The principal choices are: -The look that you want, the timber/colour, glazing, ironmongery together with budget.

The look.

Broadly speaking there are two main categories- traditional styles for older residences and contemporary for modern day properties.

Traditional can be anything from a six panel door to an arched frame and sidelights. More modern doors tend to be plain and simple using straight lines and basic designs.

Timber

Panels to withstand the English weather are best created from hardwood. Engineered timbers are both stable and tough, will take a paint/stain finish and require just a little TLC. Sapele is an excellent choice- a member in the Mahogany family, it will stand up well to the test of time. Other popular timbers include European Oak, which is often chosen for traditional properties or Iroko, an oily timber suitable to contemporary applications.

Softwood in TEC wood form is usually available and although quite a bit less durable as hardwood, it will outlast a basic softwood door. Douglas fir is often chosen for higher end softwood doors.

Glazing

Whichever type of glazing you choose for your door- it must end up either toughened or laminated glass to follow building regulations.

Double glazed units with "K" glass and gas filling such as Argon, are the collection of many who want heat efficiency. There is also the choice of warm edge spacers and in many cases triple glazed units in the event the "U" value ought to be below 1. 0. Glass choices range from the following - clear, bevel edged, opaque or even acid etched, sand blasted, coloured, leaded or stained.

Ironmongery

The door furniture you choose can also add to the overall style of the door.

The hinges, handle, locks and letter box must be in keeping with the style of door chosen. Traditional finishes involve black wrought iron and also polished brass. For an up to date and stylish look the selection of ironmongery is often quite minimal and will incorporate satin chrome or even brushed steel. The use of top quality hinges probably will make a real difference on the operation of the entry. For example - a good Oak or Sapele door will generally require 3 or 4 heavy duty hinges to help the weight. If only 2 hinges are utilized or they are of low quality the door will soon "drop" and damage will occur or the door will not open.

Locks are also very important. A multi point locking system may be the sign of a good door and for that reason is a 5 lever mortice lock-both of which are acceptable to insurance companies. These locks will deter thieves and keep your house safe. In a time of rising insurance costs, we need to do anything we can to keep premiums down.

Budget

We'd all like to be able to have an open cheque book when paying for goods and services but good value is important to us all. When spending a considerable amount of cash it is always worth seeking out 3 quotes and then studying these phones ascertain if they are all providing like for like! timber windowsSo, you have finally decided to build your home.