SKIP TO CONTENT

Doors Buying Guide

Covering types, materials, and colours, this doors buying guide makes it easy to pick the right doorway to suit any area in or out of the home. It offers expert guidance for homeowners on selecting the right designs, like pocket doors or wooden doors, to fit various settings. Whether refreshing an exterior to give a great first impression or maximising natural light with glazed panels, this joinery buying guide will focus a search to meet personal tastes. Installation advice is covered, too, from choosing the best accessories for an elevated design to the right fixtures for a secure fit.

Pick doorway placement

  • External

    Choose an external entry with a robust build, such as composite or hardwood materials. This keeps a home secure and protects living areas from the elements.

    See external doors
  • Internal

    Separating spaces, internal doorways create a structured layout. Matching styles coordinate room designs, like complementing themes or colour schemes.

    See internal doors

Decide on door types

  • Standard

    From linear layouts to classic panels, standard doors are an all-rounder in any area in the home. Paintable options make it easy to achieve a personalised look.

    See standard doors
  • Glazed

    With glass panels that allow natural light to pass between rooms, glazed options open up a space and can brighten dark areas, like hallways and corridors.

    See glazed doors
  • Front

    Designed to secure an entrance, front doorways are made from hardwearing materials, like composite, compared with lightweight internal options.

    See front doors
  • Back

    Rear entrances allow a transition from indoor to outdoor living. Standard panels offer security by closing off back rooms, while glass opens up areas to gardens.

    See back doors
  • Bifold

    Popular for small areas or storage cupboards, the space-saving design of bifold makes it a good option where there is less room for it to swing.

    See bifold doors
  • Fire-rated

    Used in commercial settings or private rentals to meet legal standards, fire-rated doors protect against the spread of smoke and flames for between 30-60 minutes.

    See fire doors

Make sense of materials

  • Composite

    A strong core and hardwearing outer layer mean composite is a strong option. This makes it a great choice for areas like back gardens or front entrances.

    See composite doors
  • Hardwood

    An engineered core and wood veneer make hardwood a a premium choice. It has a sturdy build and is design to be a long-lasting fit - even for busy homes.

    See hardwood doors
  • Softwood

    Made from lightweight timber, softwood can be stained or painted for a personalised look - making it an excellent alternative to premium woods.

    See softwood doors
  • HDF

    With a strong, compressed core, high-density fibreboard (HDF) is a premium choice. Its build makes it suited to busy areas, while offering on-trend designs.

    See HDF doors
  • MDF

    The lightweight build of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) makes it an affordable option, and offers an easy way to achieve decorative designs while on a budget.

    See MDF doors
  • Oak veneer

    A low-maintenance alternative to hardwood, oak veneer offers an affordable way to introduce natural wood tones and patterns into a space.

    See oak veneer doors

Personalise with creative colours

  • Black

    Great for punctuating a neutral palette or coordinating moody tones, black is an excellent colour choice for those looking to add an ultra-contemporary feature.

    See black doors
  • White

    A timeless option that is always in style, white is a versatile tone that makes it easy to tie together decors from room to room.

    See white doors
  • Grey

    In a selection of shades, grey doors can adapt to match different design schemes and offer a modern alternative to other neutrals.

    See grey doors
  • Green

    Great for external fittings, green designs draw inspiration from natural colours ranging from soothing, light hues to bold tones, which offer instant visual impact.

    See green doors
  • Oak

    The organic hues and patterns of oak are well suited to cosy interiors. The warm tones create a welcoming space, whether Scandi-inspired or a rustic retreat.

    See oak doors
  • Pine

    A traditional choice, pine can be stained for a soothing, natural effect. Alternatively, this material can be primed and painted for a bespoke look.

    See pine doors

Choose essential final fixtures

  • Handles

    An essential accessory, handles are also an easy way to add a stylish stamp. From sleek styles to traditional designs, add a personal finishing touch.

    Explore door handles
  • Architrave

    An architrave is a crucial fitting that completes a doorway. It conceals the join where the frame meets the wall, and profile styles add a decorative finish.

    See architrave
  • Skirting

    To extend design schemes, pick skirting profiles that match other fittings. As they are supplied primed, they can also be quickly customised in a colour of choice.

    See skirting boards
  • Plinth blocks

    Opting for a plinth block is a decorative way to cover joins between skirting and architraves. Ready-primed, they can be painted to blend in with other features.

    See plinth blocks

Explore more joinery advice

See joinery buying guides

Ready to get started?

  • See all doors

    See all doors
  • Request a brochure

    Get a brochure