Jungle Doors

Materials:

• Hollow-core door
• Roll of caning, 24 inches wide (Van Dyke Restorer's catalog)
• Scissors
• Glue roller
• All-purpose Topbond adhesive
• Straight tree branches 1-1/2 inch diameter (Loose Ends catalog)
• Electric or hand saw
• Drill
• 2-1/2 inch wood screws
• Split bamboo halves, 4-inch diameter (Loose Ends catalog)
• Universal tint, brown
• Polyurethane
• Paintbrush
• Rags
• Braided nylon rope, 1/2-inch diameter
• Hot glue gun
• Mask
• Rubber gloves

1. Using scissors, cut a piece of caning the length of the door.

2. Apply Topbond adhesive generously to the back of the caning with a roller or paintbrush. Wait 30 minutes until the glue is tacky. Use adhesive in a well-ventilated area. Wear a mask and rubber gloves for protection.

3. Adhere the pre-glued caning to the door, smoothing out air bubbles with a glue roller.

4. Cut as many branches as needed for two rows around the perimeter of the door. Be sure to mark the location of door knobs or other obstructions and cut notches to accommodate them. Attach the branches to the door with wood screws after pre-drilling holes.

5. Cut one piece of split bamboo to fit snugly across the door between the rows of branches. Cut notches in the inner rows of branches and miter the corners of the bamboo for a close fit. Pre-drill pilot holes in the branches and bamboo. Screw them to the door.

6. Add brown universal tint to a small container of polyurethane. Apply the finish to the caning a little at a time with a paintbrush. Wipe off immediately with a rag to produce an antiqued look. Repeat for deeper color.

7. Cut enough braided nylon rope to fit around the inside of the panels. Melt the ends of the rope with a match or lighter to prevent fraying. Hot glue it to the panel. The rope will hide gaps between the branches, bamboo and caning.