Choosing wooden entrance doors

Wood is a traditional material for making doors. Despite the improvement of production technologies, which improve consumer properties, wooden structures are still very popular. Natural wood creates comfort, emphasizes status, testifies to the refinement of taste. Of course, wooden doors cannot be compared in strength with metal counterparts, but they are more environmentally friendly and attractive.

Wooden entrance doors can be classified by shape, type of opening, style, purpose.

In most cases, street structures are rectangular in shape.

However, in private houses and cottages, other options are possible: semicircular, arched, in the form of various complex shapes according to individual projects. In addition, they are additionally decorated with decorative elements, for example, platbands or thresholds.

The main groups of opening systems include the following.

1. Swinging - the most common option, since it is considered reliable and highly resistant. If a door with such a mechanism is installed, then we can confidently talk about excellent sound insulation. In this case, firms produce single-leaf and double-leaf options. Available models are left and right-handed.
2. Swinging flaps open in both directions. The structure closes less tightly, which reduces sound insulation.
3. Recoil - compartment doors. The fulcrum is located on the floor, so the structure has a long service life. Roller doors do not jam or warp. Conveniently, options with a sliding opening system can be automated.

Both the appearance and the quality of the doors depend on the design.

• Deaf, or solid, the surface of the door leaf provides the maximum degree of silence and thermal insulation. These models are of two types.

1. Shield. The constructions are a solid frame, sheathed on both sides. The cladding can be made of solid wood or from several glued solid wood.
2. Paneled. The most popular option, which makes it possible to vary the shape depending on the design. A panel is a thin figured surface inside the door leaf frame, made of various materials. According to its shape, the doors are classified into flat, volumetric and type-setting. You can also distinguish figurine and floating panels. In the first case, the figures are installed in grooves and fixed with glue. In the second - with the help of glazing beads. The advantages of such doors: low weight, low degree of deformation, variety of shapes, lower price.

• Glazed. The rarest option for entrance models used in apartments. However, it is common for exit equipment in cottages and public buildings.
• Tsargovye. Something in between a solid and glazed model, since the wooden panel has narrow glass inserts.

1. Street doors for country houses.They can be of different shapes, differ in composition, opening system, but have the following general properties: reliable locks, reinforcing elements to strengthen the entire structure, thermal protection. The door with thermal break is popular among consumers. Such models consist of two canvases, the space between which is filled with insulating materials.
2. Apartment. Structures serve to protect the premises from noise, smell and cold of the entrance. Due to the fact that the inner part of the door leaf usually faces the corridor of the apartment, designers use this feature in the interior. For example, there are options with a mirror, backlit, and wardrobe items.
3. Tambour. Such models are also called "second". They are located between the front door from the street and the corridor and have a heat-shielding function.
4. For public buildings.

The characteristics of wooden models differ depending on the type of wood, its texture, age. When choosing entrance structures, their purpose should be taken into account.

Oak products are recognized as elite for their extraordinary qualities. They are characterized by a high degree of reliability, durability, resistance to tree pests, and a noble appearance. Over time, the wood darkens, acquires a deep brown color, and becomes harder.

Oak doors are usually hung on three or more hinges, since they have significant weight.

Ash wood is less exposed to moisture, so the products do not deform with temperature changes.

The material has a higher density than oak, natural elasticity, due to which it is easy to process. Thanks to its qualities, the solid ash allows you to obtain precise shapes of complex decorative elements.

A door leaf made of dried wood will last a long time, since it is highly resistant to damage.

Solid beech door structures are not inferior in hardness to oak, but the degree of resistance to moisture is lower. The wood is easily processed, which explains the high quality of the products.

However, experts do not recommend using beech as a frame for entrance doors, since due to the low density of fibers, preliminary preparation is necessary. If it is carried out in violation of the technological process, then the canvas can be skewed.

Larch wood is valuable, which is confirmed by the history of the use of this tree over the years. The breed is characterized by strength, durability, and resistance to decay processes.

It should be noted that not all types of trees are in demand for production, but only those that grew in cold climates, for example, in Canada or Siberia. However, this cannot be determined in appearance.

However, they are identical in strength. Besides, the Russian one is cheaper.

Since the breed is resistant to dampness, it is often used to make street doors in cottages and private houses.

In addition, the following qualities can be attributed to the advantages:

• Does not dry out.
• Hinders fire.
• Possesses a high degree of sound insulation.
• Amenable to any staining and varnishing.
• A fairly affordable price, since you do not need to use additional means to protect against moisture, decay, parasites, etc.

Pine is the most popular material, however, this is due not so much to quality characteristics as to its low cost.

There are several advantages besides the price:

• Appearance. Due to its soft texture, the wood lends itself to processing with the introduction of various decorative elements.
• Environmental friendliness, pleasant coniferous smell.

Disadvantages:

• The low degree of strength makes the products susceptible to damage.
• Sensitivity to temperature changes.
• Prone to swelling due to low moisture resistance.

Most manufacturers produce entrance doors in accordance with GOST, which apply to all types of wooden products. The regulatory documents indicate that the standards are developed for structures that are installed in all buildings, except for special-purpose structures and historical architecture.

The standard sizes are usually as follows.

• Width. The minimum size is 884 mm, the upper limit reaches 1010 mm for single-leaf models. For one and a half options, the width varies from 1310 to 1550 mm. Double-sided massive structures have a size from 1274 to 1950 mm.
• Height is defined by experts as the ratio to the total height of the ceiling and the width of the doorway, usually from 2070 to 2370 mm.
• Thickness does not have a strict value, depends on the material and functions that the door performs. Often it is matched to the thickness of the walls. The optimum thickness should ensure reliable fastening of the locking system and door hardware.

However, in private construction or in public premises, there are non-standard indicators. In these cases, the dimensions are determined by measurements, and the door is ordered individually.

Natural shade is popular among designers.

If the wood has a unique vein pattern, then it can be strengthened by impregnating the material with special protective agents. This will increase the service life of the product and give the wood a noble shade.

However, wooden doors lend themselves well to painting, so color options are also widely used when equipping an entrance portal. In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to the general appearance of the building facade, since the outer part of the door must correspond to it. Whereas the inner door leaf is selected in accordance with the interior of the corridor.

When choosing a colored door, pay attention to the quality of the paint.

• Acrylic do not have a sharp specific odor, dry quickly and have a high degree of strength. They do not fade, so the color remains bright for a long time.
• Alkyd they contain resins that form a glossy surface on the surface of the wood. They are water-repellent. However, they smell harsh and take a long time to dry.
• Oil toxic, smell strong, do not dry well.
• Latex: water-based emulsion ones are environmentally friendly, since they are based on water, but they are quickly erased. Water dispersion more stable

For the facades of country houses and summer cottages, surrounded by green spaces, doors of natural tones are perfect: light green, coral, sky blue, yellow.

Provence design makes extensive use of pastel shades: cream, lilac, silver, pearl.

The white door is the most versatile option, suitable for any interior.

The appearance depends entirely on the taste of the owner. Before choosing, you must remember that the attractiveness of the house, both inside and outside, will depend on the design of the front door.

Wood as a natural material already in itself brings aesthetic pleasure. However, with the use of new technologies and skillful hands, wooden doors can be turned into works of art.

The doorway, decorated with a wooden frame and a mirrored or stained glass surface of the canvases, will transform any facade of a country house.

Massive semi-antique interiors will be decorated with original oak doors in the style of medieval castles. Weighted overhead loops will add aristocracy. In addition, such models are decorated with forged elements, provided that the facade corresponds to this. Doors with forging have been popular at all times.

The most common unpainted doors can also be changed, for example, with the help of interesting fittings purchased from specialized stores. Handles, hinges, locks, overhead decorative elements will help you create an original design.

Before buying an entrance structure, it is necessary to determine the qualities that the door should have.

1. Heat and sound insulation. The degree of sealing must be high, especially for street doors.
2. High quality protective coating against decay, parasites and moisture.
3. The presence of a system of locks from a manufacturer that has proven itself on the market from the good side.
4. No deformation.

Basically, external doors are of three types: solid wood, panelboard with insulation, panelboard reinforced.

• Solid wood products serve for a long time if the manufacturer did not violate the technology of working with wood. If raw material was used in the production, the door will crack and deform. In the case of solid wood doors, dense wood species are used. With noise insulation, such models are all right. They are rarely painted, they are usually tinted or varnished.

• Shield doors are often used as internal doors in vestibules and corridors. If such a model is planned to be used as an external one, then it is better to consider options with a heater. The door in this case is a double construction with an insulating material inside. Usually, for private houses, they prefer to choose warm options with a thermal break.
• In order for the panel door not to deform, it is reinforced with aluminum strips or plates. This option also provides reliable protection against burglary.

Without a doubt, the main advantages of wood doors are as follows:

• Environmental friendliness. Lack of harmful fumes.
• Increased workability. The ability to obtain various shapes, elements using conventional carpentry tools. Smaller parts are easily joined into large ones by gluing, using wedges, spikes or other fastening methods.
• The thermal insulation properties of wood materials are high, which limits the penetration of cold from the street.
• Wooden doors can provide a high level of sound insulation.

• Depending on the species, wood is characterized by significant strength and hardness.
• Long service life with proper care.
• Aesthetically pleasing appearance. Entrance wooden structures harmoniously fit into any interiors.
• Wooden frames go well with all types of materials, which allows you to use different combinations in the manufacture of doors.
• The wood has excellent susceptibility to various types of coatings. Therefore, coloring, toning, varnishing and the application of other decorative or protective chemical compounds is carried out without hindrance.

Of the shortcomings of wooden door structures, the most serious ones can be distinguished:

1. Fire hazard. This quality is inherent in any wood product. However, modern protective impregnations and some species allow it to be minimized.
2. Deformation. Wood can change its size with fluctuations in temperature and humidity.Therefore, experts advise using dense types of wood with a high degree of moisture resistance for entrance doors.
3. Mechanical damage. Wood products cannot be chipped or scratched, but many can be easily repaired.
4. Without proper treatment, soft breeds are susceptible to rotting and wood pests.

According to expert estimates, up to 90% of sold entrance door models belong to domestic manufacturers.

It is quite understandable how this is explained:

1. The cost of products from local factories is much lower.
2. The quality of Russian brands has reached the level of imported ones.

Production mainly takes place on foreign equipment, a wide range of warranty service packages is provided, manufacturers willingly take on the manufacture of non-standard models.

Depending on the materials and design, products are classified by value into classes.

• Economy
• Average.
• Premium.
• Elite.

Such brands are the most famous of foreign firms.

1. Italian. The indisputable advantage over the Russian counterparts is the style, the use of the latest technologies and high quality materials. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the high cost, focus on a wealthy buyer. The most famous supplier is Dierre, which mainly produces doors of premium and elite classes. We can also mention the brands Portalle, Securemme, Blindoor, ReDeco, Fratelli Radice, Pietrelli.
2. Finnish outdoor wooden doors are focused on perfect heat and sound insulation. These are the main parameters. High quality raw materials, durability and functionality outweigh the somewhat discreet appearance. The most famous suppliers are ALAVUS, Jeld Wen, Fenestra, EDUX.
3. Israeli door designs have aesthetic beauty. The Pandoor brand has been known for reliable and quality products for over 27 years. Also on hearing is Super Lock. However, the doors of her production are mostly steel inside. Wood panels are used for decoration and styling.
4. Polish. The cost of doors purchased in Poland is less than other foreign counterparts by 25% or more. The most famous suppliers are Gerda, Porta.

1. The Chelyabinsk Krasnoderevshchik factory is one of the best on the market. The assortment is designed for the middle-income buyer, but the design and performance make it comparable to the premium class.
2. The Volkhovets company has been on the market since 1993. Started with the production of interior doors, now the largest manufacturer in the industry.
3. According to customer reviews, one can single out such firms from the city of Maykop: "Leader", "OSB". And also the Tula doors of the Mebel Array factory. Some of the owners noted the suppliers "Sophia" and "Alexandria doors".

There are always many requirements for front doors. Therefore, when choosing them, it is necessary to take into account the priority of the use function.

When installing an entrance door to a house or cottage, it is necessary to clarify the breed from which they are made.

The following are commonly used.

• Deciduous: oak, ash, beech.
• Conifers: larch, cedar, pine.

Wealthy owners have the opportunity to purchase luxury doors to a country cottage. The ideal option is mahogany door designs. They are the most resistant to external factors, stable and durable. The sophistication of the texture surprises and boggles the imagination.

The most common options used for entryways are solid oak doors. They are characterized by a high degree of wear resistance and strength. Ash products are not inferior to the specified qualities. Door structures in this case are solid, heavy, noble. Due to the excellent degree of processing, hardwood allows you to create interesting facades and combine them with glass or forged products.

Cottages with large entrances are often equipped with double doors. They look solemn and solid. Sometimes they are decorated in the form of arches, but most often they are rectangular swing doors.

Recently, experts have assured that the most reliable construction for the street is a reinforced wooden door. The main function is protection from uninvited guests.

Models glued from several inexpensive rocks look unusual. They are cheaper, so they are available to middle-income buyers.

If the danger of entering the house is excluded, then lighter structures can be used. They are also used as second doors. These are mainly panel models.

Designers love to offer combined entrance doors for private houses. In their design, wooden elements are combined with glass, forged products, and metal. With the help of modern technologies, tools and high-quality materials, professionals create real masterpieces that will stunning everyone. You can create an image of light, almost weightless structures, or vice versa, solid medieval gates, with weighty overhead locks, a massive porch and appropriate lighting.

The budget options include softwood doors. These can be simple models for a garden house, a veranda, a bathhouse.

For a country house, the door can be either deaf or with small glass inserts. It is important to take care of a good tightness.

Due to the fact that a garden house is most often built according to an individual project and from scrap materials, doorways may not meet standards.

Apartment door structures in multi-storey buildings do not go out into the street, but into the entrance. In this regard, thermal insulation may be slightly worse than that of street options.

However, such doors are required to protect against the penetration of various odors, noise, be resistant to moisture and have protection from decay and pests.

It is unconditionally accepted that models for apartments are deaf. But this does not mean that they should be just smooth. Designers offer a huge number of design options for wooden entrance doors.

The most common type is double-leaf paneled models. Moreover, the texture and pattern can be very diverse.

To save money, wooden doors made using frame technology can be installed in the apartment. In this case, the box and the frame are made of solid wood or glued from bars of dense rocks, the door leaf is made of MDF, chipboard, which are then veneered.

How to make a wooden entrance door, see below.