Talk to me about composite doors...

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

Spin_bowler

MB Enthusiast
Joined
Sep 1, 2006
Messages
1,357
Location
Hertfordshire
Car
CLC, Tesla MY
Evening all,

We've got a panelled oak front door which once looked really nice but now, at least eight years old, it's pretty tired and needs replacement.

Whilst I'd really like wood again the door faces due West, is often in full sunlight for many hours and goes out of shape making it difficult to open and impossible to use the mortice lock as it bows away from the frame.

Therefore I think I'm going to go down the composite route but can't face the dialogue with a double-glazing salesman as all I need is the door, nothing else. Looking on line I've come across a couple of sites where you can order on line with or without a site survey, here's Yale's offering.

Has anyone had any experience of using Yale or a competitor or any other recommendations. I'm based on the Herts/N.London border?
 
Last edited:
Many councils and housing associations fit them now - that's a good endorsement.
 
8 years?? My front door is 121 years old...don't make 'em like they used too!!
 
Many churches have got oak doors 800 years old.
 
Seven valueless posts - and I'm none the wiser.

I too have been looking at the Yale doors - c£1000 - as an option to having a joiner fit a reclaimed Victorian door. That would be nearer £2k.

Are Yale doors "convincing" looking or do they look like those ghastly white-panelled "Everest" type excerences?
 
Seven valueless posts - and I'm none the wiser.

I too have been looking at the Yale doors - c£1000 - as an option to having a joiner fit a reclaimed Victorian door. That would be nearer £2k.

Are Yale doors "convincing" looking or do they look like those ghastly white-panelled "Everest" type excerences?

There's usually a trail of thread destruction when D*ck gets involved - he feeds off it - see post #5.


Anyway, here's one of the bigger suppliers that Birmingham fitters use. As I was trying to point out, councils and housing associations have quite strict specifications that composite doors meet.

£1k seems expensive.

Composite Doors > Composite Door > Security Doors > Front Doors > Exterior Doors.
 
The £1k was as a result of working through the Yale configurator specifying two glass panels.

A good quality reclaim is about £1200 - then you've got to have it fitted, painted and add door furniture. :doh:
 
Interesting to note that yales' security certificate is invalid on their web site.
 
I don't think you need to go down the composite route just because of the reasons you mentioned, its all about the quality of the wood, and just as importantly the priming and painting.

You should be able to get a perfectly decent from door for 1k. I would try a local joiner, rather than a door specialist who are often just selling on doors from other suppliers at hiked up prices.



My painters do 10 coats in total on an external door, from primer through to top coat. I can't remember the exact process but its the first coats of primer and protection that make it last.
 
Last edited:
I have changed the frame to fit the door before now.
 
I have fitted some and rate them over upvc,better draught proofing and available with proper 5 lever locks and the multipoint locking lugs.I do feel they are overpriced as they are the emperors new clothes at the moment.
I use quickslide products,they do have some nice styles and colours.
 
I would hope there is some humour in this comment?
Tony.

Unfortunately I think it is more a reflection of his poor judgement, lack of education or a deliberate intent to inflame and/or cause trouble.

Eitherway, some of the recent posts are disturbing and not adding anything to the debate or the forum at large.
 
Got mine from Door Stop
Cost £805 including the £199 key free lock upgrade. Wouldn't bother with the lock upgrade again
 
If you look around locally you'll probably find a local outfit that will fabricate and install. These folks: https://sites.google.com/site/thrapstonglazing/home/windows/contact-details
did four external doors for me. They visited, measured, discussed best styles and materials, manufactured and fitted. I had three fully glazed doors, and one traditional four panel, all in hardwood, all painted and with triple point locks and new surrounds. Iirc it worked out at around a grand a pop.

hth.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom