We need a new front door

[Ididnthearanything]

Just that. Hall is v cold. I had hoped to get a composite door. (For insulation)

Can you get a composite door in a timber frame? Or is it always a PVC frame? We have a sidelight and the PVC door for the side window and the door is really big/obvious. Is there anyway around this PVC frame? I do need a warm door.

TIA.

[mrsmortis]

Have you thought about a curtain instead of a new door? We have an 1930's semi and it took us a long while to save up enough to get the door replaced the way we wanted it (a replica of the original door). In the interim a pair of floor to ceiling curtains donated by my mother who was moving house and didn't need them any more did the trick.

[Ididnthearanything]

Thanks mrsmortis, I have a curtain already. And yes, you're right, it does make a difference. But we are ready to change the door. I have looked and looked and while I have come across a composite door that looks good, the frame is fucking awful.

[PixieGio]

I think Rock door do a wood grain effect frame. I'm having the grain door, frame and surrounding window frames for our 30s semi. It gets installed Wednesday I can show pics if you like. Know what you mean about the frames though. ..

[TremoloGreen]

I'm afraid I have nothing helpful to add, but marking my place so I can see Pixie's door - I have the same problem. In fact, I am quite annoyed about it after I lost several hours of my life to making an interlined curtain!

[MuttonCadet]

You need to look for a Nan Ya slab, it's the most thermally efficient in the market. They are imported by Distinction doors who then distribute to fabricators (who put them in the frame), you will definitely be able to find a fabricator who can do

[Ididnthearanything]

Ooh would love to see Pixie! Thanks so much.

Off to have a look at Rock doors....

[MuttonCadet]

A timber or timber look frame for you. (Sorry posted too early).

[Ididnthearanything]

I posted and had another thought. I surely cannot be the only one who hates those PVC thick thick frames? There must be some company somewhere that does composite doors in timber frames?? Or is that an impossibility? Or is there some huge disadvantage to doing this that I haven't thought of?

[PixieGio]

I'll take a quick snap shot before we cover it in cardboard to protect it from the ongoing work. It's set us back around £2k but after my brother broke our window last week we decided to go ahead with new door earlier than expected. I don't imagine the frame will look very special but I'm hoping the door will steal the show. Here's what I ordered. I too wanted real timber door but couldn't find anything suitable and got fed up to death stripping paint on the 80 year old frames.

[MuttonCadet]

The issue with timber is that it warps, which composite doesn't, so mixing the too isn't a great combination.

However, there will be plenty of companies who will. Look for a timber door / window specialist who also does composite.

Depending on where you are PDS in the north of England are good.

[MuttonCadet]

£2k? Wow!

[MuttonCadet]

Very nice looking door though.

[Ididnthearanything]

Oh x post Mutton! Thanks a mill for that info. Will look now

[MuttonCadet]

Plus you can up can frames that have been coated, so it isn't the bright white colour, (sorry I can't be more specific, BIL is in the conservatory business so I've picked some stuff up, but I'm no expert).

[MuttonCadet]

Get upvc, not up can

[Monica101]

I have a rockdoor, I would highly recommend them.

It has reduced the draft and looks v nice too. I got one with a lot of glass and it has made a big difference in making the hall feel light.

It had no extra glass at top or sides and cost £1365.

[Ididnthearanything]

We had priced about the same. We have a top (fan?) window and a side window so that added to the expense. Have been looking at those companies. My only issue is the frame. The doors are great.
Ah I see re the frame being wood. Our current door is hardwood and has warped, there's a gale bit of a fraught through it.

With my side window the frame, the total Fran width adds up to something like 160mm. More than 6inches in old money. Not pretty.

[Ididnthearanything]

Fraught! Draft!

[Ididnthearanything]

Jeez, awful post above. Total frame width (extra frame because side window has its own frame) is about 160mm

[Ididnthearanything]

Would I be crazy to get a composite door and a timber frame?

[MuttonCadet]

Not at all, if that's what you want. The best thing you can do is speak with an expert, who does everything (timber, composite, aluminium), and see what they suggest.

[Ididnthearanything]

Thanks Mutton. I found a joiner today (finally!) and they will make whatever frame I want. I plan to call to them tomorrow and have a look/chat etc.

[PixieGio]

Here it is... it's white wood effect. Can see the grains on the panel but not frame but it's not noticeable. I love it. Got it for £1740 including all surrounding glass and frames. Solid as a rock!

[TremoloGreen]

That's lovely Pixie... I'll have to get saving up

[Ididnthearanything]

Thanks Pixie! That looks fab!

I really need to make some decisions - your door is making me envious!!