Has the wear and tear on your current doors reached its limit? Perhaps you’ve redecorated and your old doors just don’t fit in with your new aesthetic. Too often, doors fall to the bottom of home improvement to-do lists, but they’re a feature worth prioritising.
Besides the obvious security and privacy reasons, properly functioning, well-built doors can contribute hugely to energy savings. And they have the power to transform the look of a home — inside or out. But how do you choose the perfect new doors for your property? Here are our top tips.
Choosing internal doors – where to start
If you’ve decided it’s time for a change, this is how you narrow down your search for internal doors.
Get the right size
Most internal doors are made to ‘standard’ measurements (most commonly, a standard internal door size measures 1981 x 762 x 35mm). However, this can vary, so it’s wise to check the dimensions of every door frame just in case. You can do this with a measuring tape — first, measure the width across the top, middle and bottom. Then measure the height on the left, middle and right. The largest width and height measurements should be the ones you take forward. At A Wood Idea, we have a made to measure internal doors collection, so we can create your dream doors for your home.
Different door openings will be naturally suited to different types of door. Hinged doors are the most popular inside but if you’ve got a large space, why not consider double or French room divider doors instead? Alternatively, if your rooms are on the smaller side and your current hinged doors often get in the way, sliding and bi-fold doors are a huge win for space efficiency.
Think about the aesthetic
Beyond the type of doors, you’ve got all kinds of materials and features to consider. Does the architecture and style of your home have more of a traditional feel to it? Wooden doors, such as oak, are a good bet. They have a warm and inviting feel, but can still be stained or painted as you please.
Prefer something a little more modern? Metal is a sleek, stylish alternative. Or you could opt for glazed doors, which help light filter through different rooms.
DIY or professional installation?
Now you need to decide how you’re going to install the new doors. You’ll likely have some idea of whether your DIY capabilities are up to standard, but if you’re on the fence, think about the following.
Firstly, time. Are you in a hurry? It’ll take a few hours for a professional to install a door, but the DIY approach could take a lot longer. Is this time that would be spent on other home improvements? And bear in mind that errors in hanging doors can be costly. If you cut it in the wrong place, you’ll need to buy a whole new door.
How to choose a new front door
When you’re looking at how to pick a new front door, the guidelines change slightly. You expect a lot more from a front door in terms of strength and security, and there are other factors at play.
Consider kerb appeal
Your front door is one of the most noticeable features of your home’s exterior. It’s a natural focal point that draws attention, and it can drastically change the property’s overall look — for better or worse. And while you might not be thinking of moving now, it’ll impact your property’s value too.
Aesthetics matter, so pick wisely. Take the rest of your property’s architecture into consideration, and find an appropriate design. And don’t neglect the paint and finish. This can easily be added afterwards and will have striking results that feel more personal to you.
Think about security
To protect your home against any unwanted intruders, you don’t want to cut any corners in making your front door as secure as can be.
There are two main factors to consider: the door’s material and the locking system. As materials go, a heavy, solid hardwood like oak is the best you can get. Then when you’ve picked your door, get a reliable multi-point lock installed.
Alternatively, composite and uPVC doors are often reinforced with an internal metal frame for extra strength and can have a good locking system built in. It’s worth noting that this doesn’t necessarily come as standard, so assess your options carefully.
What to do with your old front door
After choosing a new front door, you’ll likely have an old one to get rid of. Most local councils don’t collect large wooden doors from the kerbside, so your best bet is to take your old door to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre instead. Remember to remove any glass or plastic panels first.
Top-quality doors from A Wood Idea
At A Wood Idea, you’ll find internal and external doors that excel in strength, security and style. And there are endless options to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit for your home.
If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team. You can also visit our showroom to see the variety of door styles we have on offer.
