How To Fix And Repair A Damaged Hollow Core Door - WikiHow

Home » How To Fix A Broken Door » How To Fix And Repair A Damaged Hollow Core Door - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fix and Repair a Damaged Hollow Core Door PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Barry Zakar and Eric McClure

Last Updated: April 15, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Patching Holes and Cracks
    • |
  • Refinishing the Hollow Core Door
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Barry Zakar and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 19 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,123,322 times.

Hollow core doors are relatively easy to damage, but they’re even easier to fix. Instead of paying for a brand new door and going through the headache of hanging it, simply patch and refinish the damage! In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting your door back into tiptop shape.

Things You Should Know

  • Fill in the hole or opening with paper towels, cardboard, or wire mesh. Then, fill the opening in with expandable foam.
  • Scrape the excess foam off, then use auto-body filler or spackle to patch the damage.
  • Once the filler or spackle dries, sand it down. Paint or stain the repair to blend the repair in.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Patching Holes and Cracks

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cut away any loose or broken wood from around the opening. 1 Cut away any loose or broken wood from around the opening. Depending on how the door was damaged, there may be some loose splinters or fragments around the edges of the hole or crack. Rather than trying to repair these loose pieces, use a utility knife to cut away any damaged wood until you’re left with a clean hole that’s mostly free of rough edges.[1]
    • Always cut away from yourself when working with a utility knife, especially when cutting through something sturdy like wood.
    • You may need to make the hole or crack slightly bigger before you can begin repairing it. It’s much easier to repair a larger hole free from damaged wood than it is to repair a smaller one that’s fragmented or broken, though!
  2. Step 2 Pack the hole... 2 Pack the hole with paper towels, cardboard, or wire mesh. These materials won’t make the door stronger or repair it, but they’re an easy and affordable way to hold the insulation foam in place while it dries. Bunch up a few paper towels or whatever material you’re using and stuff them in the hole or crack.[2]
    • The door isn’t actually 100% hollow. There are a series of diamond-shaped pockets inside the door. If your first bunch of material falls inside the door, keep adding more. You’ll eventually fill the section up.[3]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Fill the hole... 3 Fill the hole with expanding foam insulation. Expanding insulation foam comes in a spray can with a long nozzle on the top. Point the nozzle inside the hole or crack in your door and begin spraying. The foam will expand to fill the space inside the door, with any excess expanding outside the hole through the face of the door.[4]
    • Don’t worry about the foam flowing out of the hole a bit! You’re going to cut the extra off.
    • Look for the “low expansion” or “low rise” foam if you want something a little easier to work with.
  4. Step 4 Leave the insulation foam to dry overnight. 4 Leave the insulation foam to dry overnight. Once the insulation foam has filled in the hole or crack, it needs to cure all the way through before it can be cut or sanded down. It may start drying in as little as 30 minutes, but it’ll take 24 hours to completely cure.[5]
    • Check the instructions on your own brand of insulation foam for more guidance on how long it will take to dry. Some foams may require longer drying times.
  5. Step 5 Trim away the excess foam carefully with a utility knife. 5 Trim away the excess foam carefully with a utility knife. Position your utility knife slightly above any protruding insulation foam so that it is flush with the face of the door. Gently run the knife down the face of the door to cut away any excess foam. Continue trimming and shaving the foam until you’re flush with the face of the door, or slightly below it.[6]
    • If it gets difficult to trim the foam near the face of the door with your utility knife, switch to a razor blade.
    • Don’t worry if you remove a little too much foam. You’re going to fill it in.
  6. Step 6 Apply a layer... 6 Apply a layer of auto-body filler for a strong repair. Mix the 2 parts of an auto-body filler together on a sheet of cardboard to activate it. Spread the mixture over the hole in your door with a putty knife. Use the edge of a putty knife to smear and press the mixture over the hole, filling in any gaps to make it flush with the door.[7]
    • Auto-body filler is a compound that will give you a very strong door, but it can be quite difficult to work with. It will normally come packaged with a hardening catalyst designed specifically to activate it.
    • Some auto-body fillers do not need to be mixed.
  7. Step 7 Cover the hole... 7 Cover the hole with spackle for a quicker fix. If you don't have auto-body filler, you can use spackle (joint compound) instead. Use a putty knife to scoop out some spackle and spread it over the hole in your door. Work in long, smooth strokes to smear the spackle over the door as smoothly and evenly as possible.[8]
    • Spackle is readily available, affordable, and very easy to work with. This repair won’t last decades the way auto-body filler will, but this will 100% get the job done.
    • If you don’t have spackle or auto-body filler, you can use wood filler instead.
  8. Step 8 Wait 24 hours for the surface to completely cure. 8 Wait 24 hours for the surface to completely cure. Spackle and auto-body filler compound start to dry relatively quickly, but both materials take a long time to cure completely. Wait at least one day for the filler or compound to become rock solid if you want the best repair possible.[9]
    • Check the instructions on your spackle or auto-body filler compound for more information on how long it will take to dry.
  9. Step 9 Sand down the surface of the repair. 9 Sand down the surface of the repair. Buy a set of sandpaper sheets and start around 100- to 120-grit. Begin sanding down your repair compound. Then, work your way up to 220-grit. Sand off the spackle or auto-body filter until it is level with the surface of the door and it looks flat.[10]
    • Repeat this entire process for each hole or crack on the door.
    10. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Refinishing the Hollow Core Door

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Remove any hardware... 1 Remove any hardware or hinges if you’re refinishing the entire door. It's best to paint or stain the entire door to achieve an even finish, rather than only painting or staining the area you repaired. Use a screwdriver to remove the hardware from the door. You might need to remove the doorknob, hinges, or a strike plate near the base of the door.
    • If you only want to paint or stain the repair, that’s totally fine. It may stand out a bit but if it’s not a commonly used door or it’s in an inconspicuous area, that may not be a big deal.
    • If you want to remove the door from its hinges entirely, you can do that as well.
    • Alternatively, you could use painter’s tape to tape off areas you don’t want to paint over.
  2. Step 2 Find paint or... 2 Find paint or wood stain that matches the color of your door. Choosing the right color of paint or wood stain will make sure that the repaired door matches the rest of the doors in your home. Ask an employee at your local hardware store for some paint or wood stain samples or ask for help in choosing the right paint or choosing the right stain to match the color of your door.[11]
    • If you can, bring in a sample of the door to help match it—such as a piece of the door you cut away when first repairing it.
  3. Step 3 Apply an even coat of paint or wood stain to the entire door. 3 Apply an even coat of paint or wood stain to the entire door. Use a broad, all-purpose paintbrush or a foam paint roller to apply a single coat of paint or wood stain to the door. Paint or stain any grooves or panels first, then paint long, even strokes over the rest of the door to avoid leaving visible lines.[12]
    • If you’re worried about making a mess, lay down a drop cloth or some old newspaper underneath the door before you begin painting.
  4. Step 4 Leave the door to dry for 24 hours. 4 Leave the door to dry for 24 hours. Once you’ve applied the first coat, allow the door to dry for 24 hours so that you can see how the color cures into the wood and the repair. Even slight contact with the door can damage the finished look, so make sure everyone who might come in contact with it knows that it is still wet.[13]
    • Check the instructions on your chosen paint or stain for more information on the expected time it takes for it to dry.
  5. Step 5 Apply a second coat of paint or wood stain if necessary and let it dry. 5 Apply a second coat of paint or wood stain if necessary and let it dry. Each coat that you apply to the door will darken the color slightly and improve the look overall. Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat to help obscure any imperfections visible from the first coat. Leave it to dry for another 24 hours before reinstalling the hardware.[14]
    • Many interior paints and stains will take several days to cure completely. Be careful with your repaired door for 1 week after painting it to avoid damaging your coat of paint.
    • You can apply as many coats of paint or stain as you want, but 2 or 3 coats will normally be plenty to make your door look fantastic.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Should I fix my door or replace it? Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Expert Answer Most hollow core doors are fairly inexpensive and esasy to replace. If the hole in your door is large, just go ahead and replace the door. However, for a small hole, you may be able to patch it with spackle, and then sand and repaint it to match. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
  • Question Can you patch a hollow core door? Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. Barry Zakar Barry Zakar Handyman Expert Answer Yes, you can patch a hollow core door! For a quick fix, apply spackle over the area you need to patch. Then, sand it down. To hide the patch, paint or stain the door. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • If the hole in your door is larger than 6 inches (15 cm) or so, it may be easier to simply replace the entire door. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Video

Things You’ll Need

  • Utility knife
  • Paper towels, cardboard, or wire mesh
  • Expanding insulation foam
  • Auto-body filler or spackle
  • Putty knife
  • Sandpaper sheets
  • Paint or wood stain
  • All-purpose paintbrush or paint roller

You Might Also Like

Fix a Hole in a DoorHow toFix a Hole in a Door Repair a Door Frame5 Ways to Fix a Broken Door Frame Fix a Hole in Your DeskHow toFix a Hole in Your Desk Fill Large Holes in WoodHow to Fill Large Holes & Gaps in Wood like a Pro: A Step-By-Step Guide Use a Wood FillerHow to Use Wood Hole Filler Paint a Screen DoorHow toPaint a Screen Door Replace a Door FrameHow toReplace a Door Frame Repair Holes in DrywallHow to Fix a Hole in Drywall: Filling Nail Holes, Patching Large Holes & More Repair Holes in Drywall With SpackleHow to Repair Holes and Cracks in Drywall with Spackle Fill Cracks in Wood6 Easy DIY Ways to Fix Cracks, Gaps, & Holes in Wood Fill in a Door OpeningHow to Fill in a Door Opening When You Remove a Door Paint Oak Doors WhiteHow toPaint Oak Doors White Repair Rotted WoodHow toRepair Rotted Wood Fill Rust Holes in MetalHow toFill Rust Holes in Metal Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-18-re-5499-story.html
  2. ↑ https://upgradedhome.com/how-to-repair-punch-holes-in-hollow-core-doors/
  3. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-18-re-5499-story.html
  4. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-18-re-5499-story.html
  5. ↑ https://archive.epa.gov/epa/saferchoice/potential-chemical-exposures-spray-polyurethane-foam.html
  6. ↑ https://homelyville.com/how-to-fix-holes-in-doors/
  7. ↑ https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/how-to/fix-door-hole/
  8. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-18-re-5499-story.html
  9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-long-does-spackle-take-to-dry/
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-18-re-5499-story.html
  2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-match-paint/
  3. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/paint/how-to-paint-a-door
  4. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/paint/how-to-paint-a-door
  5. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/paint/how-to-paint-a-door

About This Article

Barry Zakar Co-authored by: Barry Zakar Handyman This article was co-authored by Barry Zakar and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. This article has been viewed 1,123,322 times. 21 votes - 73% Co-authors: 16 Updated: April 15, 2025 Views: 1,123,322 Categories: Featured Articles | Door Repairs Article SummaryX

To repair a damaged hollow core door, start by cutting away any loose or broken wood around the damage using a utility knife. Then, pack the hole or crack with paper towels, and fill it in with expanding foam insulation. Next, let the insulation dry completely before trimming away the excess with a knife. Finally, cover the area with spackle, and let it dry before sanding it down so it's flush with the rest of the door. To learn how to refinish a hollow core door, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Russian Portuguese Dutch Italian Chinese Vietnamese Thai German French Arabic Hindi Spanish Indonesian Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,123,322 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Gillian G.

    Gillian G.

    Oct 15, 2016

    "Awesome. I just put a hole through a door at our rental, and I had no idea it was hollow inside and as thin as..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Barry Zakar Co-authored by: Barry Zakar Handyman 21 votes - 73% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 16 Updated: April 15, 2025 Views: 1,123,322 Gillian G.

Gillian G.

Oct 15, 2016

"Awesome. I just put a hole through a door at our rental, and I had no idea it was hollow inside and as thin as..." more Kev Bayer

Kev Bayer

Apr 17, 2021

"I love the paper towel idea to hold the expanding foam in place! That trick would have helped me out in previous..." more Debbie Brown

Debbie Brown

Oct 7, 2016

"I haven't done it yet, but I'm walking up to my neighborhood Ace to buy the spray insulation. It looks..." more Iona Cootes

Iona Cootes

May 14, 2017

"Very helpful, as we've just moving out of a rental and the owner is charging us $600 to replace the door. Now..." more Brooks Robert

Brooks Robert

Mar 16, 2017

"Needed to know how to repair a bedroom door without having to replace entire door. This gave me the answers I..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Bedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Do QuizWhat Should I Do QuizTake QuizThe Impossible QuizThe Impossible QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Fix a Hole in a DoorHow toFix a Hole in a DoorRepair a Door Frame5 Ways to Fix a Broken Door FrameFix a Hole in Your DeskHow toFix a Hole in Your DeskFill Large Holes in WoodHow to Fill Large Holes & Gaps in Wood like a Pro: A Step-By-Step Guide

Featured Articles

150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the Holidays

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Random Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune Generator

Featured Articles

Hilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?What’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw QuizWhat’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Would I Survive a Horror Movie QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizAm I Funny QuizTake QuizHow Will I Die QuizHow Will I Die QuizTake QuizDo I Have Trypophobia (Fear Of Tiny Holes)Do I Have Trypophobia (Fear Of Tiny Holes)Take QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Home Maintenance
  • Doors and Windows
  • Door Repairs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --536

Tag » How To Fix A Broken Door