Replace or Refurbish? What to Do with Your Old Interior Doors During a Renovation

When it comes to home renovation, interior doors are often overlooked — but they can make or break the overall design. Homeowners frequently ask themselves whether they should simply repaint and refurbish the old interior doors, or invest in new ones. But is it worth it? While budget considerations usually drive this decision, there are several practical and aesthetic reasons why replacing interior doors is often the smarter long-term solution.

Refurbishing Interior Doors: When Budget Isn’t Everything

At first glance, refinishing interior doors seems like an easy cost-saving fix. But don’t be fooled—what seems affordable can become time-consuming and frustrating. Usually, home renovations, especially when you’re the one doing them, tend to not go according to plan. That’s why your interior door refurbishment DIY project could go sideways. It could turn out to be:

• Labour-intensive – Restoring doors involves sanding, priming, multiple coats of paint, and often minor repairs. It’s rarely a one-day project. Not to mention the fact that the price of materials may seem low, but their quantity will definitely make the bill skyrocket.
  
• Hidden costs – Old doors may have worn finishes, cracks, or warped frames that don’t hold paint well. Plus, the temperature amplitudes might make the primer crack sooner rather than later, which is super annoying and not to mention, costly.
  
• Damage risk during wall painting – During a home remodel, workers usually tape off existing doors to protect them from paint or plaster. Unfortunately, when the tape is removed, it may peel off old paint or damage the door’s surface.
  

Why Interior Designers Recommend New Doors … ALWAYS

Most interior designers advise clients to replace interior doors during a full home makeover. Why? Several reasons actually:

• Unified look – New doors can be selected to match your walls, floors, and furniture, creating a seamless, modern look. That seamless look will differ significantly from the cobbled together mishmash of a design if you choose to stick with the old interior doors and weave them in the new space.
  
• Reliable quality – With new doors, you know exactly what materials and finishes you’re working with. You’re not guessing how old paint or wood will react.
  
• Simplifies the renovation process – You don’t have to worry about preserving or working around outdated elements.
  

There are, however, a number of additional things to take into consideration when you’re weighing in the pros and cons of replacing your interior doors with new ones. The most important ones are as follows:

• Better insulation – Modern interior doors offer improved soundproofing and energy efficiency.
  
• Updated hardware – New locks, handles, and hinges not only look better but function more reliably.
  
• Easier maintenance – Newer surfaces are typically scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant, and much easier to clean.

And even so, when is it refurbishing your old interior doors worth it? If you have solid wood vintage doors in a very good condition, and they fit your interior style, restoration might be a charming and character-rich option for you. Just be prepared for potential challenges and extra effort. Even in that case, getting a hold of experienced professionals might just be the thing to do. That way you will be sure you won’t damage the doors if you take on the project by yourself.

If you’re planning a major home renovation, replacing your interior doors may be a smarter and more future-proof investment than refurbishing. It ensures better functionality, visual harmony, and peace of mind throughout your remodeling journey.

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