There’s no need to get fancy when it comes to propping open a door, but a wedge of wood is so much nicer than a mood-killing piece of plastic or rubber. Years ago, my mother returned from a trip to London with a traditional English turned oak doorstop made by David Linley, aka “the royal carpenter.” We have used his handiwork daily ever since, so I was delighted to come across its raffish American-made counterpart: a DIY door wedge created by Anna of Annabode & Co. for Home Made by Carmona. May it open doors for you.
Project and photography courtesy of Home Made by Carmona.
Materials
- Piece of wood approximately 1.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches long. Use scrap wood or buy a length of wood, such as Home Depot’s Poplar Hobby Board; $5.34 for three feet (enough to make several doorstops).
- Length of leather, 1/2 inch wide and five inches long. Consider cutting up an old belt.
- Saw. “Use whatever kind of saw you have on hand,” says Anna.
- Sandpaper
- Drill
- Pencil and ruler
- High-gloss white paint
- Minwax Polycrylic, a protective finish.
- Paintbrushes
- One No. 6 brass washer. Home Depot sells five-packs of Brass Finishing Washers for $1.18.
- One No. 6 brass flathead screw. Home Depot sells four-packs of 6 3/4 inch Phillips Flat-Head Wood Screws for $1.18.
Instructions
The Finished Look
Keep creating. Here are three more DIY projects perfect for tackling in a weekend:
- The Shingled House DIY: Easy Burlap Shades (for Less Than $20 Each)
- Rehab Diary: How to Paint Furniture Like an Expert
- 3 DIY Cleaning Recipes for a Happy, Heathy Home
N.B. This post is an update; the original story ran on May 16, 2017.
Frequently asked questions
What materials do I need for the DIY wood and leather doorstop wedge?
You will need a wooden block, leather strip, leather hole punch, leather adhesive, sandpaper, and a saw.
What are the dimensions of the wooden block?
The wooden block should measure approximately 6 inches in length, 4 inches in width, and 2 inches in height.
Where can I obtain the leather strip?
You can purchase a leather strip from a local craft store or an online supplier.
What is the leather hole punch used for?
The leather hole punch is used to create holes in the leather strip for attaching it to the wooden block.
What type of adhesive should I use?
You can use a leather adhesive specifically designed for bonding leather to wood.
How do I shape the wooden block into a wedge?
Using a saw, carefully cut one end of the wooden block at a 45-degree angle to create the wedge shape.
How do I attach the leather strip to the wooden block?
Apply adhesive to one side of the leather strip and press it firmly onto the flat surface of the wooden block.
What should I do to ensure a secure bond between the leather and wood?
To ensure a secure bond, clamp the leather strip to the wooden block and let it dry as per the adhesive's instructions.
Should I sand the wooden block before starting?
Yes, it is recommended to sand the wooden block before starting to ensure a smooth and polished finish.
Can I customize the design or size of the doorstop wedge?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the design or size of the doorstop wedge according to your preference and needs.
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