A seemingly small part of the renovation works, doors- bring about a big difference to the look and feel of a space. Again one of those building elements that come in various options and a process of selecting the right product may seem daunting.
Primary aspects in door selection-
- look and feel, style statement you want to create
- Level of light and visual connection you want them to bring
- Level of noise you want to prevent traveling through
Key areas to think of when selecting doors-
- Size
- Material and finish
- Functionality for example- flexible bi-folding as room divider or sliding in case of restriction to open
Types of doors –
Solid wood- Made of single piece of wood, bespoke made, Traditional or modern designs possible, more likely to expand contract- resulting in cracking or wrapping with time, non fire rated ( can be treated to improve fire resistance)
Moulded door or hollow core- made of corrugated cardboard, polystyrene foam or wooden slats with outer skin in MDF, can be fire rated, light weight and less robust, low price, low in sound insulation, unlikely to expand or contract, Modern designs available
Engineered wood core- Formed by cross gluing multiple layers of timber, robust, less likely to expand and contract, better sound insulation
Doorset vs Single Leaf Internal Door-
Single Leaf-
- Best option for renovation as can be fitted in existing lining
- Other works less likely to damage as can be fitted in stages
- Can suit building with conditions such as change is floor level
Doorsets-
- Obtained as Single source of full set, that includes the lining, door leaf, fixings and architrave
- Comes in standard sizes or can be bespoke made
- Entire set is fitted together, there is a risk of damage from the works that follow, example-decoration
Costs vary hugely depending on the design, finish and fire rating, guide costs to consider £50-£200 per door, with additional £20-£40 per door for latches, hinges and handles. Doorsets can range between £90 -£300
Choosing the right design and size-
The design of doors forms an important part of space design. There are various scenarios where the design should incorporate the correct size and style to plan the works taking place efficiently. For example, to connect two spaces depending on the space constraints, one may choose to go for a sliding door, which if required to be a pocket door for fire and acoustic reason, will need to have wall built to suit. Similarly, with growing trend of open plan spaces, if the space needs to be flexible to be opened up for entertaining guests and separated while working or other times, such an element will need to be accounted for in terms of price and building works right at the initial stage of space design.
Also, the finish of the doors would ideally be accounted for at the interior design stage as it needs to work with the flooring and the overall colour scheme for the property.
Various styles to consider-
- Bi Folding – flexible doors, Avg. £500/£700 for a 4 panel door
- Pocket doors- hide away doors, from £450 single door
- Frameless doors- contemporary look doors
- Crittall Style doors- Black industrial looking doors, very much in trend, From £200 single door
- Tall doors- Oversized doors that bring grand look to the space
Although doors seem to be a small part of the renovation works, it is important to design them right at the beginning to achieve the right space. Determining the type, style and finish at the initial stage and help you factor in the budget required to achieve the desired look and feel of the space.
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