You may have noticed when browsing our website that we describe doors as either ‘unfinished’ or ‘prefinished’. But what does this actually mean? Well, in the simplest terms a prefinished door is finished to a factory level standard and ready for installation. You have some creative input through your choice of ironmongery, however, it is generally a quick and hassle-free process. On the other hand, an unfinished door will only be pre-sanded before being sold to you. This means you can choose your preferred look – allowing you the choice of different paints, waxes or varnishes. This option is perfect if you love a bit of DIY or you require a more bespoke look. Which option you choose depends on personal preference, so to help guide your decision we have put together a few pros and cons of each:
Cost
Unfinished wood is cheaper to buy as there are fewer steps in the production process. However, you then have to add on the cost of finishing it yourself and the time spent to do so. Generally, the cost of this makes it equal to or more expensive than buying a pre-finished door. Therefore the main cost difference to consider when choosing which door is the cost of your labour and how much time you can give to the project.
Durability
This is a tricky one as it depends on how well an unfinished door is treated once it leaves the warehouse. Most prefinished doors are made with 7 or 8 coats of your chosen finish and are up to a high factory level standard, therefore they are long-lasting and easy to maintain. However, a customer may only apply 2 or 3 coats and leave them. It all depends on the skills of the individual, and how confident you feel in doing the job yourself. However, with the right knowledge and research, anyone is capable of creating a beautifully finished door.
Style
Both prefinished and unfinished doors can add beauty to your home. We stock a wide range of prefinished doors, meaning you should be able to find one to suit your requirements whether that be a modern, ash-coloured door like the Vancouver Ash Grey or a more traditional oak style like the Oak Regency door. However, if you are after a more bespoke finish or a unique colour, then unfinished doors offer versatility and more creative input. Not only can you choose any colour, but you can also have free reign over the finish in terms of how shiny/matte you would like it. If you are into DIY and interior design, this option gives you a lot more creative control. It is also beneficial if you are trying to colour match your doors to existing hardwood furniture, as you can try to get as close as possible to the colour.
Ultimately, the choice is completely up to you as both options can work well for different customers. As always, our experts are on hand to help with any of your queries either in our Blaydon showroom, over the phone on 01914141300, or email [email protected].
