RENOVATION GUIDE
Upgrade your front door
MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION WITH A STYLISH AND SECURE DESIGN THAT ENHANCES THE KERB APPEAL OF YOUR COUNTRY PROPERTY
WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A NEW DOOR? The most common deciding factors are thermal efficiency and durability, but do bear in mind that style details can also have a beneficial effect on your home. If your hallway is dark, for example, it makes sense to choose a door with windowpanes that bring much-needed light into the space. Or, if you have large windows, you might want to think about a solid door for extra privacy.
WHAT MATERIALS CAN I CHOOSE FROM?
Timber is a great fit for country properties. Oak, iroko, larch and cedar are all popular for their dense grains but, unlike other materials, wood can be prone to warping so regular maintenance is required. In general, you can expect to pay around £250 for a veneered timber door bought off the shelf, but bespoke solid wood designs can easily exceed £2,000 depending
on the quality and specification. Composite doors made with glass reinforced plastic (GRP) come in stylish wood-look designs – choose a solid core construction over ‘hollow’ polystyrene. While not as authentic as real timber, composite has all the benefits of modern technology, so requires less maintenance. It can be tough on the purse strings, however, due to its superior build structure, with a standard door starting from around £1,250.
Freshen heavy heritage doors with a pale paint shade
offers a stylish, architectural look, paired with great thermal performance, strength and durability, making it a popular choice for modern country homes. ‘For one of our premium designs with a guarantee of up to 20 years, you’d expect to pay from £1,800,’ says Victoria Brocklesby, chief operations officer at Origin.
UPVC is the budget-friendly choice and is available in both coloured and wood-effect finishes. Despite its thicker frame, it lacks strength when compared to other materials, which can be an issue when it comes to security.
Whatever material you decide on, bear in mind any additional costs, such as door furniture (hinges, door handles) delivery, disposal of your old door and VAT. Installation of doors with side windows and panels tends to cost more, too.
WHAT ARE MY STYLE OPTIONS? Choosing a door design that’s sympathetic to your property is the best way to achieve that allimportant kerb appeal. It’s worth doing your research to achieve an authentic feel as small details can make a difference. For instance, late Georgian homes added fanlights, while those earlier in the period tended to be solid wood. ‘In some cases, mixing old and new can work well,’ says Ryan Schofield, managing director at Thames Valley Window Company. ‘An aluminium door can look incredibly eye-catching on an older property, particularly if it’s been modernised elsewhere as well.
‘However, it is important to think about re-sale value, as most people in the market for a country home will be looking for traditional features and a front door is the first thing they’ll notice.’ Don’t forget door
Eggshell Blue suits country style. Celestial Blue exterior eggshell, £71.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene
furniture. Beardmore and Willow & Stone are treasure troves of fancy ironmongery in various finishes.
WHAT COLOURS WORK BEST WITH COUNTRY PROPERTIES? ‘Most country homes in the UK feature white and stone-based tones on their exterior,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene. ‘Warm neutrals and soft shades of blue and green are the perfect complement, although if you want your front door to stand out, darker colours provide a strong contrast. For brick houses, bold green is a great choice – it pairs really well with warm red tones.’
I WANT TO INCORPORATE GLAZING – WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Positioning is important. For panes at eye-level or below, frosted or >
painted panels work well, allowing light in while retaining privacy. Choose toughened or laminated glass for added security. ‘I would recommend that homeowners include multiple glazed sections where possible to boost the kerb appeal of their property,’ says James Upton, managing director, Westbury Windows & Joinery. ‘Using both fanlights [a semi-circular panel installed above the door] and sidelights will create an eye-catching entrance and help to flood the space behind with natural light.’
ARE THERE ANY REGULATIONS I NEED TO BE AWARE OF?
In 2002, building regulations were put in place for external doors to help reduce energy consumption, so certain standards are required when it comes to thermal efficiency and security. If you’re buying new, these are likely to have already been met (ask your supplier for proof of compliance) but if you’re replacing with a second-hand door, for example, you’ll need to prove it complies with current regulations. A reputable installer will be able to provide you with a certificate or you can apply for one from your council.
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Composite doors are available in stylish wood-look finishes; matching the glazing pattern in your doors and windows makes for a smart façade; Bevington style entrance door with bespoke stained glass toplight in Harewood Grey, price on request, Timber Windows
SHOULD I RESTORE AN ORIGINAL DOOR RATHER THAN REPLACE IT?
A period property tends to lose some of its character without an authentic front door, so if you are lucky enough to have an original in good condition, do your best to preserve it. If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, restoration might be your only option – always check with your local council. Luckily, there are plenty of companies that specialise in sympathetic restoration services, from basic cleaning, painting and weather treatments to a full refurbishment.
CAN I BUY OFF THE SHELF? There are options available, but it isn’t recommended, particularly for older properties. It restricts you to standard external door sizes, which can prove problematic in older country homes with charming yet complex installation requirements, such as uneven walls or unusually large doorways. A bespoke door is the more expensive option but offers the opportunity to choose the exact design and achieve the perfect fit.
WHAT ABOUT SECURITY?
‘Check that the front door is equipped with a multipoint locking system, heavy-duty hinges, a high-quality cylinder and handles,’ says Victoria Brocklesby. ‘If you’re buying new, check that the door is PAS 24:2016 compliant and accredited with the police-approved Secured by Design standard for extra peace of mind.’