New Front Door

[seb1]

We have a upvc door (more than 10 years old), it is south facing, has cracked in the sun and is leaking. I hate the big chunky frames that come with upvc doors, visitors always seem to trip out my door, thinking of going back to hardwood external door, anyone done this and have any advice/thoughts. Thanks

Opinions will differ, but I greatly prefer wooden doors. You will need a professional chippy to fit it, a DIY, handyman or general builder will not do it as well or as quickly. Look at samples of their work first. A hardwood doorframe is relatively inexpensive.

if it is exposed to the weather, paint will last better than stain or varnish. But with an open porch, a wooden door can easily last a hundred years or more.

You will need a British Standard lock. Position the letterbox far away from the lock.

I have chosen a Rockdoor for my UPVC replacement.

I work at a joinery company and could have one made, but without a covered porch the lifespan of it would be reduced and would need much more maintenance.

If the door was under a covered porch I would prefer a solid timber door.

Beware of going for off the shelf front doors from companies like Howdens etc as they are not really solid but veneered and will not last long at all.