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Quality internal doors, not flimsy?

8 replies

sellotape12 · 01/12/2025 19:34

We're doing a loft conversion and our builder has said he'd like to do the internal doors and architraves whilst we're away for Christmas. It just needs Victorian style 4 panel doors but I really don't want hollow thin ones. Anyone fussy about doors? Can you recommend what to look for or any brands? I want it to have a nice 'thunk' when the door is closed.

OP posts:
Nitgel · 01/12/2025 19:37

Cant the builder supply these? We recently had a loft conversion and the builder replaced all doors with fire doors.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 01/12/2025 19:42

XL Joinery, available through many and various online retailers.

Kwamitiki · 01/12/2025 19:42

We were super fussy with a recent extension and needed 30s style doors and door knobs to match the originals in the rest of the house. The builders organised these no issues.

Undergroundovergroundwomblingfree · 01/12/2025 19:53

Deanta or LPD will both have a good selection of internal doors. It's worth looking at both. If you have a loft conversion you are likely to need fire doors so they will definitely be weighty. If you are replacing non fire doors then you will need to replace the doorstop within the frame to accommodate a thicker door and hang it on 3 x 4 inch fire rated hinges.

sellotape12 · 02/12/2025 15:54

Thank you so much, everyone

OP posts:
Reno2025 · 02/12/2025 18:06

Try Todd Doors — they have an amazing selection and excellent quality.

PigletJohn · 02/12/2025 22:30

They will need to be 30 minute fire doors, 44mm thick, which are very heavy, hung in appropriate door linings ("frames") and fire-stopped.

That should have been specified for your building regulations approval. I hope your builder is up to date with fire regulations. They are revised often enough for me not to be up to date. Intumescent pads are fitted behind hinges and locks. You may need smoke strips in the linings, which are grooved for the job. I prefer furry ones which also stop draughts.

It will be an expensive mistake to do work that does not meet regulations.

I got the fake Edwardian 6-panel doors made by Premdor but they make a vast range including 4-panel.

For a Victorian look you will want doorknobs with a long backset latch or lock. Four inch at least. It can be fitted in the central rail which looks best. These doors do not have mortise joints so it will not weaken them. Choose yours before the doors are fitted. Oval knobs are easier to grip than round, especially with wet, greasy or arthritic hands. Modern latches have strong springs. Altro are the best I have seen.

Avoid the fake woodgrained ones because they look fake

They are widely stocked but you might have to order them if sizes (wide range available) are unusual. You should get a better price for a large order.

Example https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Chester-White-Smooth-Moulded-4-Panel-FD30-Internal-Fire-Door---1981-x-686mm/p/165791

Look at the Premdor website for the full range.

There are several other makers.

I strongly recommend lift-off hinges because these doors are very heavy. Satin stainless are popular, PVD brass look very good but are sometimes hard to get. BZP are cheaper if you are going to paint them.

Wickes Chester White Smooth Moulded 4 Panel FD30 Internal Fire Door - 1981 x 686mm | Wickes.co.uk

Wickes Chester White Smooth Moulded 4 Panel FD30 Internal Fire Door - 1981 x 686mm

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Chester-White-Smooth-Moulded-4-Panel-FD30-Internal-Fire-Door---1981-x-686mm/p/165791

Geneticsbunny · 04/12/2025 16:36

Lots of nice options for fire doors here https://www.doorsgalore.co.uk/Fire-Doors-/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21432075327&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8L62x66kkQMVmIpQBh2uBzh4EAAYASAAEgIdk_D_BwE
We had oak 4 panel victorian ones in our last house and they were lovely.

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