Front Door Project Completed

Before (L) Stripped (C) Completed (R)

I knew this project would be challenging. I just didn't know how challenging. I am super happy with the end result.

The photo to the left shows the door in its before state. Full of dirt and grime and very dark with seriously messed up lacquer.

The middle shows the door completely stripped. I believe it is oak.

The right pane is the stained, polyurethaned and cleaned finished door.

The stained, polyurethaned and cleaned door.

Here's the completed door in a photo on its own.

I decided on a mahogany stain. I wanted it somewhat red but not as dark as the trim inside the house. I used a rag to do two passes with the stain.

The inside side of the door is definitely a lot darker but it is in good condition and don't feel I need to tackle that.

There are three coats of outdoor polyurethane. It was rainy during the sealing steps so it tool longer to get all three coats on.

Detail of the window panes

The biggest challenge were the 12 panes of glass. There is an inset or gap around each pane of glass. I still don't know how this is achieved. Cleaning up that gap took the most effort and time. I ended up using skewers (basically toothpicks), a toothbrush and several passes to get it out. It isn't perfect but it is definitely much better.

A similar process had to occur when applying the stain and then the polyurethane. I didn't want an accumulation of product or I would be back where it all started.

The windows got a few scratches from my cleanup and I cracked one with the heat gun. I hope to polish them out...the crack is gonna have to be what it is.

One of the most successful DIYs yet

I have envisioned a chalkboard menu board for Juiced Nutrition Uptown using rollerblades for months. I finally got it all pit together today. Have to thank JT and Linda for the rollerblades and Andrew and his dad, Tom, for welding the brackets.

I was able to do some assembly at home and the installation went smoothly (this time around). The first attempt did not go well honestly.

Juiced Nutrition projects

Making benches out of wooden pallets. Thanks to JT for finding two good pallets. I found photos of different examples on Pinterest. None provided instructions. I based mine on a series of photos that used two pallets.

I sawed the pallets on half slat-wise. Stack three halves to form the seat. Used the 'best' half for the seat. I'm still trying to decide about the back. I think I prefer a lower back (the fourth half). It allows more attachment points.

I think I will lightly sand the seat and back so your clothes or skin don't get scratched.

My old wooden-handled hammer lost the battle with the pallet. These things are really put together. You can see the broken handle in the bottom image.


I'm also working on two chalkboard menu signs. I'm using chalkboard paint for the first time. I plan to use pallet slats form the border.