Hidden or secret door?

Question

My family and I just broke ground on a new house. I plan on painting a mural on one wall and hiding a door in a painting of a tree. I know there is a way to make a sercret door, but all I'm finding on the internet right now are ones hidden by being a bookcase, which obviously wouldn't work for what I want. Any tips (or preferably step by step instructions) to make a door the way I want it?

Okay guys, I acknowledge that there are seems, that's kinda a duh there, you know? But I know there's a way to not have a doorknob sticking out of my tree too.

I can't ask the builder to do it, it's in the contract that I will finish my part of the house. They're putting the walls, wiring, and plumbing in and then I get to go to town.

You'd be amazed what a competent Jane of all trades can do with enough information. My problem is I don't seem to be looking in the rights places for the information. That's why I can here.

Answer 1

A push latch may help.

Have you seen a latch,like on glass stereo enclosure doors.
You push on the door and release,the door opens,you shut the
door and a magnet holds it in position.
Also used on cabinets.If you are really sharp you can make a set up with a remote control to open the door.
There are a half a dozen ways to handle this project,but all
require a lot of skill, patience, & precision.

Answer 2

Well depending on what's going to be on the other side of this door or how often it will be used I would suggest making your own odd shaped door for the best unnoticed look. EX: Cut out the door in a slightly irregular shape like the trunk of the tree. Mount it so that it opens in so you can hide the hardware and hinges. Have you thought to make parts of this mural 3-D? That may be your best option yet. Or you could try installing a pocket door if you plan on being detailed enough with your painting skills this should be quite unnoticeable as well. If this door is going to receive a lot of use and you have no doorknob I highly suggest using enamel paint so you can clean it easier and the paint will be more durable too! Hope I was helpful.

I really like that you have chosen to do something as creative as this and wish you well with your project!

PS It would be great to see what you end up with!

Answer 3

You need to work some textures into your artwork probably. If you hide the seams of the door in the textures, it should be pretty well hidden. The catch and everything needs to be a natural looking artistic part of the door. So maybe you could use some type of molding on the tree trunks bark or something.

Answer 4

It can be done,but not really a project for a DIYer
You say that you just broke ground on a new house?
I would suggest asking one of the finish carpenters to build/install the hidden door for you.
They will have all the proper tools and materials already on site.
You may want to mention it to the framing carpenter early on in the building of the house,so he can frame an opening for the hidden door.
Most finish carpenters would be happy to tackle a project like this.
And a good job will easily be hidden by your mural.
Good Luck!

Answer 5

You have to deal with the seems of the door that is why a bookcase works so well. maybe you can use fering strips or some kind of plant arrangement to help hide the seems.

Answer 6

with a thin enough seem, painting the right kind of trees with straight lines(not perfectly straight) will camo. the seems not much else u can do without getting technical.

Answer 7

put a door on that wall and paint the door like the tree thats all i can say for you to do

Answer 8

I'm not sure how to do it, but I think the technique is called "Trompe L'Oeil." You could try going to a home decorating site like, Debbie Travis Painted House or try your local library or paint store.

Answer 9

Why dont you ask scooby doo?