Knock on wood
What to look for in a front door
Whether it’s to hide behind or make a
statement with, your front door is the
defining element of the public facing exterior
of your home. It’s the strangers’ first
impression as they call on you, and it’s the
portal to your own little haven after a long
day. It is also crucial for your home security
and can play a significant role in your home’s
energy performance. As such, it needs to be
robust and expertly fitted as well as looking
stylish, so it’s worth taking the time to
consider what you should look out for when
you’re fronting up to getting a new door.
Bespoke joiners David H Wright advocate that
a solid wood door remains the wise choice for
an Englishman to choose for his castle, large
or small. Technology in terms of wood door
manufacture has come a long way since the
builders of the Middle Ages constructed their
mighty doors - which even so have stood the
test of centuries, as you can see in many of
our listed properties.
Today, new techniques in timber treatment
mean that timber now outstrips the plastic
imposter, UPVC, in terms of performance, as
well as excelling in terms of aesthetic appeal.
Solid wood front doors are without doubt the
clear choice for home owners with period
homes and for newer home owners who are
interested in an environmentally superior
product for their property.
Manufactured in the traditional way using
mortis and tenon joints, a new solid wood
front door will endure for the lifetime of
the property. There is plenty of scope for
contemporary styling as well as traditional
designs.
David H Wright finds that the classic
panelled door remains a firm favourite with
customers. Available in a choice of woods,
you can choose glass panels and stunning
paint finishes to really have your door tailor-
made to suit your taste and the style of your
property. Sidelights, fans and arches all add
58
character and the use of special clima-control
glass helps to control the temperature
regardless of the external conditions.
Safety and security is paramount. The firm
recommends that doors are fixed with either
a traditional style five lever mortise locking
system, or the European standard Multi point
locking system which comes fitted with a 3
star rated cylinder providing the ultimate in
security.
The door furniture is as much a part of the
design as the door itself. From traditional
hinges and handles to state-of-the-art
fixtures, there is plenty of choice for you to
add the final touch.
For more information on refining your
front door, contact Sharon Wright and the
team on 01977 681832 or at
www.dhwjoinery.co.uk