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At A Wood Idea, we stock a range of the most popular sizes, however, before making a purchase it’s crucial to measure your door and frame accurately. Depending on the material chosen, you may have the option to adjust the height and width post-purchase. However, there’s a limit to how much you can trim an external door before compromising its structure. Certain doors like composite doors, cannot be adjusted. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if adjustments are feasible for your chosen exterior door.

Our external doors, as well as our internal doors, do not come with handles, hinges, or locks included, so it’s necessary to select and buy all door hardware separately. Without these essential components, you won’t be able to open, hang, or secure your door effectively. We stock a vast range of door furniture for all types of doors, so make sure to take a look at all of our accessories to find the perfect match for your new door.

When installing wall panelling around objects on your wall, such as outlets, switches, or protrusions like pipes or vents, you’ll need to take careful measurements and make precise cuts to accommodate them. Here’s a general guide:

Measure and Plan: Begin by measuring the dimensions and location of the objects on the wall that you need to work around. Use a pencil to mark these measurements on the panelling where it will be installed.

Mark and Cut: Transfer the measurements onto the panelling, marking where you need to make cuts to fit around the objects. Use a pencil and a straight edge to ensure accuracy. For outlets and switches, you may need to use a jigsaw or utility knife to cut out the appropriate shape. For pipes or vents, you may need to notch or angle-cut the panelling to fit around them.

Test Fit: Once you’ve made the cuts, test fit the panelling around the objects to ensure that it fits properly and aligns correctly with the rest of the panelling. Make any necessary adjustments as needed.

Secure in Place: Once you’re satisfied with the fit, secure the wall panelling in place using nails, screws, or adhesive, depending on the type of panelling and wall surface. Be careful not to damage any wires or plumbing behind the wall when securing the panelling.

Finishing Touches: If there are gaps between the panelling and the objects or wall, use caulk or trim pieces to cover and finish the edges for a polished look.

Installing wall panelling can vary depending on the type of paneling you choose (such as acoustic, slat, or shaker) and the method recommended by the manufacturer. However, here’s a general guide for installing traditional wood panelling:

Prepare the Surface: Ensure the wall surface is clean, smooth, and dry. Remove any existing trim, wallpaper, or other obstructions. If the wall is uneven, use a level to make it as flat as possible.

Measure and Plan: Measure the dimensions of the wall and calculate how many panels you’ll need. Plan the layout, considering any doors, windows, or other obstacles. You may need to cut panels to fit around them.

Cut Panels: Use a saw to cut panels to the appropriate size. Measure and mark the cutting lines carefully to ensure accuracy.

Apply Adhesive: Apply construction adhesive or paneling adhesive to the back of each panel according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a caulking gun to apply the adhesive evenly in a zigzag pattern.

Install Panels: Press each panel firmly onto the wall, starting from one corner and working your way across and down. Use a level to ensure each panel is straight and plumb. Nail or staple the panels into place along the edges and studs, following the recommended spacing provided by the manufacturer.

Repeat: Continue installing panels row by row, making sure to stagger the seams for a more attractive finish. Cut panels as needed to fit around obstacles.

Finish: Once all panels are installed, add trim pieces along the edges and corners to cover any gaps and provide a finished look. Caulk any seams or gaps between panels and trim pieces to ensure a smooth appearance.

Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your wall panelling for the best results. Additionally, if you’re not comfortable with DIY tasks, consider hiring a professional installer to ensure the job is done correctly.

To measure for a new external door, measure the width and height of the door frame and use the smallest measurements. Note the thickness and jamb depth of the frame. Check for any obstacles near the frame and determine the swing direction of the door. These steps will ensure an accurate fit for the new door.

Measure each wall separately, measuring the length and height of each wall where you’ll install panels. Repeat for all walls that you want to install wall panelling on. The panel width refers to the printed face. Divide the wall length by the panel width to determine how many wall panels are needed for each. Repeat this step for every wall.

It’s beneficial to lightly sand the edges of your wall panelling with medium grit sandpaper to soften them, making sure to vacuum them thoroughly afterwards, especially in grooves. Some of our wall panelling comes already primed, however, if your panelling isn’t pre-primed, apply a water-based primer, lightly sanding if needed for smoothness. For bathrooms and kitchens, use a quality eggshell paint for its water resistance and durability. Apply two coats, possibly more for full coverage depending on the paint.

You may decide that you fancy a change in decor, or maybe, you want to swap your current wall panelling for a different design. To remove wall panelling, follow these steps:

Inspect and Remove Trim: Carefully inspect the panelling for any trim or molding around the edges. Use a pry bar or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the trim pieces, starting from one corner and working your way around the perimeter of the wall.

Locate and Remove Fasteners: Once the trim is removed, locate any fasteners securing the panelling to the wall. These may be nails, screws, or adhesive. Use a pry bar, hammer, or screwdriver to carefully remove the fasteners, taking care not to damage the underlying wall surface.

Start Removing Panels: With the fasteners removed, begin to gently pry the panelling away from the wall. Start from one corner or edge and work your way across the wall. Use a pry bar or putty knife to help loosen the panels if necessary. Take your time to avoid damaging the wall or the panels themselves. If the panels are glued to the wall, you may need to use a heat gun or adhesive remover to soften the glue before attempting to remove them.

Prepare the Wall: After removing the panels, inspect the wall surface for any damage or residue. Repair any holes or damage, and clean off any adhesive residue left behind.

Finish the Wall: Depending on your plans for the wall, you may need to sand, prime, and paint or apply new wall covering to finish the surface.

To prevent external wooden doors from swelling, seal them thoroughly with a high-quality finish, maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% to 50%, and protect them from direct moisture exposure with a canopy or storm door. Check and replace damaged weatherstripping, maintain the door’s finish, address any leaks promptly, and ensure proper air circulation. These steps will help preserve your doors and prevent swelling caused by moisture.

The durability of a door typically relies on its construction materials. External wooden doors are chosen for their robustness, and stability, but can be subject to warping when coming into contact with heat and moisture. To avoid the possibility of your exterior door warping, it’s crucial to seal any exposed edges with suitable paint or varnish, and it’s helpful to shield the external door from the elements by using a canopy. Regularly inspect the door for signs of warping and address any issues promptly by sanding and resealing affected areas. Ensure proper installation according to manufacturer’s instructions to maintain the door’s integrity.

The amount of panelling needed will vary based on the room dimensions, the presence of any internal doors or windows, and any protrusions like chimney breasts. We have detailed specifications of each wall panelling design we offer, so make sure to take a look at individual sizing.

Wall panelling enhances various rooms in homes, including the living room, dining room, bedroom, home office, and study. It adds warmth and texture to living rooms, and creates luxurious retreats in bedrooms. Panelling fosters a professional environment in home offices, and can evoke old-world charm in libraries. Ultimately, panelling choices depend on personal preferences and home aesthetics.

The most secure front door options include steel, composite, and solid wood doors, each offering strength and resistance to forced entry. Look for doors with multi-point locking systems, reinforced frames, and hinges for added security. Consider installing security glass and additional features like peepholes or smart locks to further enhance security. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

The best material for external doors depends on factors like durability, insulation, security, and aesthetics. Wood, like solid oak doors, offers a classic look but requires more maintenance. Fiberglass is durable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance, mimicking the appearance of wood. Steel doors are highly secure and durable but may rust without proper maintenance. Composite doors combine the look of wood with the durability of fiberglass or steel, offering low maintenance and excellent insulation. Consider your climate, security needs, and maintenance preferences when choosing the right material for your exterior door.

UPVC doors are made entirely of plastic, providing durability and affordability, while composite doors are constructed from a combination of materials such as wood and insulating foam core, offering superior strength, security, and customisation options. Both types of doors make great choices for external doors.

A Wood Idea sell a range of wall panelling to suit all tastes and style preferences. Our wall panelling from Deanta comes in both modern styles such as acoustic wall panelling, and traditional styles inlcuding as Shaker, Tudor, Jacobean.

Yes, you can. However, this should be considered an intensive clean and not part of your regular routine. Before cleaning your laminate floor, ensure any dirt or debris is swept away with a brush so you don’t scratch the surface. Following this, a laminate floor can be washed with a well-wrung microfibre mop but this should be limited to once every 2 months. It is vital to use the bare minimum amount of water as laminate floors are not waterproof. Allowing water to seep into laminate flooring can warp the floor or cause water spots. 

In order to oil a lacquered floor, you would have to sand the original lacquer off and then begin to oil the floor therefore we don’t recommend this.

At A Wood Idea, we would never recommend that you paint your laminate flooring. In order to paint laminate, you would have to sand the wear layer down so the paint would stick. By doing this, you are effectively removing the protective layer and destroying the product. Even if the paint looked good, it would not be a long-lasting solution. 

Similarly to laminate, we would never recommend that you paint your vinyl flooring for the same reason. In order to paint vinyl, you would have to sand the wear layer down so the paint would stick. By doing this, you are effectively removing the protective layer and destroying the product. Even if the paint looked good, it would not be a long-lasting solution.

In most cases you do not have to replace the door frame when installing a new door. However, if there are gaps or the door is not closing properly then the issue may be with the frame and this can be replaced easily. 

Yes, all of our ironmongery is sold separately to your door, allowing you to customise the look of your home. 

Most existing houses do not need to change normal doors for fire doors. However, any new builds or renovations with three or more floors need to have fire doors fitted to any habitable room leading from a stairwell as well as doors leading from an integral garage into the home. This includes loft conversions where the house is becoming three storeys or taller. 

Some vinyl will come with an underlay pre-attached to the planks and some will need to be purchased separately so make sure to check with us before purchasing your vinyl flooring.

Even though laminate flooring is cheaper than hardwood flooring, it can still look beautiful in any home and comes in a range of high quality styles. Luxury laminate flooring is made to look and feel just like real hardwood flooring at a more affordable price point. 

Although they may feel cooler to the touch, wooden floors don’t make your home colder. Wood is a conductive material therefore it is brilliant at absorbing heat, meaning your central heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to regulate overall temperature. Some may think that carpet is a warmer option for your home, however, it actually creates a barrier that traps heat within a single room. Wooden flooring keeps air circulating around the house, keeping it cool in the summer and cosy in the winter.

On average, it takes around 2 hours to install an internal door, leaving ample time to remove the old door. 

The durability of your flooring will depend on how well you maintain it and what type of flooring it is. Hardwood flooring can last a lifetime if proper maintenance is carried out. Laminate can last around 30 years with care. 

Laminate flooring should be left alone for at least 24 hours before you walk or place furniture on it. This is because the glue used to install it needs to be set for a specific amount of time. Leaving your floor for 48 hours is ideal if possible.

Cleaning engineered flooring is similar to cleaning laminate in that water should be used sparingly. Use a specialised engineered wood floor cleaner with warm water and a wrung-out strip mop to clean your floor. However, stick to dry cleaning for day to day cleaning. Use a soft bristled brush and avoid anything that might scratch the surface of the floor.

The best way to deep clean a laminate floor is to mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm (not hot) water and use a wrung-out strip mop to lightly mop the floor. But remember that laminate flooring is not waterproof and therefore this should be done sparingly (possibly every 2 to 3 months). For day to day cleaning, a soft bristled brush will be sufficient in getting rid of dirt and debris.

Make sure to brush your hardwood floor with a soft-bristled brush or hoover on a low brush/wood setting. Water should be used sparingly and spillages should be wiped up with a slightly damp cloth as soon as they happen. If you do want to wash your floor, a flat head spray mop is ideal so the floor doesn’t hold too much moisture. For more information on keeping a hardwood floor clean, visit our helpful blog.

A water based paint should easily come off with warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Make sure to wring out the cloth so it is barely damp. If the paint is particularly stubborn, you may have to use a plastic putty knife to carefully scrape off the thickest part of the paint. An oil based paint may be more difficult to remove and specialist paint remover/thinners such as mineral spirits can be used.

There are several different ways to lay engineered wood flooring. Create a floating floor – using the tongue and groove method to lay the floor using its own weight to keep it level. If you have a wooden subfloor, you may want to use secret nails to nail the floor down. Always check with one of our experts before laying your floor.

Laminate flooring is incredibly durable and easy to clean. This makes it the perfect option for any home, especially those with young children and pets. Any spillages can be cleaned easily with a microfibre mop or a cloth, however care should be taken to ensure the floor does not become soaked or damp for long periods of time. 

Underfloor heating can work well with engineered, laminate and vinyl wood however with solid wood flooring it may cause too drastic a change in temperature. Check with your heating specialist what the maximum floor temperature would be and use our underfloor heating guide to check.

A pre-finished door is one which has been finished at the factory, with multiple coats of paint or varnish. It is bought ready to hang.

A primed door has a base layer of primer on when purchased. This allows you to paint the door yourself after purchase. This is a great option if you haven’t quite decided what finish you want yet.

An unfinished door is exactly how it sounds – the wood has no primer or paint on it yet. This is a cheaper option and one with a lot more flexibility should you require it.

Engineered wood flooring is made up of several layers of plywood, which is topped with a thick wear layer of hardwood. This means that it looks identical to solid hardwood, but it performs better in areas of high moisture and humidity.

Solid wood flooring is manufactured using one piece of wood, without the layers that an engineered plank has.This makes it incredibly durable and damage can be easily fixed by sanding. Due to the natural variety of solid wood, every plank cut will be unique which creates a beautiful floor for your home.

Internal doors can range from £50 up to £800 per door depending on the style and quality of the door. The average cost is usually around £90-£100.

You do not need to use an underlay for solid wooden flooring as it would be glued or nailed down to the subfloor or concrete.

There isn’t a great difference between laminate and vinyl flooring in terms of cost, lifespan or installation or appearance. However, vinyl flooring is preferred in some instances where the room is more likely to face water as vinyl is mostly waterproof. Check out our helpful blog for a more in depth comparison between vinyl and laminate flooring.

Whatever your style and budget, there are a wide range of extremely hard wearing floors to choose from. One of the most popular is luxury vinyl click flooring, which is perfect for areas where there is going to be a lot of traffic (kitchen, living room, hallway etc.). It is easy to clean, low maintenance and water resistant. Another great option is hardwood flooring, which when looked after properly can last a lifetime. Hardwood flooring can be recoated (if needed) which provides a new lease of life to your home and can be done every 3-5 years. 

Vinyl flooring is made up of sheets of PVC which are stacked to create a durable and natural looking floor plank. A photographic design layer is placed on top of a core layer of PVC and this can come in many different designs, tailored to suit your home. This is then topped with a strong wear layer, which protects the floor and maintains the design.

Vinyl click flooring is very scratch resistant and perfect for a home with pets or young children. It is thicker and more resistant than vinyl sheet flooring and can last around 20 years.