Front Door Advice
There are many options available on the front door market in the UK. Whether you're looking to replace your existing front door or choosing a front door for a new build, we hope this quick guide can help point you in the right direction for your project.
Door Styles
When it comes to choosing your new door, one of the main priorities is making sure it pairs nicely with the style of your property. A modern home needs a modern door, likewise a house with a Victorian style would need a traditional looking door. Get this decision wrong and any other decision you make regarding your front door will not work well with the overall design of your home. Style is very important so if you're stuck deciding, speak to an expert or of course you could always ask for advice on a platform such as Houzz.
Common Door Materials
Some of the more common materials include: timber, solid wood, aluminium, composite and uPVC. Choosing material really comes down to personal taste, however, each material has pros and cons. Timber suits modern houses well, but possibly wouldn't work well on traditional style homes. Solid wood could look great on either. Aluminium works best with modern surroundings. Composite and uPVC tend to suit both. Choice of materials can sometimes depend on what options you feel are compulsory for your front door, as not all options are available in every material. For example, security benefits usually work best with aluminium doors.
Door Options
Choosing front door options can be a really fun part of the door buying process... Enjoy deciding what you want but make sure to keep your budget in mind.
Most manufacturers will offer:
- Handles
- Glass / Lights
- Locks - Keyless Entry
- Automatic Opening
Environment
Don't let your front door be the weakest link when insulating your home! Modern doors can rival and even beat the insulation factors of walls!
Security
Different doors offer different security levels, and a high value home will most definitely benefit from additional security. There are also options for upgrading security on aluminium doors. These include fingerprint recognition technology and keypad entry. There are also options for LED lighting by your door with stylish yet practical qualities.
Maintenance
Doors should always be used in accordance with operating instructions. It also doesn't hurt to regularly clean your front door, not just for maintenance purposes but also for the aesthetic appeal of your home - it's the first thing people see when they visit your home. (First impressions and all that)
There are methods of cleaning out there for your chosen door.
Measuring for your front door
Most good suppliers will have a surveyor who can come out to your property and do all the measuring and hard work for you. All you really need to do is work with a trained expert to choose the exact door and added options that you want, and let your chosen supplier/installer do the rest.
Choosing the right supplier
Always look for an established company, maybe with a showroom, allowing you to possibly view your product before purchase. Some suppliers will even offer a visualisation service so you can see what you door would look like on your property. If you're putting a lot of time into your new door then you need to make sure you find a company with customer service that makes it even more worth it. There are many suppliers out there, so shop around, get quotes and read reviews! A lot of choice can be a good thing but be aware of suppliers that are difficult to get hold of. Calling or even visiting them is the best option for the best help in the buying process.
We hope this quick guide is useful! Comment below if you're looking for some more advice. :)
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