Ledge brace doors are traditionally made from timber and require timber screws to make them. These doors can be framed or traditional in design. If you’re planning to build a ledged and braced door for your shed, there are a few steps you need to take. Read on to find out more about the different types of stock used to make ledge brace doors.
Framed ledged and braced shed doors
When purchasing a framed ledged and braced shed door, look for one with at least one brace sloping upwards. The ideal scenario is to have both braces slope up. When ordering a shed door, be sure to specify which side you plan on hanging the door.
Framed ledged and braced doors have thick vertical members that provide additional strength, and prevent the shed door from warping. Traditionally, ledged and braced shed doors are constructed using mortice and tenon joints to join horizontal and vertical members. These joints are very strong and will last for many decades. However, they are a time-consuming process to complete without specialised machinery.
Traditional ledged and braced doors
The standard layout for a ledged door has a narrow board in the center, with a wide board on each edge. When building your own ledged door, you must decide which end of the ledges should be on top of the door. Next, you must push the tongues of the boards into the grooves on each board. Be sure not to glue or nail the tongues.
This ledge brace doors traditional style of door is usually made of oak or occasionally pine. Ledge and brace doors are available in a variety of finishes. You can choose a clear raw effect oil or a dark coloured stain. You can also paint the door for a more contemporary look.
Timber screws used to make ledged and braced doors
Timber screws are often used in the construction of ledged and braced doors. These screws are long and wide, and do not require pre-drilling. However, they require a strong torque to install properly. A powered drill/driver or impact driver is recommended for this task. The screws should have a recessed Torx fitting or a hex head.
Ledged and braced doors can be internal or external. When choosing timber for a framed door, look for timber with a moisture content of 18%-23%. It’s also important to use quarter-sawn timber to minimize movement. This will reduce the risk of damage caused by movement.
Choosing stock for ledged and braced doors
When choosing stock for ledge and braced doors, be sure to pay attention to the dimensions. It is important to remember that a door’s width should not exceed 2 1/2 feet. This means that bracing is required. The typical method is to notch the ledge to create abutments for braces. Several different methods have been tested, and this writer has found that the method illustrated in Figure 24 is easier to implement and holds the door better in place.
While ledge and brace doors are almost exclusively made of timber, they can also be made from a variety of materials. Oak is the most common choice, but you can also choose a range of colours and finishes. OSMO, for example, has a variety of finishes, including a clear raw effect oil and coloured darker stains. Painting doors is another option for a contemporary look.