Brian, Ok, I see what you're trying to achieve. In that case, yes, you could add the hardwood blocks to the inside.
If you really want to clean it up, take a look at the great "How To" that Caffeenman has on his site about making hatches. You can't do it step by step cause his is designed for a built-up wing, but you should get enough info from it to figure it out.
http://airfieldmodels.com/informatio...ruction/08.htm