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DIY: A Leather-Detailed Wooden Doorstop

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DIY: A Leather-Detailed Wooden Doorstop

July 10, 2023

There’s no need to get fancy when it comes to propping open a door, but a wedge of wood is so much nicer than a mood-killing piece of plastic or rubber. Years ago, my mother returned from a trip to London with a traditional English turned oak doorstop made by David Linley, aka “the royal carpenter.” We have used his handiwork daily ever since, so I was delighted to come across its raffish American-made counterpart: a DIY door wedge created by Anna of Annabode & Co. for Home Made by Carmona. May it open doors for you.

Project and photography courtesy of Home Made by Carmona.

the finished doorstop has a painted tip and an easy to grab leather tail. 17
Above: The finished doorstop has a painted tip and an easy-to-grab leather tail.

Materials

chances are good you already have what you need to make the door wedge. 18
Above: Chances are good you already have what you need to make the door wedge.
  • Piece of wood approximately 1.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches long. Use scrap wood or buy a length of wood, such as Home Depot’s Poplar Hobby Board; $5.34 for three feet (enough to make several doorstops).
  • Length of leather, 1/2 inch wide and five inches long. Consider cutting up an old belt.
  • Saw. “Use whatever kind of saw you have on hand,” says Anna.
  • Sandpaper
  • Drill
  • Pencil and ruler
  • High-gloss white paint
  • Minwax Polycrylic, a protective finish.
  • Paintbrushes
  • One No. 6 brass washer. Home Depot sells five-packs of Brass Finishing Washers for $1.18.
  • One No. 6 brass flathead screw. Home Depot sells four-packs of 6 3/4 inch Phillips Flat-Head Wood Screws for $1.18.

Instructions

step \1: mark a diagonal line across the length of your wood, and saw 19
Step 1: Mark a diagonal line across the length of your wood, and saw in half. “If you start with a longer piece of wood, it’s easier to mark the six-and-a-half-inch length and saw the diagonal line,” advises Anna.
step \2: sand the wood, then mark (and tape off, if you like) the front se 20
Step 2: Sand the wood, then mark (and tape off, if you like) the front section and paint white. Treat the rest of the wood with Polycrylic, but not the white tip (because the finish will yellow it).
step 3: drill a small hole through the center of the back end—anna sugge 21
Step 3: Drill a small hole through the center of the back end—Anna suggests using the other half of the scrap wood as a base. Use the drill to attach a loop of leather secured with the washer and screw.

The Finished Look

useful, unobtrusive, and nice looking. for more details, go to home made by car 22
Above: Useful, unobtrusive, and nice-looking. For more details, go to Home Made by Carmona.

Keep creating. Here are three more DIY projects perfect for tackling in a weekend:

N.B. This post is an update; the original story ran on May 16, 2017.

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Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need for the DIY wood and leather doorstop wedge?

You will need a wooden block, leather strip, leather hole punch, leather adhesive, sandpaper, and a saw.

What are the dimensions of the wooden block?

The wooden block should measure approximately 6 inches in length, 4 inches in width, and 2 inches in height.

Where can I obtain the leather strip?

You can purchase a leather strip from a local craft store or an online supplier.

What is the leather hole punch used for?

The leather hole punch is used to create holes in the leather strip for attaching it to the wooden block.

What type of adhesive should I use?

You can use a leather adhesive specifically designed for bonding leather to wood.

How do I shape the wooden block into a wedge?

Using a saw, carefully cut one end of the wooden block at a 45-degree angle to create the wedge shape.

How do I attach the leather strip to the wooden block?

Apply adhesive to one side of the leather strip and press it firmly onto the flat surface of the wooden block.

What should I do to ensure a secure bond between the leather and wood?

To ensure a secure bond, clamp the leather strip to the wooden block and let it dry as per the adhesive's instructions.

Should I sand the wooden block before starting?

Yes, it is recommended to sand the wooden block before starting to ensure a smooth and polished finish.

Can I customize the design or size of the doorstop wedge?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the design or size of the doorstop wedge according to your preference and needs.

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