How to add two doors into small wooden Hindu temple/mandir?

Question

Hi Everyone, I have a small wooden Hindu temple/mandir like the one in the photo.

I would like to add two doors to the front.

What would be the easiest way to add doors without damaging the existing temple ?

is MDF or plywood we can use for doors?  &  what type of hinges/materials would you recommend ?

is bunnings help us to cut MDF or plywood as per measurement ?

I’m a beginner with DIY, so I’d appreciate the simplest solution.

Thanks !

veerali · Answer

Thank you  @EricL  @Dave-1  @Nailbag   for your suggestion , so grateful for your help 🙂

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @veerali

Being a beginner, I would use the MDF material @Dave-1 suggested. Then use a framing square as a straight edge guide to cut the panel to size as Bunnings dont offer this service. Though not intended for this exact purpose, this fine cutting hand saw would be ideal to cut against the square without damage for the clean straight cuts. Finally something like these would hinges be ideal in complimenting the style of the temple.

Nailbag

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Afternoon @veerali

I think the Plywood may be a little heavy for the frame to support. I would pick up a piece and judge to see how you feel. As a secondary option I was thinking of a thinner mdf sheet 6mm MDF Panel Standard 900 x 600mm, compare the weight between the two and see how you feel.

I would attach the sheet with hinges and small bolts more than screws as that thin mdf I am suggestion wont handle a screw too well.

Goliath 38mm Stainless Steel Hinge

Zenith M5 x 12mm 316 Stainless Steel Countersunk Head Bolt And Nut - 5 Pack (check to see if the bolts will go through the hinge tho)

Note you will have a straight edge top of the door that wont match the front of your cabinet, you could use a jigsaw cutter to make it. If you are going to do that I would get a sheet of paper or card board and place it over the front and then copy with a pencil the outline so you get an accurate size.

Dave