Carpenter

About Us

At Portland Door Restoration, we are a dedicated collective of master craftspeople committed to preserving architectural history. We specialize in the repair, restoration, and historic replication of wooden doors, entrances, and architectural details—from custom moldings and trim to period-accurate door hardware in wood, steel, and glass. In addition to restoring original historic features, we design and handcraft new custom entrances built to replicate those with timeless, aged character. We take deep pride in creating and restoring functional pieces of art that define the entryway to a home.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking an open-minded, even-tempered, and highly skilled Woodworker / Craftsperson. You are someone who takes pride in high-level craftsmanship, respects historical architecture, and seamlessly balances traditional hand-tool techniques with modern shop machinery.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabrication & Restoration: Measure, cut, assemble, and restore complex wooden doors. Execute water-damage repairs using specialized resins, epoxies, fillers, and timber-splicing techniques.
• Custom Woodworking: Fabricate custom components, moldings, and trim using both traditional hand tools (chisels, planes) and power machinery (shapers, molders, routers).
• Hardware & Fitting: Precision-fit historical and modern hardware, including hinges, mortise locks, glass, and weatherization elements.
• Installation: Safely manage the removal, handling, and re-installation of large, heavy architectural doors in both active construction sites and occupied residential settings.
• Technical Reading & Estimating: Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings. Assist with material take-offs and labor assessments when needed.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven Experience: Strong background in fine woodworking, historic restoration, door hanging, cabinet making, or high-end trim carpentry.
• Tool Proficiency: Mastery of standard shop machinery (shapers, molders, planers) as well as traditional hand tools.
• Problem-Solving & Detail Orientation: Exceptional spatial reasoning and precision when fitting, hanging, and aligning heavy structural doors.
• Restoration Knowledge: Familiarity with wood rot repair, resin/epoxy restoration, and historic wood species.
• Site Safety & Heavy Lifting: Knowledge of jobsite safety protocols; physical ability to handle and maneuver large, heavy architectural elements (with mechanical assistance when needed).
• Portfolio: Ability to provide photos or examples of prior woodworking or restoration work.

Our Philosophy
Few would deny that an entry door is one of the most important elements of a home. A visitor looks for the entry door when searching for a building, sees it up close on approach, and touches it when entering and exiting the building. In the life of a door this happens hundreds, maybe thousands of times. A door’s age is a badge of honor.
In its simplest form, a door is a movable barrier between two spaces. Whether a relatively simple layup of carefully selected wood, or an elegant hand carved work of art, the door extends an invitation to share space. At its best, a door has a presence and an elegance that comes from handcraft, carefully selected wood, and an intended sense of importance.