Refurbishing and repurposing old items has long been a way to save money and give them new life. This trend has also extended to just about anything in the home, and many DIYers share their projects on social media, which may inspire you to look for the value in something that isn’t brand new.
Eventually, even the most well-made front door will wear out or break, and while your first reaction may be to head out and look for new doors, you should first consider buying a used door. In fact, this post is dedicated to examining how buying a refurbished door can offer better value than a new one.
1. Cost Savings
Used doors are typically more affordable than new doors. If you’re on a budget or looking to save money on home improvement, choosing a refurbished door can significantly reduce your expenses while still providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution.
New doors may tout savings in energy efficiency, but refurbished doors can offer the same efficiency. Many new doors are already designed with energy-efficient features, which can help reduce heating and cooling costs in your home, but you can often find the same energy-efficient features in used doors, especially ones that are just weeks old. If not, you can achieve the same result with a refurbished door, even if you have to do a bit of DIY to get there. Even then, you’re still saving money overall.
2. Eco-Friendly Option
Opting for a refurbished door is an environmentally responsible choice. It reduces the demand for new materials and production processes, helping to minimize the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new doors.
Manufacturing new doors consumes resources and energy, contributing to a larger environmental footprint compared to refurbishing existing doors. Plus, instead of contributing waste to landfills, you’re giving new life to used doors simply by repurposing them.
3. Wide Selection
Most people assume you’ll find a greater selection with new doors, but with used ones, you have a vast array of choices when it comes to style, material, color, and features, allowing you to find the perfect door for your needs.
Vintage styles or a favourite that has been discontinued won’t be found in stores, but you can often find these treasures in salvage stores. In fact, the variety you meet is part of the fun of shopping for used doors—you never know what you may find!
In addition, refurbished doors often come with character, charm, and a sense of history that new doors may lack. Some of these doors may have intricate designs and features or even a story behind them, which adds a unique and personalized touch to your home. If you like being the one on the block with something different, shopping for a used door meets that need better than a new one.
4. Customization Potential
Refurbished doors can be customized to fit your specific style preferences. You can refinish, paint, or modify them to match your interior or exterior decor, giving you creative control over the final look. You can also do some DIY modifications to keep them as efficient as new ones.
Typically, customizing means paying more, but if you’re open to a bit of elbow grease, you can save money and have a custom result with a used door. Plus high-end options that try to recreate older, custom styles can be quite costly compared to simply buying the refurbished version.
5. Preservation of Heritage
In older homes or historical buildings, preserving original doors can be essential for maintaining the property’s historical integrity. Refurbishing existing doors ensures that the architectural heritage is conserved while still providing modern functionality. New doors may lack the character and uniqueness that refurbished doors can bring to a home.
Choosing between a refurbished door and a new one depends on several factors, including your budget, the condition of the existing door, and your preferences. Here are some considerations for the value of getting a refurbished door instead of a new one:
What to Look For in a Used Door
Refurbished doors offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and character-rich alternative to new doors, making them a better choice in many situations, particularly for those who appreciate the value of history and sustainability.
So when shopping for a refurbished door, it’s important to carefully evaluate its condition, quality, and suitability for your specific needs. Here are some key factors to look for when shopping for a used door:
- Overall condition: Examine the door’s overall condition, checking for signs of wear, damage, or structural issues.
- Material and type: Determine the material of the door (e.g., wood, metal, glass) and its type (e.g., interior, exterior, sliding, French). Ensure it matches your intended use and design preferences. If it doesn’t, consider how easily you could customize it on your own.
- Size and fit: Measure the door’s dimensions, including height, width, and thickness, to ensure it fits your door frame accurately. Refurbished doors can sometimes be trimmed or modified to fit.
- Frame and hinges: Check the condition of the door frame, jambs, and hinges. Make sure they are in good shape and compatible with your existing door frame or opening. If not, you’ll need to add some DIY to your process to make those elements work.
- Hardware compatibility: Assess the compatibility of the door with your chosen hardware, such as handles, locks, and knobs. Ensure that the door has pre-drilled holes or can accommodate the hardware you plan to use. Of course, the simplest option is to choose your door first, and then look for the hardware once you have the specs of your door.
- Surface and finish: Inspect the door’s surface for scratches, dents, or imperfections. Consider whether the surface requires refinishing, repainting, or other cosmetic treatments to meet your aesthetic preferences.
- Glass and glazing: If the door includes glass panels, check for cracks, chips, or fogging. Ensure that the glazing is secure and free from leaks. You can always do some at-home fixes to resolve most issues.
- Security and insulation: Evaluate the door’s security features, including locks and deadbolts. Consider its insulation properties, especially for exterior doors, to ensure energy efficiency. Again, just a little DIY can increase efficiency and still save you money overall.
- Historical or unique features: If the door has historical or unique features, assess their condition and significance. These features can add character and value to your home.
- Installation considerations: Assess whether the door can be installed easily in your existing door frame or if adjustments or additional work will be required. Keep in mind that some used doors may be sold with a frame, so account for adjustments, if any, to your opening.
By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that the refurbished door you choose meets your functional and aesthetic requirements while providing good value for your investment. None of these are deal-breakers when it comes to buying your door. You just need to be aware of any additional work you need to do to align your door with your wants and needs.
When it comes to the best value in used doors, Greendoors has you covered. You can shop their selection online and find great deals on doors and windows that are the perfect fit for your home, saving you money in the long run.
