Our article discusses the advantages and disadvantages between both reclaimed doors and new doors, to help you choose the best way to upgrade your internal and external doors.

Reclaimed Doors

If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to your doors, whether they are internal or external, reclaimed may be the best choice for you. Doors that have been used previously can have a rustic and cosy feel to them. They are also more environmentally friendly!

However, reclaimed doors, particularly internal, may need some refurbishment and some TLC. If they are wooden, they may require sanding down to ensure they fit securely. Moreover, reclaimed doors can be difficult to hang in the frame that is already in place. They can also warp over time.

New Doors

Alternatively, buying brand new may be more ideal than buying second hand or pre-loved – especially if you’re looking for something more modern and contemporary. They can be bought ready-made from DIY retailers or made to measure from door manufacturers and companies. Moreover, because they are often custom-made, they can be more expensive.

However, buying new may not have the same history as a reclaimed door would if you decided to buy one of those. Yet, there are various designs to choose from to achieve a similar effect. They will hang easily as they are designed to fit the frame that’s in place or the new frame that will come with the door.

So Which Should I Choose?

Either way, when choosing internal or external doors for your home, picking between reclaimed and new can be tricky. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. However, weighing up the two options can be beneficial. Choose a door that suits the style of your home, and reflects your personality. Consider your budget and how easy it will be to install the door too.

The post New Doors Or Reclaimed Doors: Which Should I Buy? appeared first on Windows Manchester.

The most popular interior doors are discussed in our article below.

Tudor and Jacobean Interior Doors

Interior doors like these were first seen around the 1600s. They are made of plain vertical wooden boards, nailed together, with horizontal battens spaced out on the back. Moreover, Tudor doors would typically have cast iron hinges and handles.

Georgian

If your home is from the Georgian period, the early 1700s to mid-1800s, the doors within would typically have two to six panels with no carving or patterns. Furthermore, double doors were also common in this era.

Shaker Interior Doors

The shaker movement came about from the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s and was massively influential in the decor of homes. Shaker kitchens are still popular today.

Shaker doors are a simple design made from lightweight pine wood. Moreover, they are well-made, practical and stand the test of time whilst adding elegance to the home.

Regency

In the early 1800s, regency doors came out. These are similar to Georgian doors but tend to be carved into four or six panels. Furthermore, these were tall and were usually found in pairs, dividing reception rooms.

Victorian and Edwardian

Between the 1830s and the early 1900s was the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Moreover, Victorian doors were common in stately homes and mansions. These doors were thick and had four panels, often with glass in the top half of the door.

1920s and 1930s Interior Doors

Around 100 years ago, stained glass in doors became popular. At the same time, the increasingly popular 1930s Craftsman door came into style. These have three panels to the bottom, and a larger panel to the top, and look modern and contemporary whilst maintaining tradition.

Throughout the rest of the 1900s, plywood and flush doors became popular. Furthermore, sliding, concertina and folding doors were introduced in the 60s and 70s to maximise space within the home too.

The post How To Choose Interior Doors appeared first on Windows Manchester.

It’s the slot in your front door that allows the postman to post your letters and parcels through. Some people have a mailbox attached to the brick or their front wall instead. Other people have a parcel box outside their front door. But what’s best? Check out our article below for ideas on where to place your letterbox. 

Postman’s Preference For The Letterbox

If you ask your postman or postwoman where the ideal place for the letterbox to be on the front door, they will probably say around the mid-rail of the door. 

As someone who delivers hundreds of letters and parcels each day, they probably don’t want to be bending down to the bottom of every door. 

Security Purposes

Positioning the letterbox away from the door handle and the lock is ideal. Moreover, doing so means that people can’t put their hand through the flap to reach the handle. 

If you’re away for a few days, your post will start to build up. If passersby can see your post through glass panels, people will know you aren’t home.

Aesthetic Of The Letterbox

The aesthetic aspect of letterboxes is down to personal preference. You may like the look of it at the bottom of the door, across the mid-rail, or off-centre. 

Furthermore, it may look best on a side panel. Or you may prefer a completely separate mailbox. These can be attached to brickwork and front walls. By choosing a separate mailbox, the post can drop into a secure locked area like the garage or porch. Moreover, standalone mailboxes are also available from some stores. 

Summary

When considering where to place your letterbox, think about how secure your post will be and the style you’re looking to achieve. 

The post Where Should The Letterbox Be On Your Front Door? appeared first on Windows Manchester.

They are usually a pair of doors that have large panes of glass. Moreover, they allow plenty of natural light to flood the room in which they lead. They typically open outwards but can sometimes open inwards or slide. 

Furthermore, they are a great addition to homes due to their benefits. For more information, read below.

French Doors Increase The Value Of Homes

The popularity of these kinds of doors is massive. Hence, French doors are desirable to buyers and can enhance the value of the seller’s home. 

Buyers are willing to spend more on a home that has contemporary, practical amenities. French doors are always on-trend, meaning they are making a worthy investment too. 

Versatile And Multi-Use

Double doors are versatile and can be used for almost any home and in any room. 

Internally, they are ideal for kitchens leading into dining rooms or living rooms. Moreover, they both connect and separate two adjoining rooms. Or they can be used leading out into the garden or entering in through the porch. 

Secure and Durable

Despite French doors mainly consisting of double-glazed or triple-glazed glass, they are both secure and durable. 

Furthermore, they have high-security locking mechanisms and hinge systems. Moreover, the glass is toughened, making them even more secure. 

Stylish French Doors

Above all, one of the main benefits of doors like these is that they are aesthetically pleasing and available in various styles.

Their frames can be wooden, uPVC or, in some instances, aluminium. Moreover, they are customisable so can be matched to each homeowners specifications and requirements. 

Furthermore, they are modern and contemporary but can suit farmhouses and traditional homes too. They provide a luxurious feel to any home. Moreover, they are an ideal investment.

The post Why French Doors Are Ideal For Your Home appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Moreover, it’s the entrance to your home and can make your property look more appealing as well as keeping you and your belongings safe and secure. 

Picking A Material

There is now a wide range of choices when choosing a material for your modern front door. uPVC, wood, aluminium and composite are the most common. 

Wood is considered a classic choice and looks most traditional. It offers warmth and durability as well as being sturdy and appealing. Moreover, you can repaint them and freshen them up if maintained correctly. 

On the other hand, uPVC is one of the most popular choices due to its low maintenance. However, composite is becoming more popular as it looks much more modern and contemporary and is available in a wide range of styles and colours.

Modern Front Door Colours

When you have chosen your material, you next want to consider colour options. 

White is favoured for uPVC doors, whereas wood and composite are more common in various colours. 

You can choose from black, browns, anthracite grey or other shades, as well as brighter colours. Furthermore, yellows, reds, blues and pinks are popular amongst some homeowners. Your front door can reflect your personality as well as looking contemporary. 

Door Accessories

Once your door is installed or freshened up, you can consider other ways to make your home more modern. 

Wreaths are a popular way of creating a more modern front door all year round. In summer, pinks and greens can lighten up your home. Furthermore, in winter, a traditional style Christmas wreath can do the trick. 

The decorative addition is seen as a fashion statement and makes the home look warm and welcoming, modern and chic. 

Furthermore, video technology doorbells can make for a modern front door. Large house numbers, on-trend mailboxes and fancy door handles or letterboxes capture peoples focus too. Adding spotlights outside is another way of sprucing up your front door.

Doormats are an affordable addition that impacts your entrance and convey the personality of your home. Moreover, large plants beside the doorstep can also enhance the modern front door. 

The post Modern Front Door Ideas appeared first on Windows Manchester.

But you don’t need to neglect your front door when it comes to decorating. Looking for Christmas door ideas? Look no further!

Traditional Christmas Door Wreath

Spruce up your front door with a traditional and festive wreath. Moreover, this traditional decoration is back in fashion and doesn’t have to be green and red. 

Tie the wreath in with your interior colour scheme to make your home look contemporary. 

Christmas Door Garland

Door garlands are becoming more popular year after year. These can be shop-bought, custom-made or you can have a go at making one yourself. 

Decorate a garland with some tinsel, baubles and pinecones. You could even use candy canes and lights for a modern twist. 

Christmas Lights

As the nights draw in, the streets light up. Especially by Christmas lights throughout December. Dangle some icicle style lights above your canopy or over your windows. 

Alternatively, place some fairy-style lights around the door frame for a more subtle touch. 

Bells On Your Christmas Door

When you think of Christmas, you’ll think of Christmas carols and bells ringing. Why not add a festive bell to your door, and let the bells ring out for Christmas? 

Christmas Trees

Adding some potted Christmas trees to your front garden or doorstep can spread the festive spirit. You can decorate your mini Christmas trees the same as you would your main tree. 

Santa Stop Here Signs

If you’re working to a budget but still want to get into the Christmas spirit – why not invest in a simple Santa Stop Here sign from the supermarket? Moreover, these can be stood in the grass in your front garden or placed in a plant pot. 

The post Christmas Door Ideas appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Once installed, bi-folding doors need very little maintaining. Other than cleaning them, bi-folds need to be kept free of debris in their tracks. If they are timber-clad, they will also need treating as per other wooden furniture.

Bi-Folds Are Long-Lasting

Furthermore, aluminium bi-folds are hardwearing and can last for around 45 years. Their longevity is a benefit and makes bi-folds a worthy investment. 

The investment is also worthy as if you decide to sell your home, bi-folds can boost the value of your home. 

Bi-Folding Doors Are Aesthetically Pleasing

Bi-folds are modern and contemporary and add elegance to any home. Furthermore, they can sit at the back of an extension or on the corner. Moreover, they can be installed in your kitchen, overlooking your garden. These doors look seamless and open up the room to the outdoors.

Bi-Folds Are Energy-Efficient

Not only are they pleasing to the eye, but bi-folding doors allow large amounts of natural light into a room. Their large panes of glass let the sunlight shine through all day long.

As bi-folding doors are mainly glass, they will capture the maximum amount of sunlight. Moreover, this will make your home feel warm and bright – even in the winter months with the winter sunshine. 

Bi-Folding Doors Are Space Saving

One of the main selling points of a bi-folding door is that they don’t swing inwards or outwards. They fold onto themselves instead and are compact. Furthermore, this is ideal for smaller rooms as no space is needed to accommodate the door.

Bi-Folds Offer High Levels Of Security

Another benefit of a bi-folding door is that they offer high levels of security. There are multiple points on the door that can lock. Bi-folds are unlike French and sliding doors, which usually only have one locking mechanism. 

Moreover, some bi-folds have panel-catch technology. Therefore, the door cannot blow shut or accidentally close.

Summary

Bi-folding doors have countless benefits and are one of the most versatile options currently on the market. 

The post What Are The Benefits Of Bi-Folding Doors? appeared first on Windows Manchester.

The front door not only introduces the style of your home but protects your house too. Hence, choosing a new door is a difficult decision to make.

The usual advice is to choose something that will complement the property. A composite door may not suit a Victorian-style terrace as much as it would a new build. 

Not only do you need to choose a material (usually from wood, uPVC and composite), but sometimes you need to select glazing, handles, hinges, colours and other accessories too. 

Before you get down to the nitty-gritty of customising your door, you need to select the best style door for you. You probably want your front door to be energy-efficient, cost-effective and long-lasting. 

Energy-efficient doors will contribute to the heat retention of your home. Furthermore, thermally efficient doors will keep your house warm in winter and cool in summer. Thus, saving on your energy bills no matter what the weather. A new front door can also reduce noise, which may be handy if you live on the main road or near traffic.

Moreover, a high-quality door is an investment. Longer-lasting, durable doors don’t come cheap. Energy-efficient doors might be costly but will be worth it in the long run. You get what you pay for, so don’t let the price tag put you off.

There has never been so much choice when it comes to choosing a new door. So when making the decision, take your time, ask for advice and explore the possibilities in front of you. 

Check out our handy guide to choosing the best style front door below! 

The post How To Choose A New Front Door appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Driveways And Paths

The first of our front garden ideas is to maintain and focus on the upkeep of your driveway and paths. A budget-friendly way of doing so is to jet wash. Driveways and pavements can get dirty quickly and easily. However, a pressure washer can lift the grime and restore the pavement to looking new. 

uPVC, Wooden And Composite Front Doors

Another of our front garden ideas is to focus on your front door. Many people have uPVC front doors, but composite doors are becoming more popular. 

If your door is uPVC, ensure you keep it looking clean. Wiping any marks can help your home look tidy. 

If your door is wooden, it may need a lick of paint to freshen it up. Pick a colour that will complement your home.

As discussed in one of our articles, composite doors have many advantages. Moreover, another of our articles discusses how the style and colour of your composite door can enhance your kerb appeal. Furthermore, composite doors can modernise homes too. 

Plants

If you’re lucky enough to have space for plants, shrubbery, or a front lawn – add some foilage. Moreover, this front garden idea is ideal for improving your kerb appeal if you’re on a budget. Invest in some hanging baskets or a seasonal wreath for your front door.

Other Front Garden Ideas

Taking care of your windows and cleaning them can make your home look more welcoming. Moreover, even updating your blinds and curtains can transform your home. 

Another front garden idea for sprucing up your kerb appeal is to repaint any fences and gates. Furthermore, if they are stained brown, why not try a different colour? Grey and duck egg blue are becoming more popular. 

Achieving kerb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive or a difficult task. Cleaning, painting and planting can make a massive difference to your front garden. 

The post Front Garden Ideas: How To Spruce Up Your Kerb Appeal appeared first on Windows Manchester.

How Many Types Of Composite Doors Are There?

The style of the door you choose will usually depend on what you like. Furthermore, your composite door will depend on the exterior and interior of your home. Finding a door to suit the aesthetic of your home is paramount.

If you want your home to look traditional and cottage-like, arches and panels can help. Door knockers, golden handles and glass designs can also add to the overall look of the composite door. 

However, if you prefer the modern designed front door, your choices are more flexible and often based on colour.

What Colours Do Composite Front Doors Come In?

There are loads of different colours to choose from when picking your door. Within those colours, there are various shades too. The RAL colour chart is the standard chart used across the industry. RAL colours offer several more options for your door composite. 

Black And Grey Coloured Composite Doors

A black coloured door composite is one of the most popular choices. Black stays clean and doesn’t age. The colour is rich and sharp but can add a sense of sophistication to your home. 

Grey coloured composite doors are not too dissimilar to black. Grey features in many people’s households. It’s the centre colour of most people’s interiors. So, why not incorporate the colour to the exterior too? Anthracite grey is contemporary, sleek and a strong choice. 

White Coloured Door Composites

White is a classic choice. A colour that doesn’t age. It’s clean, fresh and welcoming. Furthermore, white composite doors convey newness. So this colour may be ideal for a new home! 

What Is The Best Colour For A Composite Front Door?

If you want your home to stand out, opt for a more vibrant colour instead. Vibrant colours will brighten up your house and reflect your personality too. 

Yellow is the most striking colour of them all. It’s a rare choice, but it’s uplifting, welcoming and optimistic. 

Red is more traditional. However, its dominance will set your house apart from the others in your street. A red coloured composite door reflects passion and energy. 

Blue is elegant and reflects calmness and peace. This coloured composite door reflects intelligence and tranquillity. Despite blue being one of the cool colours, a blue coloured composite door is just as welcoming as a warmer colour. 

Green coloured composite doors are ideal if you have a front garden. Furthermore, they work well with planters and hanging baskets near your door. Green is associated with nature, so feels traditional yet fresh. 

An orange coloured composite door is a bold statement. It’s not the easiest colour to pull off, but it can provide a warm yet fun and adventurous feel about your home.

Purple is one of the richest colours. Furthermore, it can add character and tie the exterior and interior of your home together. When choosing a purple front door, you can opt for vibrant tones or more subtle tones. A more subtle purple will incorporate a hint of brown. 

If you want your door to reflect your personality but don’t want a bright colour, why not choose pink? Pink is fun and warm and is becoming a nationwide favourite. But, pink is softer and welcoming, making your home look approachable. 

Summary

Guests base their first impressions of your home on the front door. There’s no better way to make a lasting impression than with an eye-catching composite door. If you’re wanting to know more about composite doors, check out our article regarding their benefits here.

The post What Coloured Composite Door Should You Choose?  appeared first on Windows Manchester.