Help! How do I fix this hole in my door?

Question

There's got to be a way. I live in an apartment and we try to keep it nice to get our outrageous deposit back,but sometimes sh*t happens,like my boyfriend punching a hole in the closet door. I'm gonna try to fix it!
It's an interior door,so its made of that cheap stuff you usually see,but I don't know what it's called. It looks like it's two maybe 1/4-inch-thick layers of plywood? I don't think it has anything in the middle. The hole is only through one side,and the way it caved in makes it so I can't pull the material back level with the rest of the door. I can't pull it at all. I thought about cutting a tiny piece out on the edge of the hole so I can get behind it and push it out,maybe fill it with something so it'll stay and then glue it all back,but I don't have anything strong enough to cut through that material. What I do have is any kind of glue you can imagine(craft stuff)and other household materials. I can't afford the paint they used,but it's all still there in chips!

I just need to make it look good for when we move out; we're going to need that deposit money back and we can't afford for them to charge us what they want to fix it,too! Apartments suck don't they? Any tips or suggestions on fixing this are appreciated! Thanks!

I don't blame my bf, we all lose control sometimes! So please don't call him names. Tell me one person that hasn't broken anything in their life! We just need to fix it. = )

Answer 1

Sounds like your door has a couple of lightweight braces on the inside and the outer frame is made of pine or fir about one and a half inches thick. Each side has a piece of veneer plywood that's 1/8 inch thick and glued to the frame.

Although I obviously can't see the extent of damage to the door, I honestly doubt you can repair it to the satisfaction of the landlord. (After all, they usually inspect the premises before returning a security deposit). Anyway, here's what I would suggest: you could try drilling a small hole in the "center" of the damaged area. Then try using a coat hanger with a bent hook on the end, or some other type of tool to insert in the hole. Then try pulling the cracked pieces of wood back to it's original position. If you're careful and lucky, you may be able to pull the entire crushed area back to it's original position. If so, then liberally apply a good wood glue over the area, ensuring you get a good amount of glue into the cracks. Once it dries you should be able to apply a decent amount of pressure to the area without it crumbling or pushing in.
Again, I don't know the extent of damage, but you could then apply a wood filler in "thin" coats over the area where there are cracks, or imperfections. The idea is to re-create a smooth surface that's even and level with the rest of the door. Don't put on a big thick coat, use thin coats and let them dry thoroughly. If there are areas with large or deep spots, you could also try using mastic or other fillers used for sheetrock and apply that in thin coats.
Once everything is built up, sand it smooth and flush. Then apply a good coat or two of paint.
If the damge is too much for this type of repair you're going to have to replace the door altogether. It's possible to get a sheet of 1/8 inch venner plywood and cut it to fit over the entire side of the door; however, issues like using an epoxy glue, door-knob removal, aligning hinges, added door thickness could cause problems with the door closing properly, fitting in the door jamb, etc. You'd be better off buying a new door.
But like you said, it's not the landlord's fault that your bf has a temper and damaged the landlord's property. It's only fair the landlord should be treated right. If the roles were reversed, you would want someone to fix your door to your satisfaction if a renter damaged it.

good luck

Answer 2

The door veneer can probably be fixed with a patch from Home Depot. You cut it slightly larger than the hole, trace the piece onto the door, use an exacto knife to cut a hole exactly the same size as the patch, and then glue it in. You may need to put pieces inside the door under the veneer so the patch doesn't fall through.

Another option is to buy a door skin - not an entire door. You cut it to fit and glue it on. Use clamps to hold it in place.

Buying a whole door means having to mount the hinges and that often means having to chisel out an area so the hinge sits flush. People sometimes mess this up but it isn't really that hard if you measure carefully and work slowly.

Rereading your problem, you might be able to do an alternative fix. Try using a toilet plunger to pull the dent out. Go slow when pressing it on but give it a good tug to let the vacuum pull it out. worth a try. If the final damage is very slight, they may not notice.

Answer 3

If this is a 'woodgrain' look door, your best bet is going to be to replace it. Since this is a closet door... youre probably looking at 24" or 28" wide. You can buy just the door slab, like this, for less than $25 brand new. That's a lot cheaper than you will get charged when the apartment management realizes the door has a hole in it.

These types of doors are made of masonite, with a hollow core. By the time you put the labor into patching the hole, smooth it out, and then try to match the color... you'd be ahead to just get a new door slab. Really.

And make the boyfried replace it - he needs to understand there are consequences for his actions.

Good Luck

Answer 4

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/Kdbkf
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 5

buy a new door if its an interior door its prolly 20 - 30 dollars on sale. make the dunder head pay for it you might even find a used one cheaper at a suplly house

Answer 6

bondo like use for auto body about 5 dollars a can will fix any hole your ****** has made