood door (painted over) at the Restore Store and managed to haul it home. It is solid and heavy! It sat in the garage for awhile and then outside under plastic and then back in the shop. Finally the time came to do something with it or donate it back. I started scraping off the paint and was pleased at how easy that task was. I then used a belt sander and finally sanded by hand.

I went back to the Restore Store and dug through the box until I came up with 3 large brass hinges. They were painted and took some work to clean up but now look brand new. The old hinges cost $1 each as opposed to $6 to $8 for a new hinge. I have the time so it was worth the effort.

The door is an odd size so I built a custom jam. I then finished the door with a semi-gloss poly in 3 coats.

From the shop I had to lug the heavy thing into the house!

The door now serves as the entry to the Scandic guest room on the main floor and it reminds us of the doors at Chico.

While I saved a few dollars by using an old door, I gained far more in appreciation by repurposing a throw away into a focal point in our home. I find my time well spent in browsing at the Restore Store and I have found many great building parts. Several light fixtures come from there in parts and I have compiled the fixtures to meet our needs. I found 2 great sinks that I have put to use in the basement utility room and outside for a summer garden sink. I regularly sort through the stacks of trim boards and come home with needed items to trim out the house. And I bring lots of material back to the Restore Store to donate as I find it is much better to keep the clutter out of my shop. And if I decide I do need something that I had donated, I just go and buy it or a similar piece back. Works great for me!