Custom doors & materials

Custom doors

Doors that fall outside of the range listed above are considered to be non-standard, and will either require custom framing and hanging, or will need to be modified to fit the space.

There may be many reasons why custom doors need to be fitted; it could be for aesthetic purposes, for special needs and disability access, or simply because the space doesn’t allow for a standard door size - as is often the case when converting a window casement into a door frame.

A basic door frame consists of two jambs running vertically parallel on either side of the door, with the linet forming the crosspiece at the top and the sill forming part of the threshold on the floor below. No matter what the shape of the door, even if it is non-standard, the frame will need to provide a seal for the door when it is closed, so the frame will be designed with that primarily in mind. This can compromise stability somewhat, especially if the door is an uneven or irregular shape.

Door frame types

Door frames are an important concern when it comes to security and are often overlooked. No matter how sturdy the door or secure the locks, if the door hinges have been drilled into a flimsy frame it can be kicked down in seconds by someone determined to do it. Because most locks and dead bolts protrude into the door jamb and rely on it for support, choosing the right frame is a vital part of ensuring that your doors are securely attached.

 Standard door sizes allow for the mass production of doors ready-made for installation. This helps drive down the cost of a door.

Other things to consider

When measuring up a door frame, don’t forget to allow for clearance for the door to swing on all sides, not just the base. Also take into account whether or not you are installing a door with a sill (a horizontal member at the bottom of the door frame) - this will affect how much clearance you’ll need to allow for

What materials are available?

Door frames are most commonly made of wood; this is usually the fastest and cheapest material for framing doors, but wood can be vulnerable to splintering and cracking under pressure, and weakens over time. Some door frames have a reinforcing steel overlay which prevents this from happening, but other materials such as UPVC, fiberglass and aluminum or even a composite blend of wood and resin will all achieve similar effects and make the door frame more reliable.

Some doors are sold pre-hung - that is, already attached to the frame via hinges, for easy installation and a close fit.

What different shapes & types exist?

A basic door frame consists of two jambs running vertically parallel on either side of the door, with the linet forming the crosspiece at the top and the sill forming part of the threshold on the floor below. No matter what the shape of the door, even if it is non-standard, the frame will need to provide a seal for the door when it is closed, so the frame will be designed with that primarily in mind. This can compromise stability somewhat, especially if the door is an uneven or irregular shape.

What difference do various shapes and materials make?

Different shapes and materials can alter the strength of the door frame, for better or worse. Selecting a material which will not only look good over time but will hold up under sustained pressure is worth spending the additional time and money on. Rectangular door frames offer a strong support structure, and changing or adding additional angles to a frame may add weak points which can be exploited.

One big difference that different materials can make is their ability to transfer heat into and out of a house. Metal, for example, is an excellent conductor of heat and can easily act as a very effective thermal bridge (a weak point through which you'll gain or lose heat). Metal door frames can be made with thermal breaks though, which will help to prevent this while still giving you the look you want. Timber, by contrast, is a fairly poor conductor of heat and does a pretty good job of keeping heat in or out of your home - as do UPVC, fibre glass and similar materials.

What is the purpose of a custom door?

You may need to have a custom-made door for any number of reasons; special needs or disability access requirements, a grand entranceway for your stately home, a converted window casing or an unusual opening such as an archway. All of these situations are likely to require you to have doors specifically constructed for installation.

What kinds of things can be customized?

Virtually any part of a door can be tailored to match your design requirements, as long as the door remains stable and is able to open and close. The materials the door is constructed from, the shape, height, width, the door furniture and accessories can all be selected according to your needs. You may want a special lock system for added security or special window treatments, if you want glass doors.

Doors of different shapes can also be installed, but you may wish to consider how these will affect both your ability to get through the door, and the door's strength. A star-shaped door might make you feel pretty special, but it's also likely to be considerably weaker around the edges than a conventionally constructed door.

Cabinet materials and veneers

Different finishes for cabinets give you a great deal of design freedom.

Most cabinets are made using solid timber, or an engineered timber product like particleboard or medium density fibre board (MDF) with a layer of plastic laminate (e.g. melamine) over it. Having said that, however, there are other materials that can be used, and in particular a range of choices in terms of cabinet door materials to help enhance the look of your kitchen.

Below is some information about the different sorts of materials that can be used on cabinet doors, and how they perform.

Timber and timber veneers

Timber veneers are thin sheets of timber that are either sliced or peeled from a larger piece of timber. These are used to give cabinetry a timber-constructed look where full timber construction is more expensive or impractical.

High pressure laminate (HPL) and low pressure laminate (LPL)

HPL and LPL (collectively referred to as 'decorative laminates') are easily the most common of door coverings because they're affordable, and do a great job of resisting wear and tear, as well as dry and heat. They're also resistant to scratching and cracking.

all kind of Decorative Paper for the low pressure laminate sheets, high pressure laminates sheets, continuous pressure laminate, MFC-melamine faced- post forming laminates, compact laminates, laminate panels, door fronts laminates & all furniture surface treatment and finishing products like edges, edges strips, profiles, trimmings, auxiliary materials, ready-to-assemble elements, ornamental fitting give natural wood and stone reproductions in addition to trendy abstract designs.

Vinyl film

Vacuum sealed vinyl is another alternative. Cabinet doors are wrapped in vinyl that is then heat sealed, creating a moisture-proof envelope around the door. Vinyl sealed surfaces installed near ovens or other heating appliances will need a heat shield, as per the oven manufacturer’s specifications

Glass

Glass can look fantastic, and can turn your crockery into a design feature in and of itself. Glass in Buildings-Selection & installation in terms of human impact and serviceability.

Paint/lacquer

Paint or lacquers can be used as a surface for your cabinets, but they must only be applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Stainless steel or aluminum

Metal doors, or those with metal veneers are easily cleaned and hygienic. In most cases metal cabinet doors or veneers are made from either stainless steel or aluminum.

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