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You can use a variety of wood to build a barn door, but the most common options include 1-by boards and 2-by boards for the backing and the decorative boards on the front of the door. Softwoods like pine will save you some money and should hold up well, while hardwoods like maple and oak will stand up to more wear and tear. You could also build the backer out of plywood to minimize the cuts you need to make. Whatever you decide on, make sure the width of the wood is compatible with the mounting brackets you buy.

Before attempting to reinforce an apartment door, speak to the property owner. If the door hasn’t been updated in a while, the landlord may offer to cover the cost of a professional locksmith or your expense of this security update. Rekeying a door can be a costly and lengthy affair, so try low-impact, inexpensive tricks—like installing a deadlock or a door jammer—first.

WD-40 can temporarily silence a squeaky door hinge, but it is not recommended as a long-term solution. While it is effective at breaking down rust and grime, it contains very little lubricant and evaporates quickly. Using WD-40 can also attract dirt and dust to the hinges, which may cause more wear and tear over time. For a more lasting fix, after cleaning the hinge, apply a true lubricant. Better options include silicone spray, white lithium grease, metal or plastic lubricants, or oil-based products like petroleum jelly.

Residential exterior doors should swing inward. While this cuts into your living space and prevents you from putting furniture near the inside of your door, it also means that the hinges will only be accessible from the interior. Hinges that sit on the outside of your home leave your property far less secure, as someone looking to get in could simply unscrew them and remove your door. Additionally, inswing exterior doors will be operable even if you have snow or other obstructions outside.