Child and pet proof your home using smart door choices
If you’ve got young children or pets at home, you’ll know how quickly things can get chaotic. From tiny fingers trapped in door frames to scratch marks on freshly painted finishes, it doesn’t take much for everyday family life to leave a mark. One of the best ways to create a safer, more practical space is by choosing the right doors for your home.
At Finewood Doors in Falkirk, we understand the needs of modern families. Whether you’re dealing with toddlers on the move or energetic dogs and curious cats, your doors play a big role in keeping your home safe, secure, and easy to maintain.
1) Choose Doors with Safety Glass
Glass doors are popular for letting in light and opening up a space, but they can pose a risk if you’ve got little ones or pets running about. Traditional glass can shatter into sharp pieces, which is obviously dangerous in a busy family home.
Look out for doors fitted with toughened safety glass or laminated glass. These materials are much safer because they’re designed to withstand impact. If toughened glass does break, it crumbles into blunt pieces rather than sharp shards. Laminated glass holds together even if it cracks, offering another layer of protection.
Internal doors with frosted or patterned safety glass are also a good option they let light in but still offer privacy, making them great for bathrooms, kitchens, or hallways.
2) Go for Durable, Easy Clean Finishes
Sticky fingers, muddy paws, and scuffed corners are all part of family life. That’s why it’s worth choosing doors with finishes that can stand up to the mess and still look good.
Pre finished doors are a solid choice because they come sealed and ready to go, often with a smooth, wipe-clean surface that resists stains and smudges. These are ideal for kitchens, playrooms, or anywhere that sees a lot of traffic.
White primed doors can also work well if you want to choose your own paint colour, but make sure to use a hardwearing, washable paint that won’t mark easily.
Wood veneer doors are stylish and practical too. Look for ones with a strong lacquered finish so they can handle knocks and still be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
3) Think About Solid Core vs Hollow Core
The core of a door makes a big difference when it comes to both durability and sound control. For family homes, solid core doors are worth the investment.
They’re heavier, sturdier, and far less likely to warp or dent. This means they can handle being bashed by toys, buggies, or overexcited pets without taking too much damage. They also do a much better job of blocking noise, which is great when you’re trying to get a baby down for a nap while the rest of the house is busy.
Hollow core doors are lighter and more budget-friendly, but they’re also easier to damage and don’t offer the same level of soundproofing or strength.
4) Install Smooth, Soft Close Mechanisms
Children love to slam doors, sometimes by accident, sometimes not. Pets can also knock doors open or closed without warning. One of the simplest ways to make your home safer is by installing soft-close door hinges or door dampers.
These mechanisms help your doors close gently, without sudden bangs or trapped fingers. They’re especially useful for nursery doors or any space where you want to keep noise to a minimum.
Magnetic catches are another handy option for pet owners, as they keep doors closed but are easy to push open if needed.
5) Use Door Stoppers and Finger Guards
Even with the right doors, small additions can make a big difference to child and pet safety. Door stoppers prevent doors from swinging shut unexpectedly, while foam finger guards can be placed on the edge or top of a door to stop it from fully closing.
These are easy to install and remove as needed, and they help reduce the risk of accidents.
For doors that lead outside, consider fitting draft excluders or weather seals along the bottom. These can help prevent pets from scratching at gaps or trying to push their way through.
6) Consider Sliding or Pocket Doors
In tighter spaces or busy households, sliding doors and pocket doors can be a smart solution. They don’t swing out, which makes them safer in corridors or smaller rooms where children or pets might be underfoot.
Pocket doors (which slide into the wall cavity) are particularly handy for playrooms or utility areas, where you want quick access but also the option to close things off.
Make sure sliding doors are installed with secure tracks and guides to prevent them from wobbling or coming loose over time.
Keep Exterior Doors Safe and Secure
If you have toddlers or adventurous pets, keeping them safely inside is a top priority. External doors should be solid, secure, and fitted with child-safe locks where needed. Look for doors with:
Multi-point locking systems, High-quality handles and latches, Low thresholds for easier access with prams or wheelchairs or Weather-resistant finishes for long-term durability.
Consider adding a viewing panel or window at adult eye level so you can see who’s outside without needing to open the door, but make sure the glass is toughened or laminated for safety.
Why Buy from Finewood Doors in Falkirk?
At Finewood Doors, we stock a wide range of internal and external doors suitable for busy households. Whether you’re looking for solid core doors for peace of mind, stylish pre-finished options for easy maintenance, or sliding doors to save space, we’re here to help.
Visit our Falkirk showroom or browse our collections online to find the right fit for your family. With the right doors in place, you can enjoy a home that’s safer, smarter, and ready for whatever life throws at it, muddy paws and all.
