External Doors
Product Information
Our external doors are all available in French Oak and some designs are also available in sustainable exotic hardwood. Oak doors are supplied machine sanded. Hardwood doors are supplied primed ready for painting. This and other options for each design are indicated in the table below.| Options | Fermette | Manoir | Chateau | Edwardian | Georgian | Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stable | Y | Y | N | N | N | N |
| Vision Panel | Y | Y | N | N | N | N |
| Part Glazed | Y | N | N | Y | Y | N |
| Square Head | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Tudor Arch Head | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N |
| Gothic Arch Head | N | Y | N | N | N | N |
| Full Arch Head | N | Y | N | N | N | N |
| Square Head Frame* | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Arched Head Frame* | N | Y | N | N | N | N |
| Side Panels | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Fanlight | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Available Prehung | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Available in hardwood primed for painting | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| * Refers to our permineter of the frame | ||||||
Larger sizes can be accommodated design permitting, but will carry a supplement.
All doors are supplied without furniture.
It is normal for timber external doors to move slightly in response to changes in humidity and temperature. In the long term, this movement is likely to be minimal and barely noticeable, but in the short term (after the first winter) minor adjustment may be required to take account of ‘settling in’ movement. Less movement should be expected from doors made from exotic hardwood.
Timber Selection
The Oak used for our external doors is carefully selected for its particular purpose. Timber used for panelled doors will only feature occasional pin knots. Timber for Manoir, Chateau and Fermette doors may feature some cats paw and occasional small knots which will be filled before sanding if necessary.
Glazing
Glazed items are supplied with 14mm double glazing unless otherwise specified. This can be replaced by 6mm safety glass if you prefer and a bullseye option is also available for vision panels. If you wish to install custom glazing in situ, you will need to supply the dimensions for this, including thickness, when you order.
Letterboxes
Letterboxes and cat/dog flaps can be accommodated by most designs and fitted in our workshops. You will need to request this service when you order and supply the item before we begin construction.
Design Drawings
Once you have chosen your preferred design, and provided us with dimensions, we will prepare an individual design drawing for you to accompany your quote. This will show you how your door will look, and include your particular specification details. Any amendments can be made simply and easily by our design team and the final drawing will need to be signed off to confirm your order.
U Values
We can supply U values for all of our doors upon request. Please ask us if you need or want this information.
Measurement
Accurate measurement is essential for straightforward installation and a weatherproof door and should be done by the intended fitter.
Delivery
Please note that due to their weight, our drivers cannot unload external doors alone. If you will not be able to provide assistance, please let us know when you order. We can arrange additional manpower for an additional charge.
Installation
We recommend that external doors are hung on site once the frame is fitted, secure and square in its final position.
Hang them on 3 good quality 3” x 4” ball bearing hinges suitable for their weight (60 – 80kg depending on size and design) and fit a weather bar to the sill of the frame. For most doors a low profile option will be sufficient, and this is by far the most discreet and comfortable to use, but in very exposed situations an upright sill may be required to prevent water being driven under the door in extreme weather. Although doors (with the exception of the Chateau) can be fitted with a drip bar if required, this is not an alternative to an upright sill.
Finishing
Oak doors, side panels and fanlights must be finished prior to installation with a product suitable for external use. The same product must be used inside and out and as many coats as required by the manufacturer must be applied all round, including beneath the hinges, weather bar and furniture.
For a ‘natural’ seal which will allow oak to age and silver we recommend our own Exterior Oil. For a seal which will help to maintain the natural colour of the timber, but which will weather, use Osmo Wood Stain and Protector (clear). For a seal which will enhance and maintain the ‘golden’ colour of the oak, we recommend Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 in Light Oak with the appropriate undercoat.
Hardwood elements primed for painting should be topcoated with at least 2 coats of good quality exterior paint.
For ongoing protection maintain any finish in good repair. Oak finishes will normally require annual reapplication, but check and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the product you choose.