Solid Wood Doors Blog

There is sometimes some confusion about what a PVC door is and what a composite door is. The reason for this is on the outside they both look pretty much the same, with an easy maintenance skin than does not need painting and a modern feel.

However it is not until you stand 2 doors side by side that you can see the external differences. In fact composite doors can give a more natural look especially of you like the door to appear to have a wood grain though it. Modern technology allows composites to be more lifelike than previous materials and is available in many colours now.

But the real difference between a composite door and an uPVC one is what goes on inside. A typical uPVC door will be hollow but filled with a polystyrenes product to give insulation properties. This will keep the warmth in and the cold out, but is not that secure when it comes to keeping intruders out. Composite doors however, in many case have a solid wood interior, in fact you can almost say that a composite door is in fact wooden structure with a composite material covering. This means you get the same security as a solid wood door, keeping your insurance company happy.

Modern composites have advanced properties to protect your door or home from the elements outside, including rain, snow and even the sun than can damage untreated wooden doors. There is a kite mark that is associated with composite doors in the UK and these are the PAS23 and PAS24, so when choosing a door from any supplier you should check to see if their durability testing has fallen within these standards. To ensure you get a door that lasts fro decades not just years.

The skin is often made form a GRP material and in many cases will never fade or discolour. Unfortunately a typical uPVC door could discolour with the sun and weather over time, to an often yellow or brown shade.

Having a natural looking door means you can have a huge range of door furniture and glass designs to suit not only the door but the whole home you are improving. Solid wood frames means it can handle heavier handles, knobs or any other furniture knowing that the screws will not just pull out after some time. You also get that feeling of weight when you open these doors.

Of course your front door is the invitation to your home and it is often the first thing any visitor will see. Even estate agents will tell you how important a good quality front door can be to give that first impression to help sell your home. The furniture to buy to math can really change the appearance of any home. But we mustn’t forget the benefits at the rear or side also. This is where most burglars will attempt entry and combining a composite door together with a police tested lock could be the solution for many homes, offices or businesses.

Not all doors are the same, so before you buy your next front door, why not check out the differences for you, to ensure you are getting good value for money and you make your home secure.

There are several things to consider before buying a solid wood door. Among the most important of these issues are the price of the door, the function of the door, and how much care you are willing to put into the door. All these things will affect the type of door that should be chosen to buy and install.

A solid wood door can be made up of one solid piece of wood, from stiles which are vertical panels of wood, or from rails which are horizontal pieces of wood. Since solid wood doors are made from wood, they tend to shrink and swell throughout the year. Making a door with stiles and rails reinforces the wood and helps to prevent the warping, swelling, and shrinkage.

The doors can get very expensive depending on what type of wood is used to make the door. For instance, solid hardwood is among the most expensive kinds of wooden doors. Solid wood doors are beautiful and are easily customizable with carvings or glass. It should be noted that adding a glass panel to the door increases the price.

The function of the door is also something that should be considered when buying a solid wood door. Solid wood doors can be used in both the interior and exterior of the home so the characteristics of the wood should be taken into account. A wood that is more weather durable should be used on an exterior door.

In addition, different types of wood have different colors and looks and that makes them ideal for customization. For that reason, different types of wood can be used on the interior to obtain a desired effect. They are also able to be painted and stained which further enhances the beauty of the wood.

A solid wood door does not provide as much insulation as a steel or fiberglass door. However, the door does stand up to storms and inclement weather well. The wood also has many tiny air pockets that provide some insulation. Exterior solid wood doors also have an extra benefit of being sturdy and heavy and that makes them good for security purposes. Kitchen cabinets can also be made from solid wood, however, the heat and moisture caused by cooking can cause the wood to warp.

The amount of care a person is willing to put into the door is also a factor that should be considered before buying a solid wood door. To further increase its durability and to prevent warping and cracking, look for a door that has a topcoat finish. The topcoat will seal the door and prevent moisture from getting into the wood. This prevents swelling and warping.

Generally, a solid wood door with a proper topcoat is low maintenance. Whenever the seal is broken or cracked simply touch it up. If a wood door is bought as an unfinished door, the buyer need only to find a good quality sealant. Paint will also help protect a wooden door.