Mike Morris, Commercial Manager from XL Joinery, offers his tips on what to consider when selecting internal timber doors on a new build.
One of the benefits of fitting doors on a new build is the opportunity to take advantage of a blank canvas. Offering an extensive range of design and style options, internal timber doors can help to create a warm and welcoming entrance to any room within a new build property.
Timber doors offer plenty of different styles and aesthetics to choose from, ensuring that builders and housing developers are able to identify the correct door for the project. For example, a walnut door is perfect for adding warmth into a room, whilst oak doors provide a timeless look, resulting in a premium finish.
Performance characteristics
When it comes to choosing an internal door for a new build property, it’s crucial to not only consider the aesthetics of a door but also its practical benefits too. Therefore, it’s essential for developers to explore the market and ensure they’re getting good value for money. After all, the better the quality of the door, the better the results.
A high-quality internal timber door will boast both good acoustic and thermal efficiencies thanks to the product’s solid core; two aspects that are key when working on a new build. Of course, it is important to note that these efficiencies may be ineffective if the insulative properties of walls and ceilings are poor, or if there are gaps between the door and the frame. This places increased importance on accurate fitting and placement, to ensure that doors are being used to their full potential.
Ease of fit
A high-quality timber door will have close fitting, accurate alignment and evenly sanded components; all qualities that are heavily reliant on the skill and attention paid by the assembler. Whilst high quality timber doors take slightly longer to make, this initial investment in time is compensated by the lifespan and performance of the product.
In an effort to continually develop our product offering, we have responded to the many requests for larger lippings so we have increased the size to 20mm on our Suffolk Original and launched a solid oak version called the Suffolk Statement. This means that when fitting the Suffolk Original into a new build, you can be guaranteed ease and simplicity, reducing the need for additional work and stress on the project.
Low maintenance
When selecting an internal door for a new build, it’s important to consider the longevity and maintenance of the product in question, to ensure that the future homeowners get the most out of their investment.
Internal timber doors are extremely capable of withstanding everyday use and, if they do come to be damaged, are easy to repair. A quick sanding and refinishing is usually enough to conceal any damage. Therefore, by opting for a timber product at a slightly higher price point, purchasers can guarantee a high-quality entrance door that will withstand the test of time.
Staying on top of the trends
By incorporating the latest housing trends within a new build, both builders and developers are able to create a property that is desirable to potential homeowners. One trend that is currently popular amongst both new builds and existing homes is the inclusion of coloured doors. Adding a touch of personality into a new build, our Colours by XL range allows builders to fit doors that are already sanded, primed and finished on site, saving both time and labour. Take a look at this range here.
Whilst this may not seem an obvious choice for a new build, it always benefits housebuilders to make suggestions when dealing with future owners, offering tips and advice and showing that they are ahead of the curve.
Whether it is to add a warm and welcoming feel to a new build or offer enhanced performance features such as sound and heat retention, a timber door is the ideal choice when working on new build properties. Standing the test of time, there is a reason that timber continues to be used on new build properties today and will still be used for years to come.
