New Door is smaller than the old one....

13 years ago

So we recently replaced the front entry door for our house. We couldn't get the same sized door, it was just an inch or so shorter. My husband and father-in-law replaced the door and put up new trim, but my husband didn't account for the difference in height of the door, so the new trim does not cover what the old trim did, which leaves me with the picture I've attached. Changing the trim is not an option. My husband made that very clear. LOL

My FIL suggested and cut a board to cover it, but it's big (it's about the size of 3 of those top trim pieces laid next to each other) and I can't figure out anyway to make it look like it fits. I had thought of cutting the board so it's just big enough to cover the damaged wall area, but again, I cannot think of how to make it look right.

I was debating about just trying to spackle to fix the cracks and such and then sand the layers upon layers of paint to try to make it look better and then repaint over it, but I'm wondering if it will be obvious that's what I did. It would be hard to repair it, since the walls are plaster. Does anyone have any ideas on what I could do? Or do one of my ideas sound decent?

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Comments (5)

olldcan
13 years ago
Spackle will just end up cracking. Here what I'd do; remove the trim and make it even more of a disaster. Invite everyone you know to come see your new door. BTW, it's really nice............tell everyone your handy FIL and Husband installed it. That should get the proper size of trim installed to cover the unfortunate mishap in a jiffy :) don't let the twins do anythings else in the house if they think that this is acceptable.
Jan May
13 years ago
Blimey - they've made a good job of that between them! I would get a carpenter in whilst they are out. I can't see how you can fix it, without starting again.
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PRO
User
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Decorative panel mouldings are a good solution. Just cust to size install and paint. Mount it right above the existing frame and it will look intentional.
atichnell
Original Author
13 years ago
My husband just didn't account for the fact that the trim needed to cover more space. They did a great job installing the door. We are not professional carpenters or designers and we were working with a limited budget. I'm not trying to sound snarky, but I'd appreciate comments that would help me solve the problem not just point out what I already know needs to be fixed.
olldcan
13 years ago
That's exactly what you have received although hard to hear. You've also received a tip so you don't waste time and money. Nobody here has just pointed out that this needs to be fixed. My dear, there is no easy fix to this. It simply needs to be re-done with the proper sized trim, that's it. We all have been there and at one time or another, we'll all screw up again, that's how we learn, from our mistakes. You have a new and very nice door, it should be done right so all involved are proud of there work :)