I am working on the windows and doors now, as I cannot start the front porch until these are complete.
First, the front door. I bought a screen door at Hobby Lobby, under their Mayberry Street brand. It has the same quality as Houseworks brand components and comes hinged and operable on its frame, though it does not include interior trim. The screen mesh is not removable; attempting to take it out for easier painting could damage it. For this reason, it’s best to paint the exterior carefully and leave the interior side behind the mesh as is, since it’s not very visible. If you have spare mesh, you could remove the existing one, paint the door, and replace it.
I removed the screen door from its frame because it would not fit the dollhouse opening as is. Hobby Lobby doors are made for interior openings, not exterior, so the size is smaller. I decided to keep the dollhouse’s original front door and attach the screen door to it instead. The walls are not thick enough to install both doors together, and the screen door opens inward like the front door, which also caused issues.
With patience and customization, such as rehanging the screen door to open outward, it could technically work with the original door. However, since this dollhouse is meant to be more of a playhouse than a collectible, I avoided that extra work. I still wanted the screen door because it’s attractive, so I glued it — without its frame — onto the frame of the dollhouse’s front door. This allows the front door to remain operable, opening into the interior, while the screen door serves only as an architectural feature.
Because the screen door is smaller than the dollhouse’s door frame, I added a strip of wood along the bottom to cover the gap, which works well as a kick plate. Installing it was difficult and required extensive sanding of the opening, though I’m not sure why. It’s now in place, the door operates properly, and the screen door looks charming.
I will add hardware later during the finishing touches.
