Hey there, door hunters! When you’re building a home extension, there’s one thing that might not be at the top of your mind, but it should be: the door! Choosing the perfect door can elevate your extension’s look while providing functionality and safety. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of picking an awesome door for your extension, considering factors like size, material, style, colour, insulation, security features, and swing direction. Let’s dive in!
- Size Matters (For Doors)
Before you start dreaming of your perfect door, grab that tape measure! The size of the door opening determines the dimensions of the door you’ll need. Carefully measure the width, height, and depth of the opening, making sure your new door will fit like a glove. And while you’re at it, think about how the door’s scale relates to your extension and the rest of your home—it can make a big difference in the overall design and flow.
Pro tip: Remember that the standard door size might not be the best fit for your extension. Customised doors can be your best friend when it comes to odd-sized openings or specific design requirements.
- Material World
Doors come in all sorts of materials, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Wooden doors: Classic, beautiful, and versatile, these doors offer great insulation and can be customised to suit any design. But beware—wood can require some TLC to prevent warping or rotting. Choose from a variety of wood types like oak, mahogany, or pine, which can affect the door’s appearance, durability, and cost.
- Fibreglass doors: Durable, energy-efficient, and low maintenance, these doors can imitate wood, making them an attractive choice. Plus, they resist warping, rotting, and rusting. However, their upfront cost might be higher than other materials.
- Steel doors: Super secure and durable, steel doors are great for exterior doors. They’re energy-efficient and low maintenance but watch out for dents, scratches, and potential rust. Investing in a high-quality steel door can save you from many of these issues.
- Aluminium doors: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and sleek, aluminium doors give a modern vibe. They’re low maintenance and insulate well, but they can be pricier than other materials.
Choose a door material that suits your extension’s design and meets your needs for durability, energy efficiency, and maintenance.
- Style it Up
Your door’s style should jive with the overall vibe of your home extension. You’ve got tons of options, from traditional to modern to rustic. Think about factors like the door’s shape, panelling, decorative elements, and glass inserts. Some popular door styles include:
- Panel doors: These doors have raised or recessed panels, giving them a classic, timeless look. They come in various designs, from simple single-panel doors to more elaborate multi-panel options.
- Flush doors: Smooth and flat, flush doors have a minimalist, modern appearance. They can be finished in a variety of materials, including wood veneer, laminate, or paint, to suit your extension’s design.
- Dutch doors: Also known as stable doors, these horizontally divided doors have an undeniably charming character and added functionality. They’re perfect for kitchens or spaces where you want to control access without completely closing off the area.
- Sliding doors: Ideal for maximising space and providing a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas, sliding doors are both stylish and functional. They’re especially great for extensions that open up to patios or gardens.
- Colour Me Happy
The colour of your door can really impact your extension’s appearance. Pick a colour that complements your home’s exterior and the extension’s design. Go bold with a contrasting colour or choose something more subtle that blends in. Lighter colours can make a door seem larger, while darker colours create drama and make a statement. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect door colour:
- Analyse the colour palette of your home’s exterior, including siding, trim, and roof materials, to ensure a cohesive look. You don’t want your door to clash with the overall aesthetic of your home.
- Use colour theory to guide your choice. For example, complementary colours (opposites on the colour wheel) can create a visually striking contrast, while analogous colours (neighbouring hues on the colour wheel) provide a harmonious blend.
- Test your chosen colour by painting a small swatch or using a virtual design tool to see how it looks in different lighting conditions and times of the day. This will help you visualise the final result and avoid any surprises.
- Keep in mind the psychological impact of colours. Warmer colours like red, orange, and yellow evoke energy and excitement, while cooler colours like blue, green, and purple convey calmness and tranquillity.
- Insulation and Energy Efficiency
When selecting a door for your extension, think about how well it insulates and how energy efficient it is. A well-insulated door keeps your extension cosy and might save you some cash on energy bills. Look for doors with a high R-value, which indicates better insulation and energy efficiency. To improve your door’s energy efficiency, consider the following:
- Choose a door material with excellent insulating properties, such as fibreglass or steel with a foam core.
- Opt for doors with Energy Star certification, which meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency.
- Consider adding weatherstripping or a door sweep to seal any gaps that could lead to drafts or heat loss.
- If selecting a door with glass inserts, choose double or triple-pane glass with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings to minimise heat transfer. This will help maintain a comfortable temperature inside your extension while also reducing energy consumption.
- Security Features
Safety first! Make sure the door you pick for your extension is secure. Look for strong locks, sturdy hinges, and reinforced frames to protect against break-ins. For extra peace of mind, consider a smart lock or an integrated security system. To enhance your door’s security, consider these options:
- Invest in high-quality deadbolts or multi-point locking systems that provide added protection against forced entry.
- Choose doors with reinforced strike plates, which help prevent doorjamb failures during a break-in attempt.
- If opting for a door with glass inserts, consider laminated or tempered glass, which is more resistant to shattering.
- Install a peephole or a doorbell camera to monitor who is at your door and improve your overall home security.
- Swing Direction Matters
The swing direction of your door impacts its functionality and accessibility. Determine whether you need a left-hand swing, right-hand swing, left-hand reverse, or right-hand reverse door based on the layout of the extension and the location of the door in relation to the surrounding space. To determine the swing direction, follow these steps:
- Stand outside the extension, facing the door.
- Visualise yourself opening the door.
- If the door swings inward and the hinges are on the left side, it’s a left-hand swing door.
- If the door swings inward and the hinges are on the right side, it’s a right-hand swing door.
- If the door swings outward and the hinges are on the left side, it’s a left-hand reverse swing door.
- If the door swings outward and the hinges are on the right side, it’s a right-hand reverse swing door.
When choosing the swing direction, consider the following factors:
- Evaluate the space inside and outside the extension to ensure the door swing won’t obstruct furniture, fixtures, or pathways.
- Take into account any local building codes or regulations that may dictate door swing direction, especially for exterior doors or doors that serve as emergency exits.
- If you have a preference for a particular swing direction but are limited by space constraints, consider alternatives like sliding, pocket, or folding doors that can save space while still providing the desired functionality.
- Door Jamb Delights
A door jamb is more than just a sidekick to your awesome new door—it’s a vital component that ensures smooth operation and security. Made up of the header (the horizontal piece at the top) and legs (the vertical pieces on the sides), a door jamb provides support and helps create a tight seal when the door is closed. An exterior door jamb, in particular, must be sturdy enough to withstand the elements and provide an extra layer of insulation. When choosing a door jamb, keep these tips in mind:
- Match your door jamb material with your door and windows for a cohesive look and optimal performance. Wood, fibreglass, and composite jambs are popular choices, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
- Measure the thickness of your walls to ensure the door jamb fits snugly and securely. The jamb width should match the thickness of the wall, including any interior or exterior finishes.
- Check out home improvement stores like Lowe’s for a wide selection of door jambs, including pre-hung door units that come with the door and jamb already assembled, making installation a breeze.
- If you’re feeling adventurous and have some carpentry skills, you can even create a custom door jamb to fit your specific needs and design preferences.
Remember, a well-chosen door jamb not only contributes to the overall aesthetic of your extension but also plays a crucial role in the functionality, security, and energy efficiency of your door. So, give your door jamb the attention it deserves, and it will serve you and your door well for years to come!
And there you have it—a fun and comprehensive guide to picking the perfect door for your home extension! By considering factors like size, material, style, colour, insulation, security features, and swing direction, you’re well on your way to finding a door that not only looks amazing but also offers functionality, safety, and energy efficiency. So, go ahead and embark on your door-hunting adventure, and may the perfect door find its way into your home extension! Happy door hunting!
