This project was built and designed by Josh Wright. It’s a practical and affordable door build that uses construction-grade lumber and standard shop tools to create a clean, strong result for about $35 per door.
By walking through each step of the process, Josh shows how even inexpensive materials can be turned into something functional and visually appealing. This project is a great fit for anyone wanting to build custom doors on a budget while sharpening their joinery and layout skills.
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Laying Out the Project
Josh begins by laying out all of the lumber on the floor, visualizing each piece’s role in the door’s final design. This step helps ensure that nothing is overlooked and allows for quick adjustments before any cutting begins.
He uses standard 2×6 construction lumber for the frame, which is not only easy to source but also keeps the project cost low. As the design evolves, Josh realizes that mixing different widths for horizontal and vertical pieces improves the overall appearance—something that planning ahead makes easy to adapt.
Measuring and Making the Cuts
Once satisfied with the layout, Josh moves to the miter saw to cut each board to length. Precision matters at this stage, especially since the pieces must line up square and tight for the frame to stay flat and solid.
After cross-cutting, the boards are trimmed to width at the table saw. The horizontal pieces are made slightly wider than the vertical stiles for added visual balance and better structural strength. Taking extra time to get these dimensions right sets the tone for the rest of the build.
Tongue and Groove Joinery
Instead of pocket screws or dowels, Josh uses tongue and groove joinery for the door frame. It’s a more traditional approach that offers greater surface area for glue and a cleaner look overall.
Without a dado stack, he makes multiple passes at the table saw to form the grooves and tongues. The grooves are then cleaned up with a chisel to ensure everything seats tightly. Though a bit slower than using specialized equipment, the end result is solid and precise.
Adding a Decorative Radius
To elevate the look of the door, Josh adds a curved radius to the top cross piece. This subtle design detail softens the door’s appearance and gives it a custom feel.
He uses a simple layout technique to mark the arc, then makes the cut and sands the curve smooth. It’s an easy modification that goes a long way toward making the door stand out without much extra work.
Making the Door Panels
With the frame ready, attention turns to the panels that will fill in the middle. Josh cuts thinner strips from leftover lumber, then re-saws them at the table saw to reduce their thickness. This step helps make the panels lighter while still maintaining durability.
He chamfers the long edges of each panel board to add depth and visual interest. Using the table saw to make these angled cuts keeps everything consistent and fast. These details give the finished door texture and dimension without complicating the build.
Final Assembly
Assembling the door is straightforward but requires careful attention to fit. With all the grooves and tongues aligned, Josh begins fitting the parts together—checking for square and tapping everything gently into place.
Thanks to the earlier prep work, the door comes together cleanly. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing the joinery lock in and the door take shape with no gaps or rocking.
Design and Function
The doors are part of a larger project for Josh’s dad, who plans to paint them once installed. While Josh admits he’d prefer a clear wood finish to show off the grain and craftsmanship, the function takes priority.
It’s a good reminder that not every woodworking project needs to be a showpiece—sometimes practical goals lead the design. Even with paint, the doors will be solid, custom-sized, and made by hand.
A Great Project for Skill Building
Josh’s door build is a perfect example of making the most out of budget materials and basic tools. By focusing on layout, joinery, and clean assembly, the final result is just as strong and attractive as something made with more expensive hardwoods.
The use of tongue and groove joints provides a great learning opportunity for newer woodworkers. It’s also a chance to explore how design choices—like width variations and added curves—can elevate a simple project.
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