The Essential Guide to Standard Door Size in The UK
There are no specific regulations for doors in people’s homes in the UK, but there are general building regulations that...
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So you’re on the market for a new front door. You’ve done some research into your options and you’re still unsure whether a wooden front door or a uPVC door will be the best choice for your home. To help you make the best decision for your property, we’ve compiled a list of questions and answers related to wooden front doors vs uPVC doors. When you are fully informed about your home improvement options, you’ll feel much more confident with your final decision.
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What wood is used for front doors?
At Reddish Joinery, we’ve been creating bespoke timber products for over 50 years. During this time, we’ve amassed a wealth of knowledge to enable us to identify the best materials for building wooden front doors. In our expert opinion, there are two types of wood which are suitable for making wooden front doors. The first one is Oak. Oak is a hardwood which has been used in construction projects for centuries. Its inherent strength, attractive appearance and sustainable production make it the UK’s most popular traditional hardwood.
The second option for a wooden front door is Accoya. Accoya is an engineered softwood which is modified to enhance its protective qualities. Accoya is an extremely durable material which is UV resistant, insect repellent, thermally efficient and eco-friendly. It has an attractive appearance and can be manufactured to meet almost any bespoke design.
How much are front doors?
The cost of front doors varies greatly. There are many factors which will affect the price of a front door including hardware, colour choice, dimensions, design, security upgrades and specialist glazed areas. The biggest factor, however, is the material of your front door. As an average guide, uPVC front doors are the most cost-effective option while timber front doors are priced at the higher end of the spectrum.
What maintenance do front doors need?
Pricing a front door is not as simple as the cost of purchase and installation. Maintenance over the lifespan of the door should be considered; a uPVC door requires little to no maintenance while a wooden front door will need to be re-painted every 3-5 years.
How long do front doors last?
You should also consider the life expectancy of your front door. uPVC doors can last anywhere between 10-30 years depending on product and installation quality. A timber door on the other hand can last over 100 years when properly maintained. As you can see, a uPVC door may seem like the most cost-effective option in the short term but over the lifespan of the door, a wooden door may prove to be more cost-effective.
How thick are front doors?
Front doors vary in thickness. An average front door will probably be around 40mm thick regardless of material. It is the material’s density which makes a difference to the performance of the door. A solid timber door will be stronger, more secure and more thermally efficient than a uPVC front door. Modern uPVC front doors, however, are constructed using an insulating multi-chamber interior which is both strong and high performing.
What style front doors are available?
Front doors are available in a plethora of different styles. From traditional designs to contemporary creations, there’s a front door to suit every type and age of property. With uPVC front doors, there are lots of styles to choose from including a selection of coloured and woodgrain effect finishes. With wooden front doors the customisation capacity is almost endless. Paint them any colour you like and with a skilled joiner, you can design a wooden door to meet your exact specifications.
Both wooden and uPVC doors are a great way to enhance your home. They both have their pros and cons and the ultimate decision will depend on your personal preference, budget, expectations, and the type of property you call home. If you’re planning to replace your existing front door and you’d like to find out more about working with Reddish Joinery, contact us today. Give us a call on 0161 969 7474 or send us a message online.
