How can I reuse or recycle old glazed doors?

We’ve had an email from Sandra:

We’ve replaced some old fashioned doors with glass in them. What can we do with them now?

I’ve got an eBay saved search which looks for cheap big used home/garden stuff in my local area – and there are always doors on there. Most don’t sell for a lot of money but at least they’ll be reused. There is, of course, Freecycle/Freegle too.

I’ve seen old doors – glazed or not – used creatively around gardens and allotments — properly weather-protected, they can be used as fencing and old panelled doors are a lot prettier than garden gates in a shabby chic/secret garden style. There is a path through some allotments near where we walk the dog sometimes; tall box hedging on each side but every now and then there is a fancy old door leading into a plot – very fun.

Depending on the extent/position of the glazing, it may be worth using them for other purposes in the garden too – for example, quite woody doors can be sliced in half lengthways to make planking for raised beds or the like, but doors including more, particularly clear, glass could be incorporated into a greenhouse or used to make a cold frame.

Any other ideas? Particularly any non-garden ideas? I think I’m a bit obsessed with gardens at the moment!

(Photo by clshearin)

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9 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle old glazed doors?”


  1. We are planning to use hollow doors to display work for a recycling exhibition in Merseyside http://abscraft.blogspot.com/2011/01/opportunity-recycling-show-merseyside.html

  2. Bobbie says:

    Turned on it’s side th door shown could be used to display photos or artwork on a wall. The individual panes could each have a picture inside and then either a large one for the panel at the bottom of the door or some decorative painting or even some carvings.

    Hung from a ceiling with hooks mounted on the sides would make a nice big pot rack in the kitchen and the kitchen light could shine through the panes.

    Hang as an inside door between rooms where privacy is not an issue, for example between living and dining rooms.

  3. sarar says:

    I was going to say it it could be used as a feature photo frame too if the glass is clear

  4. Linda says:

    Very cool coffee table top!

    Instant extra outdoor table for BBQ, etc

    Part of child’s playhouse/hut.

    If glass bits are clear -fingerpainting surface for small children.

  5. Bertie says:

    Use a single large clear panes as a basis for a coldframe to over winter plants in

  6. Alice says:

    External doors are made from hardwood, so they’re ideal to use outdoors e.g. on allotments etc because they resist the weather well.

    Could use it as a potting bench, or as one side of a manure or compost bin maybe? You’d just need to nail a bit of wood or something over the glass panels so they don’t smash and leave bits of glass everywhere.

  7. Melinda says:

    Could doors be hinged together to make a screen? The glass could be covered by paint, decoupage, or curtains.

    I knew a carpenter with a genius for reusing what others would throw away. He had some handsome paneled wainscotting in his house that had a former life as doors. Not glassed, though.

    I suppose the door could be cut for its most useful parts- the glass top or the bottom, depending on the project.

  8. tinagleisner says:

    Like the idea of using a door instead of a garden gate. I’ve seen lots of photos using old windows in the garden for hot houses which makes a lot of sense … and on my website, I’m collecting ideas for how to reuse doors & found one so far … a headboard for bed, http://www.hometips4women.com/unique-ways-to-reuse-old-doors

  9. Valeria says:

    Glue mirror paper onto the glass, lean against the wall.



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