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This hack required some hand strength. First, bend the fork's tines. Next, slip the pointed ends into the door latch and close the door. Open the door to remove the fork and break off the fork's handle. Reinsert the fork's head into the door latch and close the door. Finally, slide the fork's handle through the tines, creating a horizontal barrier that prevents the door from opening inward.

You don’t need to have a door at the top of basement stairs, but having one is usually a good idea. Not only will the door block the view of the basement, which might serve as a play area or less appealing workout space, but it can also prevent children or pets from going downstairs, as well as accidental falls.

Although some pet doors allow easier access for burglars or stray animals, there are ways to make pet doors more secure. To increase your home’s security, choose locking or electronically activated doors, use additional motion sensor security cameras, and install pet doors on a wall where door locking mechanisms are difficult to access.

You can use any wood to make an interior door, provided it’s the right thickness. Common options for painted doors include pine or poplar for the stiles, rails, and mullions, and paint-grade plywood for the panels. You can also opt to make your own panels out of pine or poplar if you intend on staining the door instead. Opting for oak, maple, or another hardwood is another great option for a high-end door that will last for decades, but the wood will cost significantly more.