Product information

Product information

Do exterior doors come in a standard size?

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.

Do your external doors come with door hardware?

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.

How do I measure for a new external door?

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.

How do I stop my external wooden doors from swelling?

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.

How do I stop my front door from warping?

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.

How much wall panelling will I need to fit my room?

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.

What are the best rooms to put wall panelling in?

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.

What are the securest front doors?

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.

What is the best material for external doors?

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.

What is the difference between uPVC and composite front doors?

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.

What types of wall panelling does A Wood Idea sell?

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.

Can you oil a lacquered floor?

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.

Do I need to buy my own hinges to hang the door?

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

Does wood flooring make a house cooler?

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.

How long should my flooring last?

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. 

Is laminate flooring stain resistant?

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. 

What is a pre-finished door?

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.

What is a primed door?

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.

What is an unfinished door?

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.

What is the average price of internal doors?

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.

What is the hardest wearing 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. 

What type of flooring is the most scratch resistant?

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.