DIY Network

1912 Craftsman Bungalow: Windows and Door Restorations A screen door and window restoration helps an LA couple enjoy the cool California nights. From "Restoration Realities" episode DRTR-208

Restoration Realities visits Los Angeles, California, and the1912 craftsman bungalow home of Heather Ferguson and David Chiu. For this renovation, two projects are on the agenda: (1) replace the metal security door with a more period-appropriate screen door, and (2) weatherproof some newly restored windows.

The project house: a 1912 craftsman bungalow in Los Angeles, California.

Homeowners David Chiu and Heather Ferguson.

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	The house at the time it was purchased by David and Heather.

Project Background: 1912 Craftsman Bungalow -- Windows and Door Restorations

Heather Ferguson, a graphic designer in Los Angeles, and her actor husband David Chiu, were newlyweds when they set out to tackle not just home ownership but a major restoration. The couple was tired of renting and wanted to own an old fixer-upper. Be careful for what you wish for, as the saying goes, because Heather and David got just that in the form of a 1912 arts-and-crafts bungalow.

At the time that they purchased it, the house that was nearly on its last leg--covered in asbestos tile and half falling down. But such as it was, it was right in their price range. Undeterred by the amount of work and inexperienced in it as well, the couple launched into a major restoration. Their hard work prevailed and the once derelict house has regained its dignity and charm. As a result of all the new things they learned, Heather and David have created a terrific website documenting their progress and experiences: www.1912Bungalow.com.

At the outset of this particular project, the exterior restoration on the house is essentially complete save for a heavy and unsightly iron-bar security door that needs to be replaced. Restoration Realities shows up to help remove the iron door and craft a period-appropriate screen door made with a frame of Douglas fir. Also, as many home restoration enthusiasts know all too well, old windows--minus their decades of caulk and multiple layers of paint--may no longer fit tightly in their casings, and the result can be drafty. Our restoration experts help this couple add weather stripping to their traditional and newly restored windows to help keep out the cold on those drafty California nights.

Project #1: Replicate a Craftsman Style Screen Door

The entry door is a large oak door made in the arts and crafts style, but the original screen has long gone missing. What is there is a rather unsightly metal security door with equally unsightly hardware. Their process of discovery includes determining what would be appropriate for this style entry. Heather and David have already done some research and found a period door that is similar to what they feel would be right for their house. Our restoration specialists examine photos of their choice, and work gets underway on creating a replica that will be a visual complement to the house.

Stripping the windows of multiple coats of paint has left gaps that let cold air in.

Project #2: Weatherproof Newly Restored Windows

As most old-house homeowners know, years of caulk and painted weather stripping may not look appealing, and may keep old windows from opening, but they also may unwanted drafts out. For the hearty who decide they'll strip off those years of paint and peel away the caulk and old weather stripping to make their windows work, what can be done to "fill the gaps" left by their restoration? Heather and David did exactly this and are very proud that their windows now work and are completely stripped and stained. But the cool evening California breeze flows through gaps that, in some cases, are nearly a half inch wide. After all their hard work restoring the windows to their original beauty, they would like to find and install a period appropriate solution to their weather proofing challenge.

	David and Chris installing the newly recreated screen door.
	Heather, wearing appropriate eye protection, learns some of the basics of using power tools to cut wood.

Tools (for both projects):

10" table saw (contractor style or larger)
10" or12" sliding compound miter saw
reciprocating saw and blades
chisel mortiser
3/4" hp router and fence
1/2" dado bit
air compressor and hoses
extension cords
framing square
4' level
cordless drill and bits
drill guide
pneumatic nailer
micro-pin nailer
orbital sander
locking pliers
wood chisels
mallet
finish hammer
nail punch

Materials (for both projects):

3/4" fir stock
3/4" fir cove mold
18 gauge finish nails
sanding disks for orbital sander
sandpaper, various grits
brush pile weather-stripping
wood filler
screen door
bulb seal or neoprene door sweep
window glazing compound
push points

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