Let’s talk about doors...

[FlamingRobots]

It’s not a very exciting Sunday morning thread, I’ll admit, but I do need to replace my internal doors. At the moment we have Victorian style four panel doors but they’re made of air and cardboard! They provide no sound insulation and are looking worse for wear.

We are intending on moving soon but when could be anyone’s guess, so I’m looking for something more solid. I have 5 to replace as well as the frames but I really can’t spend too much as I really can’t afford it. Where can I find solid but affordable doors.

Would a handyman/woman be able to fit them? I can’t imagine a joiner would bother for such a small job, they seem to be very busy.

I have two for sale on eBay and looking through it seems the going rate for a used door is around £10. Try there?

If you're moving then is it worth it?
There's a tonne of options out there, take a look at Howdens as most builders use them and they'll be as cheap as possible I think.

A carpenter (or joiner) will fit doors and linings ("frames") much faster and much, much, much better than a handyman or DIYer. New linings will make a better job and are not very expensive.

Ask around for a personal recommendations (not on an advertising weebsite)

I recommend solid-core doors. If you find a capenter he will know local suppliers but here are some examples (the major makers are also sold in DIY sheds and builders merchants, or Wickes, sometimes slightly disguised under own-brand names). My house has fire doors which are 44mm thick and very substantial, which I prefer. Ordinary doors are 35mm and lighter. "wooden" doors are usually veneered onto a cheaper core, unless they are pine which is quite cheap.

You will need new hinges, knobs and locks or latches..Get either brass or stainless unless you want the pleasure of painting BZP. I recommend lift-off hinges.

this is an example of a moulded door, to be painted. Avoid the fake woodgrain. You should find a better price, especially if you buy several.

An oak veneer one, to be varnished, is more expensive and your buyers might not like it.

You can get a hollow cardboard door for about £30, but why would you?

and here's an example retailer

@PigletJohn thank you, you’ve been really helpful. Is a pine door a no no then? I’ve found extremely cheap, used ones on EBay.
It’s unlikely that we’ll be moving in the next few months so I may as well improve as much as is possible and enjoy my last year here.

pine doors are widely used and inexpensive. if they have been oiled or varnished it is more difficult to paint them well.

the trouble with second-hand doors is that they may have been sawn or planed to fit somebody else's wonky house, which may not be the same as your wonky house, so they need to be a bit oversize to allow for further skilled trimming. They will have holes from previous locks, bolts and hinges.

a really good vintage front door may be worth the trouble; other doors if you are set on restoring your home towards originality of a past period.

We ordered Victorian style doors from Todd's doors very solid! And we're painted in white undercoat so only needed one coat of paint you can buy untreated ones too

And a carpenter fitted them very well
Worth every penny 😀

Had to buy hinges and door knobs as well

Second Todd Doors - just bought four of the American white oak veneer and really impressed with finish and quality. Only about £80 each.

Highly recommend windowsdoors.london for doors, got mine recently and they are great quality!