Pictures please.

You could router profile out of rails and styles then nail square pieces to hold replacement panel in place. Alternately you can router profile out on one side,install new panel and secure with close to same ogee molding.

It would be a lot of work for something that is probably not going to look right at the end. The ratios of widths among the rails, stiles, and panels is likely to be off after this surgery. I'd replace the doors with something designed from the start to look like what you want.

Are these doors original to the house?

You can probably sell those 6-panel doors and buy two new shaker doors with the proceeds (or you could go hollow core, which is a definite downgrade, and buy all six)

Sorry to just post a picture… we’re remodeling this house on the coast, a few hours away. They are the originals. My husband is leaning toward buying all new solid (expensive!) doors because he agrees with rwiegand. I was hoping to save a little because we are redoing everything, including the dock. Thanks for any feedback!

I thought you (know you did) asked how present doors could be transformed but I didn't see where you asked if you should do it. "Buy new" is the standard answer from those that don't know how anytime people ask how to repair something.

We’re doing everything in the house ourselves so we aren’t afraid of a project!!

I would use water putty or some other wood filler to fill in the indented portions to create a door that appears to have a solid surface. Then add additional molding to create a shaker panel design. Finally, paint or stain for desired look.

That's an extremely nice looking door, but I really don't think you can do anything to it that will make it look "craftsman". Square profiles and flat panels will only get you part of the way there. Correcting the proportions is where the work comes in. Perhaps you can move them to another part of the house and get or make new doors for the more public parts of your house?

With all respect to klem1, really transforming these doors would require moving and re-sizing the horizontal elements, thinning the central vertical element, and making all new panels. That's something I certainly would know how to do, however after you factor in the amount of work required to disassemble the door to re-use the wood there would really be no point to it. Saving the cost of the ~20 bf of lumber that you could recycle from the old door at the expense of probably at least 20 hours of work (I always underestimate time) just doesn't make sense. Making a new door from scratch would be a lot faster and easier-- except that I'd undoubtedly further complicate the project by adding Greene & Greene style cloud lifts and ebony accents.

Is your house a craftsman from the period?

The doors you already have are quality type doors and they are beautiful. I would not change them.

After seeing those doors, you would be nuts to replace them. They are gorgeous! You couldn't get like quality without spending a huge amount of money, as in 3K minimum per door, with you doing all the work.

Cpartist, the house is craftsman style, east coast cottage/bungalow, with wide front porch, low pitched roof lines, exposed ceiling beams, thick moldings and trim, and tons of woodwork throughout (we researched and found that the wood is cypress from the builder's property - decades ago). Pecky cypress too. She was quite neglected when we found her, and we are keeping/using every piece of the wood. Yes, the original 6 panel doors are beautiful and traditional. The doors are for the bedrooms, closets, and bathrooms. We just want the doors to be true to the style of the house in the remodeling of our forever home.

" We just want the doors to be true to the style of the house in the remodeling of our forever home. "

Buy the shaker style doors then. You will spend more money and time attempting to make those doors "shaker" than it would be to by the new ones. And you would still have a six panel door which are not shaker style at all.

I think you'd want to stick with the heavier Craftsman look using darker, more interestingly figured woods with flat panels on both sides rather than the lighter, plainer Shaker style with the panel raised on the back side.

You will never improve on the originals. Most homes of the era were not "pure" in design, any more than today's are.

Cpartist, the house is craftsman style, east coast cottage/bungalow, with wide front porch, low pitched roof lines, exposed ceiling beams, thick moldings and trim, and tons of woodwork throughout (we researched and found that the wood is cypress from the builder's property - decades ago). Pecky cypress too. She was quite neglected when we found her, and we are keeping/using every piece of the wood. Yes, the original 6 panel doors are beautiful and traditional. The doors are for the bedrooms, closets, and bathrooms. We just want the doors to be true to the style of the house in the remodeling of our forever home.

Those are just as true to the house as a shaker style door. My 1898 house had different doors upstairs from downstairs. In fact upstairs there were also 2 different original style doors.

All your doors need are glass knobs.

I absolutely agree with the comment "just buy a new one". When it comes to refreshing an old door, purchasing a new one can often be a more practical choice. ukoakdoors offers oak fire doors that combine durability, style, and enhanced safety. Investing in a new door can provide improved aesthetics, functionality, and security. Consider factors like size, style, and building regulations when selecting a new door. With a range of options available, ukoakdoors can help you find the right oak fire door to suit your needs. Prioritize safety, aesthetics, and longevity by opting for a new door from a reputable supplier.

LMAO ^^^^^^ or instead of three days worth of labor and supplies, but a new shaker panel door.

After much consideration (and helpful comments here!), we decided to keep the original doors. Thanks everyone!