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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

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

Howdens Holdenby 6'6" x 2'6" White Primed Door & Howdens 4.2m x 152mm Double Groove White MDF Skirting Board

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

Thruxton Clear Glazed Door leading to a kitchen

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

Howdens Holdenby 6'6" x 2'6" White Primed FD30 Fire Door Featuring Howdens 4.2m x 200mm Stepped White MDF Skirting Board

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

Dordogne Pre-machined Door lifestyle image

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

Rockingham Oak 4 Panel Door, Mitred Lecco Door Handle, Howdens 4.2m x 200mm Stepped White Skirting Board

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