I'm in a jam...

[fran reisner]

No pun intended (well... actually, yes it was ), but does anyone know of a great place to buy 8' fiberglass or metal doors? I'd prefer one with a decorative window in it, but could live without that. My studio door has been so damaged by the weather we can hardly open it now. Wood does not do well under the small overhang at the front of the studio. I've got to get this fixed and would prefer not to pay $1000 if I can help it. That's what they seem to be running at Home Depot and Lowes.

[photosbymorgan2]

Fran, I do not know of any particular places that carry the metal doors besides Home Depot or Lowes. But if you decide to go with another wooden door, you might check out Old Home Supply here in Fort Worth. They have lots of doors and at pretty decent prices.

[riteflyt]

try tuff shed maybe?? the say there stuff is guaranteed to take the weather, cant hurt to try.

[L Stegall]

There's an architectural salvage place down the street from my office - they have all kinds of stuff, including tons of doors. No telling what's there now - the merchandise is always changing (like someone in HP redid their kitchen recently and all the nice cabinets, counters and even a Sub Zero fridge were there last I looked). The exact name escapes me at the moment - I'll drive by on my way home and look at the sign. It's on Empire Central right off Stemmons.

[fran reisner]

Paul... thanks for the idea, but I've come to understand that in this particular location wood is just not practical. It's not well protected from the elements. I've had it re-planed, sealed, painted numerous times and it just keeps swelling. I'm tired of doing battle with it. I'm looking to replace the front doors of my home too though (purely aesthetic in this case). Do you know if they ever have double wide 8' doors? I'm looking for something unique... maybe iron work and textured glass.

Norm... never though of Tuff Shed. Worth checking. Thanks.

Lisa... did ya get the name??

Thank you all for the ideas!

[photosbymorgan2]

Originally Posted by fran reisner

Paul... thanks for the idea, but I've come to understand that in this particular location wood is just not practical. It's not well protected from the elements. I've had it re-planed, sealed, painted numerous times and it just keeps swelling. I'm tired of doing battle with it. I'm looking to replace the front doors of my home too though (purely aesthetic in this case). Do you know if they ever have double wide 8' doors? I'm looking for something unique... maybe iron work and textured glass.

Norm... never though of Tuff Shed. Worth checking. Thanks.

Lisa... did ya get the name??

Thank you all for the ideas!

I cannot say what all they may have. I just know that they have a bldg with doors, doors and more doors plus some other stuff.

[fran reisner]

I may have to come check them out. Might wait until the FW gathering of TPFers. Or... anybody up for lunch or cocktails in FW?? (Any excuse to gather with my brethren! )

[L Stegall]

I confess, I was working late last night and when I left at nearly 10:00 p.m., it did not cross my mind (plus, I got on 35 instead of going down Empire Central). BUT, I'll look on my way in - and post later.

[L Stegall]

Actually, just looked it up: Discount Home Warehouse, 1758 Empire Central
Dallas, Texas 75235
phone: 214.631.2755

Discount Home Warehouse is located 1.5 miles west of Harry Hines on Empire Central on the south side of the street.

HOURS:
Monday - Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed on Sunday

From their website:
DHW was born from the need for a salvage & used building materials business in Dallas that could address the large amount of demo that takes place and the number of people willing to invest time and energy -- but not money into using salvage.

We knew that savvy customers would buy those items that could be re-used or those that gave just the perfect, unique accent to a home. We have built DHW into a thriving business not only for those customers in Dallas but all over Texas and out of state.

We have been in the salvage business since 1994 and were WINNERS of the 1998 Shopper's Choice Award. We have a loyal customer base and have developed an excellent reputation for honest work and fair prices.

Happy shopping.

[fran reisner]

Thanks Lisa! I'll check them out!

[Bruce M. Morris]

Fran are you looking for the industrial roll type doors or just standard metal garage doors for the studio? As an alternative, could you extend an awning from the building to keep the rain OFF the door area? possibly make it cooler inside the studio too if you have to have the door open for a while..
Aint it wonderful that we can give LOTS of ideas, even if some might not be economical or practical???

[fran reisner]

Great ideas Bruce, and thank you, but I'm looking for a fiberglass or metal entry door. 8' (there's the rub... custom size, and costs a ton more), preferably with a small decorative window.

[fran reisner]

Lisa... FYI, they didn't have the door I'm looking for (I'd never have guessed 8 footers to be so unique) but sounds like they have a lot of cool stuff, and they were VERY friendly. Thanks for the tip.

[Bruce M. Morris]

In case you do have to order the doors, I looked in my local Lowe's and they use a company in Grand Prairie to make all their custom doors. It would seem like going straight to the manufacturer would be a little bit less than going to a distributor. AND installation could be included. Of course all that information is at home instead of here with me...

[L Stegall]

Originally Posted by fran reisner

Lisa... FYI, they didn't have the door I'm looking for (I'd never have guessed 8 footers to be so unique) but sounds like they have a lot of cool stuff, and they were VERY friendly. Thanks for the tip.

Sure, it's one of those places where they MIGHT have one next week. You really have to go and just kick around sometime. I'm currently looking for a 10 ft. narrow interior door to convert an alcove area in to a wine storage/china closet, so I'm poking my head in from time to time. They had some spectacular old doors last I looked (not in a size I need, unfortunately).