I'm looking for advice on what type of wood to use for building a lightweight interior screen door. I want something cheap and easy to handle since I have 14 budgies staying in one room and I don't want a solid door closed all the time. The door should be light enough for my kids and me to open easily, but also sturdy enough that it won't fall apart after a normal use. Ideally, I'd like to use untreated wood if possible, but I'm okay painting it if it helps. I'm just trying to figure out what's the best option without overspending since I can't drive and will need my neighbor's help to pick it up from the store. Thanks for any tips!
2 Answers
You can go for pine, fir, or spruce—those are usually the more affordable options at hardware stores. They're lightweight and should work well for your door. Just steer clear of heavier woods like maple or oak, as they're pricier and harder to handle. And about that wood your dad used? That’s called flakeboard; it’s made from wood chips and resin, not what you're looking for here!
If you're really strapped for options, consider checking out a local ReStore if you're in the US, where they sometimes sell screen doors super cheap—like around $10. But if building it is your preference, just remember it might be more worth your time and effort to buy a ready-made door, especially since it could save you some hassle in the long run!
I live in Canada, and my neighbor will help me get materials. Plus, I have some tools from my dad, so I think I can manage a DIY project for my budgies!
Thank you for the info!