Give Plain Interior Doors A Trendy Refresh With A Chic DIY Panel Design

If you feel like your interior doors are lackluster, refreshing them with a visual upgrade is easier than you think. Natural wood tones are back on top –- and this chic DIY is the perfect way to try out the organic look. After all, wood is a warm trend that will never go out of style. No matter the state of your current doors, you can make them look brand-new by following a few simple steps. Learn how to instantly revive your home by giving your interior doors a stunning, affordable panel makeover.

The first step is to get real walnut plywood panels. You may find large format versions at your local hardware store, or you can cover your door with smaller panels like these Proflex Walnut Plywood Sheets. You can adhere the plywood panels using strong adhesives like the Bellisinno Construction Adhesive. For additional support, use short finish nails. Next, stain the plywood in your desired shade. Try the DWIL Water Based Wood Stain for a low-odor option. If you want to add a chic finishing touch, try adhering trim pieces to create the appearance of high-end panel molding.

There are several ways to create your own variation of this DIY. If your door is already made of solid wood, consider stripping the paint and revealing the hardwood underneath. Start with a paint stripper solution like the Smart 'n Easy Paint & Varnish Remover Gel. After letting the paint dissolver sit, based on the instructions of your selected solution, scrape away the peeling paint. Once the door is clean and dry, you can sand down the surface to prepare it for staining or polishing. You don't want to leave the surface raw, as it will be susceptible to cracking and swelling. Try the Tried & True Original Wood Finish with a linseed oil and beeswax blend. 

When it comes to adding wainscoting or panel molding, there are a few different routes you can take. Rather than covering your entire door in plywood, you can simply cut out decorative panels and adhere them to the top and bottom halves of your door. You could alternatively use plywood to mimic a barn-style door by creating a border and several evenly spaced strips adhered horizontally. If you're handy with power tools, you could give old interior doors a glow up with a sophisticated DIY ladder design. And, if your old wooden door is starting to look bent or distorted, don't fret! There are five easy ways to restore your warped door.