Opportunity knocks for front doors!
DOES the front of your house lift your spirits when you arrive home? or do you dash through the sunbleached door and close it firmly behind you?
If the latter is the case, you might want to do something about it. And if you are hoping to sell your property this spring, it’s essential to take action — now.
No matter how well decorated the inside of your home, a tatty entrance gives a poor first impression. sprucing up or replacing the front door is a quick, easy fix.
REVAMP OR REPLACE?
EXTERIOR doors aren’t cheap, so consider whether yours simply needs a clean or minor maintenance. Polishing door furniture is a good way to freshen things up. Most DIY stores sell a range of wood and non-wood doors, including B&Q ( diy.com) and Wickes ( wickes.co.uk), costing from as little as £170. online firms such as the Door store ( the-- door-store.co.uk) also carry a good selection, which range from £138.
expect to pay up to £1,000, depending on the style and materials used. It might be impossible to fit a new door into an existing frame, which means that will have to be changed as well. A wooden door is usually best installed by a carpenter. retailers of UPVC or composite doors often offer a fitting service.
WOOD IS STILL GOOD
THE benefits of wood doors are that you can paint them any colour or varnish them to retain the natural grain. Damaged or dated glass panels can also easily be changed.
Fluctuating temperatures can warp wood, making the door shrink or swell, while damp and sun can crack and fade the surface. Martin hile of door manufacturer JB Kind ( jbkind.com) recommends rubbing down and revarnishing or painting a wood door every two years. hardwoods, such as oak, are best for external doors, as they are more durable. veneer is a cheaper option than solid wood.
And there is now more choice, from panelled looks, such as the London from Wickes, priced £179, to modern designs, such as the stockholm, £ 388, from the Door store.
FAKING IT
‘the most popular front doors are uPVC or composite materials,’ says vinny hirani, of Wickes. uPVC doors start at about £200, with composite from £700. In terms of upkeep, both only need a wipe down with a damp cloth, but uPVC, which is made from moulded vinyl, can become discoloured over time and crack. uPVC doors also require a wider frame, which has the effect of making your entrance look narrower.
Many homeowners feel composite doors offer the best combination of looks and durability. they are constructed from multilayers of timber and artificial materials.
DRESS ME UP
ATTRACTIVE door furniture, such as handles, knockers, letterboxes and numbers, adds to the appeal of your entrance. Unless you have a period home, you don’t need to go for brass. satin nickel, chrome and bronze are trendy options.
SDS London ( sdslondon.co.uk) has a range of Art Deco inspired and modern fittings from £ 15. Anthropologie sells quirky door furniture, such as the Woodpecker door knocker, £ 34, or Fabled Fauna door knockers, £36 ( anthropologie.com).
GLAZE OVER
LIKE other forms of décor, glazing styles are subject to the whims of fashion and can end up looking dated, but it’s possible to replace old or scratched glass panels. A local glazing company should be able to advise you or you can try firms such as Double Glazing Parts and repairs ( double-glazing- parts- repairs. co. uk) for DIY options. there is far more choice now, from frosted and etched to stained glass. Prices will vary depending on the job.
GLOW IN THE DARK
ENTRANCE lighting isn’t just practical but gives a warm welcome, and a new door should be properly lit. classic lantern styles add period charm, while contemporary designs can be more discreet. Debenhams ( debenhams.com) has a decent selection of period and modern lighting from £25.
Building regulations now state that if you are running any new wiring to support external light fittings, you need to employ an approved contractor.