Seeking Help On Possible Change Of Doorway

[Metal Head]

Hi,

Nine years ago, the wife bought the house (that we live in) with the ex. Prior to me moving in with the wife 3 years ago, there was a set of bifold louver wooden doors that were taken out (and will never be put back in). So the first image shows how it looks earlier on today.

I sanded it down and put on only a first coat on most of the wood when I had a brain wave. I decided it would look nicer if I was able to do away with the middle raised area’s all around the frame, that were there for the doors. Given that it is a weatherboard, the top area wouldn’t be a load bearing would it?.

Attachment 42641

The next picture shows me having levered off the top and right hand side packers.

Attachment 42646

The next picture shows you a better close up of the packers on the left hand side.

Attachment 42647

The picture below shows the packers on the right hand side having been removed.

Attachment 42648

The next picture shows the middle top piece having been levered out slightly revealing that there is a gap under it. The idea I have is to do away with pieces A & 1 and replace it with a piece of wood the same width as E. As regards B & C, I think B is nailed to C so I will lever that off and leave just C or get a piece like B but the same width as C. I will then use wider architraves.

Attachment 42649

Does anyone here use MDF architraves (and skirting boards) instead of wooden ones?. I thought given the smoother surfaces that the painting of them would look nicer?.

I would appreciate any feedback as to whether I am on the right track or doomed for disaster. I apologize if I have made it hard to understand.

Btw, can you upload a WORD document (that contains images) into the message box?.

THANKS FELDER - I DID IT FIRST TIME .

IT CERTAINLY MAKES IT EASIER FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND WITH THE IMAGES WITHIN THE TEXT.

Cheers
MH

[OBBob]

My guess is you'll get a bit of oposition to mdf for that pupose here. However I have seen both architraves and skirts that looked pretty good. They need to be sealed properly and it you can use oil based paint they come up very nicely.

Probably a lot softer on the corners etc. so that may be a concern?

[Metal Head]

My guess is you'll get a bit of oposition to mdf for that pupose here. However I have seen both architraves and skirts that looked pretty good. They need to be sealed properly and it you can use oil based paint they come up very nicely.

Probably a lot softer on the corners etc. so that may be a concern?

Hi Bob,

The items are inside our house so there won't be any opposition. The skirting boards in most of the house are made of MDF and a quarter of the house is asbestos - I suppose most people here would call it a death trap including your good self?. If this stuff is so deadly, why is it sold in so many shops e.g. art stores. Bunnings sell craftwork made of it. Why is it still used in the construction of houses?.

Btw, I think I will use MDF as you say Bob it live a great finish in oil. I may yet spray them for the mirror finish.

Cheers
MH

[Studley 2436]

My understanding is that Asbestos in your home isn't any real risk provided it is undisturbed. If you do stuff to it dust can be released. I don't believe there has been any sold since the 1980's.

The nice thing with MDF is it is stable doesn't twist or warp or flex. It is moderately heavy but is easy to work. Just screw it together no drilling required. So useful in all sorts of ways.

Paint over the top and who will know, mind you watch for the dust as it is full of nasty chemicals dust mask is highly recommended when you are sawing it for instance.

Studley