Simple guide to replacing Internal Doors in UK homes
If your doors have seen better days and slam more than they shut you are not alone. Many UK homes still have the original Internal Doors the builder fitted and they are often thin scuffed and a bit squeaky. The good news is that swapping them for new Internal Doors is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your home without tearing walls apart.
This guide walks you through the basics. How to check what you already have how to measure how to pick a style that suits your home and what to expect when it is time to fit your shiny new doors. Kettle on tape measure out and off we go.
Check your existing interior doors
Most homes use standard sizes for Internal Doors but older properties can be a bit quirky. If your sizes are unusual do not panic. Many ranges at Finewood Doors offer options that can be trimmed by a joiner to suit.
Look at every Internal Door in the house
Start with a quick tour. Open and close every Internal Door and have a proper look.
- Does the door stick on the floor or frame
- Is the gap around the door even
- Are there cracks splits or old repairs
- Does the style match from room to room or is it a total mix
This will help you decide whether you are replacing one or two Internal Doors or giving the whole house a new look in one go.
Measure your existing Internal Doors
Accurate sizes keep everything simple. Use a steel tape measure and write everything down clearly. Measure in millimetres for best results.
- Height measure from the floor covering to the underside of the top frame in a few places and note the smallest size
- Width measure the distance between the side frames again in a few places and use the smallest size
- Thickness measure the edge of the current door and also the frame rebate
Check the door frames and linings
New Internal Doors will only look good if the frames are sound. Look for loose joints flaking paint or signs of movement.
- If the frame is solid and square you can usually keep it and just replace the leaf
- If the frame is twisted rotten or badly damaged speak to a joiner about fitting a new lining set
Spending a little time here saves a lot of frustration later when your lovely new Internal Doors arrive.
Choose a style that suits your home
Now the fun bit. Picking the look. Internal Doors are a big part of the background of a room and the right style can make the whole place feel more finished.
White Internal Doors for a bright fresh feel
White Internal Doors are a favourite choice because they work with almost any decor. They bounce light around small hallways and make compact rooms feel bigger. If you like a clean simple look consider a white shaker or four panel design from the
white doors range.
- Great for modern new builds and flats
- Easy to repaint in future if you want a colour change
- Look sharp with chrome or matt black handles
Oak and hardwood Internal Doors for warmth and character
If you prefer natural grain and warmth oak Internal Doors are hard to beat. They suit period properties and modern homes with wooden floors and neutral walls. Have a look at the
oak Internal Doors collection for ideas.
- Bring a cosy feel to living rooms and bedrooms
- Work well with traditional skirting and architrave
- Available prefinished to avoid hours with a brush
Modern grey and flush Internal Doors
Grey Internal Doors and smooth flush designs suit contemporary interiors. They look great with simple hardware and clean lines. The
flush door ranges at Finewood give you modern style without making the house feel cold.
- Ideal for minimalist rooms and open plan layouts
- Hide fingerprints better than very pale finishes
- Pair well with metal stair balustrades and modern kitchens
When you need a fire door
Some locations in the home may need fire rated Internal Doors especially around integral garages loft conversions or flats. Look out for FD30 options that match the style of your other Internal Doors so everything looks consistent.
You can browse matching FD30 versions within many
fire door ranges.
Hardware that suits your new Internal Doors
New Internal Doors deserve solid hardware. Keep these points in mind.
- Latches and hinges must suit the weight and thickness of the door
- Bathroom and bedroom doors may need locks or privacy turns
- Fire doors need fire rated hinges and closers
Finewood stock a wide range of hardware that complements their Internal Doors ranges.
Using a professional joiner
Most homeowners choose a joiner to fit new Internal Doors. A good joiner trims doors correctly fits hinges and latches and ensures everything lines up.
- Check how many doors they can fit in a day
- Clear space near each doorway
- Ask what tools and fixings they provide
If you are using fire doors check that your joiner is familiar with the correct fittings.
If you are a confident DIY fan
If you enjoy DIY fitting one or two Internal Doors yourself can be very satisfying. Double check every measurement before cutting.
- Follow the manufacturers trimming limits
- Use sharp chisels for hinge and latch recesses
- Pre drill for screws to avoid splitting
Fire rated Internal Doors are best left to professionals.
Why Buy from Finewood Doors in Falkirk?
When all your new Internal Doors are fitted do a final walk round. Open and close each one and check the gaps and latches.
If anything feels off ask your joiner to adjust it. Once everything is running smoothly you can enjoy the difference. Fresh Internal Doors make a bigger impact than most people expect.
To get started explore the
Finewood Internal Doors ranges and pick the styles that catch your eye.
