Repairs: joinery, doors and kitchens

Problem 10: Split panels (doors)

Split panels frequently occur – often because the paintwork applied around the door's beads or panels effectively glued the edges of the panel into the frame, preventing it from moving across the grain with changes in temperature and humidity.

Solution 1

One option is to carefully tap in a slightly tapered fillet of timber and planing it flush with the original panel. A neat finish can be achieved if glue is used to secure it (or possibly use an epoxy 2-pack to fill in any gaps that were missed due to an irregular split).

A side rebate plane – a reasonably specialist joiner's tool – or modern electrical router run along a bead can be used to straighten up any uneven splits so that timber fillets can be inserted neatly.

Solution 2

In severe cases, where timber beads have been applied around the field or opening to secure the panels instead of using a moulding cut into the door itself, it may be necessary to split out the beads, recramp the panel that has split, then glue the edges back together before supplying new beads to resecure it (unless the old beads can be very carefully salvaged).

Modern routers can create a variety of moulded finishes, so it should be possible to closely replicate the original in most cases.

COST SEQUENCE - Repair to split panel or fileding panel timber door

  1. Repair assumes a single panel is being repaired over a maximum length of 1m. The panels are assumed to be fielded/have bevelled edges inserted into the frame.
  2. Carefully rake out split to panel using electrical router or splitting tool to multi-plane to provide straight edges to the split.
  3. Prepare timber fillet to match the opening width. Slightly taper fillet in section.
  4. Insert fillet to crack and tap into place setting in PVA glue.
  5. Flush timber fillet to face of panel and across a fielded bevel.
  6. Bring forward panel surface and allow for 1 primer, 2 undercoats and 1 top coat to match original finish.

Repair to split panel of fielded panel timber door - COST £145

Small works pricing

Since the original price estimating in 2008 the economic turmoil of the last few years has caused some disparities in pricing - if you are reviewing these figures in the London area they may look laughable - if you are located in Hull they might still look a bit expensive. Please treat them with caution and of course always consider obtaining more than one quote against which to test prices. Reference to the BCIS or a small works pricing book such as Spons or Laxton's will help assess costs and the hourly labour rates upon which they are based.