However, the front door can definitely imposing and make a statement even if you do not have a portcullis together with drawbridge.

The door to your dwelling is often the first link between a visitor and unfortunately your home- it needs to safe, secure and that welcomes. A PVCu door in a traditional property looks using place and is not right for the overall feel. With listed properties, you can’t put any old doors and windows in and may ought to remove them if the look officer gets involved. Save time and money- do the project from the off.

Many current timber doors are cheap and nasty- but not that cheap. Typically made from some unknown softwood, 44mm deep and poorly finished. They are prone to movement and swell and shrink along with the seasons. Often constructed with inferior timbers, stuck together to form much larger pieces these doors are best shunned. It is true- you get what you pay with regard to.

The main choices are: -The look which you want, the timber/colour, glazing, ironmongery and budget.

The look.

Broadly speaking you can find two main categories- traditional styles for older attributes and contemporary for current properties.

Traditional can be anything from a six panel door to an arched frame and sidelights. More modern doors are generally plain and simple with straight lines and very simple designs.

Timber

Panels to withstand the English weather are best made from hardwood. Engineered timbers are both stable and resilient, will take a paint/stain finish and require just a little TLC. Sapele is a good choice- a member in the Mahogany family, it will operate well to the test of time. Other popular timbers involve European Oak, which is often chosen for traditional attributes or Iroko, an oily timber well suited to contemporary applications.

Softwood within TEC wood form is also available and although not as durable as hardwood, it will outlast a basic softwood entry. Douglas fir is often chosen for higher end softwood doors.

Glazing

Whichever form of glazing you choose for a door- it must end up either toughened or laminated glass to stick to building regulations.

Double glazed items with “K” glass and gas filling including Argon, are the choice of many who want heat efficiency. There is also the choice of warm edge spacers and in many cases triple glazed units in the event the “U” value ought to be below 1. 0. Glass choices can include the following – crystal clear, bevel edged, opaque or even acid etched, sand blasted, coloured, leaded or stained.

Ironmongery

The entranceway furniture you choose can also enhance the overall style of the door.

The knobs, handle, locks and letter box must be commensurate with the style of door chosen. Traditional finishes comprise black wrought iron and polished brass. For an up to date and stylish look the choice of ironmongery is often quite minimal and may incorporate satin chrome and brushed steel. The usage of top quality hinges probably will make a real difference to the operation of the entry. For example – a good all round Oak or Sapele door will generally require 3 or 4 heavy duty hinges to aid the weight. timber windowsSo, you have finally decided to build your very own home.