The original intent when approached but the Perpetual fund committee was to replace the eleven doors on the Cathedral. After an exploration of the original doors I discovered a very unusual construction method that allowed a restoration of the exterior facing rather than whole new doors.

With original T & G facing cut away

The interior 2 inch Stile & Rail frame (seen above in Purple) is made completely separate from the 1 inch exterior T & G cladding (seen above cut away). This unusual construction allowed removal of the exterior pine facing and a new T & G facing of Oak to be added.

T&G facing being removed from original 2" frame

Some interesting discoveries where uncovered in the difficult removal of the original facing. Fasteners removed from the facing revealed the doors to have been refaced once before around the 1950,s or latter. Evidence of a previous scarfed repair to the bottom rail is visible in the above photo.

New T&G being applied with West System Epoxy

The new Oak T&G facing was applied using West System Marine Epoxy. This water impervious adhesive ensures permanent adhesion in any exterior climate including wood boats afloat in water. It’s my best insurance.

Side doors with new tongue & groove facing

All the original hardware was restored and reused as seen on this finished pair of doors.

West door restored with new Oak T&G Facing

The project was completed in 3 stages to avoid having all 11 doors off the Cathedral at once. This is a single door completed during stage 1 of the restoration.

Temporary plywood closures in place during restoration