How do u fix a hole in a hollow wooden door?

Question

Any easy fixes? if i had to replace it, what does a door cost?? its probably the cheapest kind you can buy ;) my landlord wouldn't have anything else ;)

Answer 1

It is not only your landlord that uses these doors.  They are fairly universally used in the US for interior doors where panel doors are not already present.  

While the doors are indeed cheap, you have to take into consideration the cost of rehanging and readjusting a new door.  If the frame is also new and you or "a friend" are quite handy with primer, paint, possibly a saw to cut the door to the proper height and s***w drivers to change the doors, hinges and any additional locks, and there is very little paint build up on the door, you might go for a door replacement.  This is also true if the door and possibly the frame is actually quite trashed.  Cost of the door and associated material not including paint might be less than $25 and you could have it installed for less than $250.00. (painting extra)  Possibly more if the frame is involved.  The price will vary depending upon location.

If you are mostly thumbs, have few tools and only want to make a minimal investment you will go for the filler approach.  Your options are fairly endless for fillers.  If the door has a "clear" finish you will need a stainable filler.  You will need to install the filler and try and make it match.  The repair will probably be noticable unless you have artistic capacities.

For painted doors, I like plaster of paris.  It sets fast and should not be too much trouble if the hole is small.  It is also cheap and can be purchased in small quantities.  

If the hole is about the size of a quarter I would stuff it with some newspaper and slap some plaster of paris on top with the plastic trowel I just bought along with the plaster of paris.  Try and keep it flat with the door and as a finish use a damp sponge just before it sets up completely in about 10 to 20 minutes.  

What you will need:

small tub or box of plaster of paris (paint aisle)

sponge

small bucket or even a paper cup

small thing to mix with (knife like shape)

small thing to spread with (mostly flat like a ruler)

newspaper

water (use cold as it makes the plaster of paris harden slower or milk to make it harden only after 45 min to an hour)

For a bigger repair you will need a bigger one of most of the things above:

more newspaper or other filler

bigger mixer

bigger spreader

bigger mixing pail

ect.

Answer 2

For the cost of plastic fillers and paint, it would be cheaper to get a new hollow core door and install it. Check at your local home improvement center for prehung or pre drilled doors.