So, you’ve decided to change one or maybe several doors in your home. It can seem quite a daunting task as you need to make the right choice; if you don’t then the appearance of your home may be a source of displeasure for you. The choice needs carefully planning and I hope I can offer some useful thoughts here on how to choose your door.

While there are some very important differences between internal doors and your main entrance doors, most basic steps in selecting your doors are the same.

Choosing a Door

Start by measuring your home to decide the exact size of door you need. Ask for help with this, as it is a two person job. Also make sure you have a decent measure which isn’t too short and doesn’t stretch.

Measuring isn’t a simple task, so take your time and take care to record your figures straightaway. Record them with notes so you know exactly what they mean – this can be harder than it sounds if you’re measuring for a few doors! I find it helpful to draw a quick diagram when measuring. You can also record your thoughts about the state of the frame and how it’s set into the wall. It’s a practical time to make any necessary adjustments or to decide to buy a new frame.

It’s simple to buy new frames at the same time as your new doors so that these match and fit perfectly. There will be specific frames or casings recommended for certain doors. It’s important to recognise that in the case of an exterior door, the frame is an essential item in your security arrangements. Internally, there are choices of lighter casings. Be sure to measure your opening accurately, and record the depth and structure of the wall.

Ready-made frames are available or they can be made to order if you have an odd sized opening. Do discuss possibilities with your supplier if you think you need frames.

If there are no doors which exactly fit your dimensions, choose ones which are just a fraction larger.

Having assessed exactly what you have to order (including frames and door furniture), you should see how much it’s all likely to cost and then decide on your budget.

When you come to decide on the look of your door, you’ll need to think about glazing. A wide range of partially glazed doors is available both for entrance doors and internal doors.

This can make a world of difference to a gloomy entrance or a dark room. There’s a huge variety of glass panels on offer and they will not necessarily reduce your privacy although they will certainly increase the amount of light in your home. All glass should conform to the appropriate British Safety Standards, and should be ready fitted; there’s no need for glazing to be done on site and the glass panels should be an integral part of the door.

Having decided on whether you want glazing or not, you can then look at what other options are available within your price range. This will mainly be to do with materials – hardwoods, oak, pine, cheaper white doors or even uPVC.

A new front door requires a consideration of your neighbourhood – what sort of front doors do other homes have? You can decide to follow tradition or go outside it.

Internally you may want to choose something to fit with the period and style of your home, your decor or to make a bolder more individual statement of your own taste.

So, take the whole procedure slowly and carefully and you’ll be thrilled with the look and functioning of your new doors. Your friends and door manufacturers and suppliers will also have ideas on how to choose your door. Take your measurements, listen to everyone, and then make your own personal decision based on as much information as possible.

For help with choosing your door, visit a website that has a good selection of doors. Savoy Doors are a leading UK supplier and have a vast selection available and offer low cost rapid delivery across the UK. For interior doors or external doors, Savoy will be able to help you make the right choice.