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Old 08-23-2010, 08:47 PM   #1
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internal wood door warping

Hi there. when i made new cupboard doors the pantry was made from 1/2 inch plywood for weight reasons. it was slightly warped but not too bad. i had one leak day but didn't notice anything unusual. Now Ive noticed that the door warp is getting worse. it's so warped now i can hardly keep the door shut and it often pops open on the road. So, i need to replace it and when i do can i still use the 1/2 inch plywood? or could that be the problem, too thin? i dont 'know' wood very well. i suspect even the heat may be warping it. thoughts anyone?
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Old 08-23-2010, 08:56 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by cyndi H View Post
Now Ive noticed that the door warp is getting worse. thoughts anyone?
Cyndi,

You may be able to salvage your door.

1st - take the door off and place it flat on a clean surface, protected by cloth. Cover the door with another piece of wood and then weight the door - as much as you can put on 50+lbs minimum.

Wait a few days and check to see if it worked.

2nd - If that didn't work then soak the door for a couple of hours and repeat step one. Leave the weight on for a longer period.

3rd - If that didn't work you may have to make a new door. 1/2 inch ply should work but be sure to get marine grade or at least exterior grade ply. You door was probably made from interior play for cost reasons...

Good luck,
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Old 08-23-2010, 09:27 PM   #3
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Thats a great idea! thanks. If it works will it warp again from heat or condensation?
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Cyndi,

You may be able to salvage your door.

1st - take the door off and place it flat on a clean surface, protected by cloth. Cover the door with another piece of wood and then weight the door - as much as you can put on 50+lbs minimum.

Wait a few days and check to see if it worked.

2nd - If that didn't work then soak the door for a couple of hours and repeat step one. Leave the weight on for a longer period.

3rd - If that didn't work you may have to make a new door. 1/2 inch ply should work but be sure to get marine grade or at least exterior grade ply. You door was probably made from interior play for cost reasons...

Good luck,
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Old 08-23-2010, 09:33 PM   #4
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BTW, i noticed your lovely custom spare tire cover and was thinking you may want a matching air freshener...............
BlueQ Cat Butts Products
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Old 08-24-2010, 12:11 PM   #5
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BTW, i noticed your lovely custom spare tire cover and was thinking you may want a matching air freshener...............
BlueQ Cat Butts Products
. Don't know that I'd buy one but knowing they are there is enough.

On the door - To minimize warping you need to seal the wood really well. A penetrating sealer and a few coats of paint would do the trick.

I had second thoughts on soaking the door - It could de-laminate if it is interior ply. Check with a cabinet shop for ideas on straightening it if the weight doesn't work. They will be able to give you ideas on finishes and sealers, too.

Thanks again for the web-page!
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Old 08-24-2010, 12:40 PM   #6
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The tall bathroom door in my 17' has a narrow piece of vertical V shaped metal stiffener bar screwed onto the inside side to prevent warpage (a factory fitting I believe).
Maybe utilizing something like that could help your door to keep it's shape?
Alternately, if you opt to replace the door, using something like that could enable you to use lighter weight material on the door.
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Old 08-24-2010, 02:10 PM   #7
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I love that site! i will try the dry press. i wonder if it will warp again though? is it moisture or heat that causes warping or both? It may be too late to seal as it was primed and painted already. test press today
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Old 08-24-2010, 02:11 PM   #8
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That is a good idea! i have leftover metal trim i will try as well. Thanks
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Old 08-24-2010, 07:18 PM   #9
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Cyndi it is usually moisture that will cause it to warp.
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Old 08-24-2010, 08:00 PM   #10
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Ok. well there is no more moisture knock on wood
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