SIDE TRACKED

When you’re 106 years old you’re bound to have let things go a bit, to the extent that even a touch of lipstick or a quick fluff of the hairdo make barely a difference any more.  The same goes for properties.  After a few decades, what was once considered a desirable residence begins to look faded and worn. Everywhere I look, thin cracks snake across walls and ceilings, surely a sign that this house is now desperately in need of some building ‘botox’.  Strangely there are days when I too feel the same, faded and worn. 

Take our side garden gate for instance.  Once it stood shiny and proud, guarding the alleyway but now it’s just a clapped out old has-been, crippled by rot and missing planks.  It’s certainly one of the scruffiest doors in the street.  I know because I’ve secretly eyeballed everyone else’s on my way to the shops.  Our house is definitely lowering the tone of the road.

In need of a facelift

Stair project has now been side-tracked by new garden door project.  This is the danger of DIY, one thing leads to another yet little gets completed.  Thanks to Chambers Doors at In-Excess our garden door will undergo a miraculous transformation.  ‘Cinderella, you shall go to the ball’ said the Fairy DIY Godmother.  (quick wave of magic wand)  ‘Oh and while we’re at it, let’s get shot of that hideously tatty side door as no self-respecting prince is going to come knocking on that in a hurry’.  (waves magic wand again). 

Chambers Doors make bespoke gates/doors and have come up trumps with a lovely replacement for our scruffy old thing.  We’re now the proud owners of a new framed ledged and braced door.  

From Chambers Doors - Salisbury

It’s 2 m high, solid as they come and after a couple of coats of black paint will look as smart as a new pin.  Easy to order too, just turn up with your measurements at the nearest In-Excess depot, pay a deposit then wait for the phone call to collect.  Couldn’t be simpler and lord knows, I like simple.  Prices are reasonable too.  Our door complete with fixing posts, hinges and all door furniture has come to about £120.

Three coats plus an exterior varnish to finish

Let's hope it doesn't rain

After the first coat

Now all that’s needed is a handsome prince to fit it.  Frogs need not apply unless they have excellent carpentry skills!