Are you tired of feeling a cold breeze snaking under your doors, or perhaps you’re hearing the annoying rattle of loose-fitting thresholds? Door drafts aren’t just an uncomfortable nuisance; they can also lead to higher energy bills as your heating or cooling system works harder to compensate. The good news is that you don’t need to be a seasoned DIY expert to solve this problem. Creating a door draft stopper is a simple, cost-effective project that anyone can tackle. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a more personalized solution, this guide will walk you through several methods to help you seal out those pesky drafts and bring more comfort to your home.
| Method | Difficulty | Materials Needed | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Tube Draft Stopper | Easy | Fabric, filling (rice, beans, batting), sewing machine/needle & thread, scissors, measuring tape | Most door types, customizable length and design | Low |
| Towel/Blanket Roll | Very Easy | Old towels or blankets, safety pins or clips (optional) | Quick, temporary solutions; low cost | Very Low |
| Foam or Rubber Weatherstripping | Easy | Foam or rubber weatherstripping roll, scissors, measuring tape | Gaps under doors with even surfaces; long-term solution | Low |
| Adhesive-Backed Brush Seal | Easy | Adhesive-backed brush seal, scissors, measuring tape, cleaning cloth | Gaps under doors with uneven surfaces; long-term solution | Low to Mid |
| Weighted Draft Snake | Moderate | Fabric, filling (sand, plastic pellets), sewing machine/needle & thread, scissors, measuring tape, weights | Doors with larger gaps, customizable weight and length | Mid |
The Classic Fabric Tube Draft Stopper
Let’s start with the most versatile and customizable option: the fabric tube draft stopper. This is a fantastic project for beginner sewers, and the result is a durable, reusable, and stylish solution for your draft problems. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity and the creative freedom it offers. You can use any fabric you like, allowing you to match your home decor. Here’s how to make one:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Fabric: Choose a sturdy material like cotton, canvas, or even repurposed denim. You’ll need a piece that’s long enough to cover the width of your door, plus a little extra for seam allowance. Usually around 4 inches wide when folded is good for most doors.
- Filling: Rice, dried beans, or batting (the fluffy filling used in quilts) all work well. Rice and beans offer a little weight, helping the stopper stay put.
- Sewing Supplies: A sewing machine is ideal but hand-sewing works too. You’ll need thread, scissors, pins, and a measuring tape.
Steps to Create Your Fabric Tube Draft Stopper:
- Measure Your Door: Use your measuring tape to determine the width of your door. Add an extra inch or two for seam allowance and a snug fit. Also, add some extra to the length. Too long is better than too short.
- Cut Your Fabric: Cut your fabric piece to the length you just measured and about 8 to 10 inches wide. Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together (if there’s a right/wrong side to your fabric). This should create a tube shape that is roughly 4 to 5 inches wide when folded.
- Sew the Tube: Sew along the long edge using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Sew one of the shorter edges closed. Now, you have a long tube open on one end. If you have chosen to use heavier material it may be easier to use two pieces of material and sew them together.
- Turn the Fabric: Turn the fabric tube inside out, so the right side is now showing. This can be a little tricky, but using a dowel or the end of a paintbrush to push the fabric through can help.
- Fill the Tube: Start filling the tube with your chosen material, pushing it down as you go. Be careful not to overfill, you should still have some flex in the final project. Aim for a density that feels heavy enough to block drafts but not so stiff it won’t sit nicely against the floor.
- Close the End: Once you’re happy with the filling level, fold in the open edges and pin them closed. You can then sew it shut using a sewing machine or needle and thread.
- Test and Adjust: Place the finished stopper at the base of your door and check for any gaps. You can add or remove filling as needed to get a perfect fit.
This classic method is easy to customize. You can add decorative elements like ribbons, buttons, or even embroidery to give your draft stopper a unique touch. You can use Etsy for inspiration on design ideas.
The Quick Fix: A Towel or Blanket Roll
Sometimes, you need a draft-stopping solution in a hurry. That’s where the towel or blanket roll comes in. This method requires no sewing and utilizes materials you likely already have at home. It’s perfect for a temporary fix or for those who prefer not to sew. This is a perfect solution when visiting family or staying in a hotel.
Materials:
- An old towel or blanket
- Safety pins or clips (optional)
Steps:
- Roll Up the Material: Tightly roll up your towel or blanket, creating a long cylinder.
- Secure the Roll: If the roll is prone to unraveling, use safety pins or clips to hold it together.
- Place at the Door: Place the rolled-up towel or blanket along the base of the door, positioning it to block the draft.
This method is undeniably the simplest, requiring practically no effort. It’s especially useful for those who want to quickly address a draft problem without investing time or money.
Weatherstripping: A More Permanent Solution
For a more long-lasting and effective solution, consider using foam or rubber weatherstripping. This is an excellent option for sealing consistent gaps under doors. Weatherstripping adheres directly to the door frame or bottom of the door and provides a solid barrier against drafts.
Materials:
- Foam or rubber weatherstripping roll
- Scissors or utility knife
- Measuring tape
Steps:
- Measure the Door: Measure the length of the door where the weatherstripping will be applied.
- Cut the Weatherstripping: Cut the weatherstripping to the length you just measured.
- Clean the Surface: Use a cloth to ensure the door frame and/or bottom of the door are clean and free of dirt and dust.
- Apply the Weatherstripping: Peel off the backing of the weatherstripping and carefully apply it to the bottom of the door or door frame, pressing firmly to ensure it adheres well. For the most effective seal, apply it to the frame, the door jamb, and the bottom of the door
- Test the Seal: Close the door and check to see if you still feel a draft. You may need to apply additional weatherstripping until the gap is completely sealed.
Weatherstripping provides a more professional, long-term solution, offering not only draft protection but also noise reduction and protection from insects.
Brush Seals for Uneven Gaps
If you have a door that has uneven gaps, maybe because of an old floor or warped door, then adhesive-backed brush seals can be a better option than foam or rubber stripping. These seals have flexible bristles that conform to the unique contours, filling gaps effectively.
Materials
- Adhesive-backed brush seal
- Scissors or utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Cleaning Cloth
Steps:
- Clean the Door: Clean the bottom of the door or frame with a damp cloth to ensure a clean surface. Let it dry completely before proceeding.
- Measure the Door: Measure the length of the door where the brush seal will be applied.
- Cut the Brush Seal: Cut the brush seal to the length you just measured.
- Apply the Brush Seal: Peel off the adhesive backing and carefully apply the seal to the bottom of the door, ensuring the bristles are facing downward. Press firmly to ensure a solid bond.
- Test the Seal: Close the door to check the effectiveness of the seal. The bristles should press against the floor or threshold, blocking drafts.
Brush seals are a fantastic solution for older homes with uneven floors and doors. They offer flexibility and durability, ensuring a good seal even with minor imperfections.
Weighted Draft Snake: The Heavy-Duty Option
For doors with larger gaps or if you want a stopper that really stays put, a weighted draft snake is the way to go. This is similar to a fabric tube but is filled with heavier materials, providing increased weight and stability. This option is the most labor intensive but also the most effective for larger issues.
Materials
- Fabric (sturdy material, like canvas or denim)
- Filling (sand, plastic pellets, or small pebbles)
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
Steps
- Measure the Door: Measure the length of your door, adding a few extra inches for seam allowance.
- Cut the Fabric: Cut a piece of fabric about 10-12 inches wide and the length you measured, plus a bit extra for seams. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together.
- Sew the Tube: Sew along the long edge of the folded fabric, creating a tube. Then, sew one of the short ends shut.
- Turn the Tube: Turn the tube right-side out. This step is the same as creating a fabric tube stopper above.
- Fill with Weight: Fill the tube with your chosen heavy filling material. It should be heavy enough to hold it in place but still flexible to go along the door.
- Close the End: Fold in the raw edges of the open end, then sew shut. Be sure that all the edges are tucked in.
- Test the Weight: Place your weighted snake at the bottom of the door. If it feels too light or too heavy, adjust filling material as necessary.
The weighted draft snake is an excellent choice for very drafty doors or for those who want a very stable and reliable solution. The added weight ensures that the stopper will stay in place, even with a slight bump or when opening and closing the door. A variety of heavy materials can be used and finding the right mixture and weight may require some testing and adjustment.
Making the Choice That’s Right For You
Choosing the right draft stopper depends on your needs, your budget, and your available materials. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks: the fabric tube is customizable and reusable, the towel roll is quick and easy, weatherstripping is durable and permanent, the brush seal works for imperfect doors, and the weighted snake is heavy duty and stays in place. By weighing these options against your particular needs, you can select the best method or even use a combination of them to provide the best possible draft protection. Start today, and enjoy a warmer and more comfortable home!
By implementing any of these solutions, you’re not only making your living space more comfortable but also contributing to energy conservation and reduced costs. So, pick the option that best suits you and get started today!
