So my son's friend accidentally kicked the bottom panel out of our front door. The panel came out in one piece, but I'm not sure if it can be fully repaired. I've noticed there's foam insulation between the boards of the panel, so I'm a bit concerned about the repairs. I shared an image in the comments. Any advice on whether I should repair it or just replace the door?
3 Answers
Honestly, the kids' parents should definitely owe you a new door. If you try to fix it, it'll likely need sanding, painting, and may not look good afterward. Plus, it could involve multiple trips or being taken off-site to fix properly. Just go for a replacement, it’ll save you the headache in the long run.
You could definitely repair it, but honestly, getting a new door might end up costing about the same as hiring someone for repairs. It's tough to say how bad the damage is without seeing it in person. I’d recommend checking out some YouTube tutorials on door repairs, just to get an idea of what's involved. If you're feeling up for a DIY project, it could be worth taking the door off the hinges and having a go at it.
That’s what I was thinking too; it might be similar in price. I’ve never replaced a door before but assumed it would be like when you buy a dishwasher, you know? They usually install it and take away the old one, right?
I'd suggest asking the friend's parents for help with a replacement. It's a good way to make sure they are aware of the damage. If it seems like a big issue, maybe they’d consider covering the cost of a new door.
Yeah, I did reach out, and she’s thinking about calling a carpenter to see if it can be fixed instead of just replacing it.

Right! I don’t think she realizes the extent of the damage. She replaced her own door not long ago, so she knows it's not cheap. I want to handle this nicely first, but if they don't cooperate, I might have to consider other options, including legal action.