There are many different types of doors. When replacing or installing new doors in your home, it’s important to consider exactly what type of door you need. Below are just some of the important factors to consider when buying a door.
Insulation
Well-insulated doors can help to reduce heat loss and save you money on energy bills. It’s particularly important to consider insulation when it comes to external doors – especially if you live somewhere that gets very cold winters. Materials like uPVC, solid wood and aluminium all provide fairly good insulation, however composite doors typically provide the best level of insulation. Sound insulation could also be worth looking into if you live in a noisy area and want to block out outside noise.
Light control
Most doors are opaque, however some contain glass, which can help to let in light. A glass front door could help to illuminate a gloomy hallway. Glass patio doors are meanwhile perfect for letting in light into the back of your home and letting you see out into your garden. This could include anything from uPVC sliding doors to aluminium bifold doors. Internal doors can also contain glass, but are typically only used in rooms where privacy isn’t as necessary (such as glass swing doors between a kitchen and dining room).
Security/privacy
It’s also important to consider the security and privacy that a door provides. This is particularly important if you live somewhere with a high burglary rate. The most secure doors are typically made from reinforced materials and have features such as lever mortice deadlocks, spy holes and chain locks for extra security. Choose materials like fibreglass and steel if you want superior security against burglary (and bad weather). When it comes to using glass on exterior doors, make sure that this is reinforced glass that cannot easily break. Frosted glass may also be a good choice on a front door to provide privacy. As for interior doors, consider the location of the door and the purpose when deciding the level of privacy. Bathroom doors for instance should always have locks.
Style
Style mostly comes down to personal preference. Ideally, you want to make sure that doors fit in with the style of your home. For example, if you’re buying a new front door for a period home, you may want to consider a more traditional design. Bright colours and unusual designs will help a door stand out. If you don’t want a door to stand out, keep it a neutral colour and avoid any flashy features like ornate door knobs.
Cost
You should also consider your budget. Internal doors typically cost between £30 and £90, while external doors can cost anywhere from £300 to £10,000 depending on the material and style. When it comes to front doors, uPVC is typically the most affordable option. Hardwood and aluminium doors are much more expensive – expect to pay over £1000 for one of these doors. Custom doors meanwhile are the priciest option.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.