There are several types of wood to choose from for your interior doors. The most common being Oak and Pine. Here we are going to offer a guide to Pine wood, its qualities and how it has become so popular across the world as a reliable, hard wearing and attractive material for doors.

Pine trees are long living evergreen trees, the most elderly of which is 4,600 years old and lives in California. Typically they grow to around 50 metres if left uncut though there is some difference between the sub species. They are native to most of the Northern hemisphere but most commonly farmed for timber in North America.

Pine has distinctive wide grain patterns with irregular knots and flaws that make interior pine doors unique and this is magnified because the colour differences between darks and lights is greater than many other woods. No two doors made from real pine are the same and that is a rare quality in today’s commercialised world, especially when you take in to consideration the relatively cheap price of pine compared to say Oak. Pine has become such a common choice for home owners because these unique patterns look so natural when brought out by a clear finish exposing all the swirls of it’s grain.

When it comes to durability, oak has the edge over pine, primarily due to its high resistance to water moisture and humidity. Whilst pine is a durable material for internal doors it is not a good candidate for external doors. However, the upside to its inherent construction means that whilst oak has an exposed grain pine wood is extremely smooth. This means if you are looking to paint your doors to accompany your interior renovation then interior pine doors give the best painted finish of any wood doors.

4 Panel Clear Pine

Clear Pine Weston Door

Nowadays there are so many different styles of pine door to choose from with a huge variety of panelling to suit contemporary or classic styles. The clear pine 4 panel door for example has the four large panels in the classic Victorian style but lends itself well to period and contemporary properties alike.

Another popular choice is the Glastonbury style, a traditonal door with two fielded panels and attractive silkscreen glazing.

Pine is an extremely easy wood to work with and yet is solid enough to seal off noise pollution between rooms with any panel style chosen.

4 Panel Glazed Contemporary

Then of course you have the option of adding a glass panel to let the light pass from room to room, a real boon if the property suffers from poor natural lighting. One of the most exiting interior pine doors from Johnson Doors is the contemporary 4 panel glazed pine door. This door, with its horizontal panels, gives a different take on the pine door that will add a degree of contemporary style in even the most classic setting. This is in a glazed style with four panels of glass and offers the maximum amount of light to be shared between rooms whilst still retaining a high quality construction.

It’s not possible to go through all the different styles of interior pine doors available in just one article. However now you know the qualities of pine as the source material you can be more assured of what the finished doors will bring to the new look of your home. It’s a versatile material with the potential to be painted or given a natural finish and what’s more it is often half the price of more expensive oak version of similar styles.

Top images courtesy of sxc.hu

During the the 1990′s an interior design revolution was kick started and it wasn’t Laurence Llwellyn-Bowen’s patent leather Chelsea boots that got it moving. It was money. The property boom showed even the owners of modest terraced houses that their bricks and mortar was an investment that was going to pay dividends at a quicker rate than at any time since the second world war. Many interior designers were inspired to improve their pad simply for the immediate benefit of their own living comfort but many were inspired to renovate to sell up and make a profit.

With so many home owners taking an interest in interior design, programmes like Changing Rooms became prime time TV fodder and new design features became popularised much quicker than ever before. Suddenly garden decking, folding interior doors and avant-garde rugs were being discussed at dinner parties all over the place. Folding interior doors have become of particular interest in the last decade because they provide the same presence as regular doors when shut but when opened the door sections fold up take to occupy very little space indeed. They are constructed of several doors joined together by hinges and open and close ‘concertina style’.

Some features from the past decade’s design innovations were purely cosmetic but others such as garden decking and folding interior doors provide a lasting solution to changes in the way we use our homes now. One trend that has become less of a fashionable design vogue and more of a sensible advance in architecture is to open up the floor plan of a house. Central heating is now the norm but when many of Britain’s homes were built they relied on coal or wood fires to heat each room. This meant it made sense to have smaller rooms insulated from other colder parts of the house by solid brick walls to conserve heat. With advances in heating and insulation technology the restriction on room sizes is only structural now so interior designers are free to open up internal spaces and go “Open Plan” providing upper floors remain soundly supported.

But despite the improvement in the quality of life by having enlarged communal areas there are some downsides to it and so this brings us to the ‘win-win’ solution of folding interior doors. By having the familiar layout of an open plan kitchen dining room there is always the possibility of smells or smoke wafting out of the kitchen area even with a good extractor fan over the cooker. Often the dining table is a good place for kids doing their homework so a folding interior door provides a perfect temporary solution to block out Dad’s experimental fish goulash. Another popular flooring plan is an open plan lounge and dining room but this creates a different problem for those using the dining room area whilst the lounge is in use, noise. The simple solution again is to use folding interior doors so the two living areas can be opened up for entertaining and general use but closed off and separated when needed.

But folding interior doors are not just used for partitioning off large rooms but a simple and effective way to close off small rooms where the opening radial arc of a conventional door is constricted by a sink, roofing eve, furniture etc. Hanging a folding interior door is practically the same as with a conventional door and they do not require special door frames either provided the current frame is in good condition. It’s not hard to see why folding interior doors, a legacy from the property boom that finished five years ago, continue to be a long lasting solution to a better way of living.

Finishing your internal doors with the right door furniture or ironmongery is the last thing to do once the door has been fitted. There is a vast amount of ironmongery finishes and styles available in the marketplace – at your local ironmongery store and on the internet too. Styles available range from Art Deco, quirky, porcelain, crystal, nickel plate, polished brass, satin chrome and brass including cast iron, handmade designer italian ranges, and antique style. Some points and questions to ask yourself – including people who will be using the doors, before buying ironmongery could be…

Things To Consider

• The type of internal doors the furniture will be fitted to
• Are you looking for a modern or traditional finish?
• What material will you choose, i.e nickel, brass, cast iron etc?
• Will you choose hand-made or mass produced
• Budget – how much do you want to spend?
• Hinges & latches normally look best if they are the same finish or color as the door handles
• Who will be using the internal doors – sharp contemporary door handles might not be best if you have small children running about the house – for safety reasons
• Will disabled people find handling the door handle or knob difficult?
• Will the metal need regular polishing or just a quick wipe?
• Who will fit the door knobs, hinges?
• Do you want to lock the internal doors?

Designer Door Knobs

Once you have considered the above points – you should be ready to make a decision – to help you visualize – you will find a small selection of designs and metal finishes available in the market place by doing a web search. Some internet stores sell door package sets – which include hinges, latch and door handles. A big part of choosing a door knob or handle depends on personal taste and the type of property you have.

Nickel, stainless steel or chrome plated contemporary door knobs and handles are quite popular for the internal doors in newly built homes. A great way to update old internal doors, kitchen cabinets or wardrobes – is to change the door handles. Giving them a fresh new look. Older properties like cottages and barn conversions normally have old hand forged, hand made type latches and hinges – giving them an aged rustic antique appearance.

Handle With Care

Quirky, designer and unique style door handles are available – if you are prepared to search – one possible option is to commission an artist or metal worker to make a design or idea that you may have in mind.

Having something handmade will ensure you have a tailor made, long lasting product. Latches, hinges and door knobs are fairly easy to fit providing you have the right tools. Paying a carpenter will ensure you have a professional finish. One important consideration when buying ironmongery is if the product will be easily maintained – some metals may scratch or tarnish easier than others. Before buying – make sure you ask the seller enough questions to make sure you are making the right choice. The ironmongery market is very diverse and competitive and consumers are in a good position to find innovative new designs.

Bi Fold Doors

Pine 4 Panel Bi fold Door

There is plenty of choice when it comes to bi fold doors. Choose between solid and half glazed; plain or decorative glazing.

4 panel bi fold doors are a popular choice and offer plenty of flexibility to the discerning home owner who needs something with minimal space occupying properties.

Bi fold doors operate differently to regular household doors which tend to be jamb-hinge. Bi fold doors work with a floor bracket and a track that runs along the top (sometimes a track will also run along the bottom of the door but it’s more common to use a floor bracket).

There are pivot points along the tracks to keep the door in place. The door is hinged and attached to the outside wall and also hinged in the middle which enables the folding movement.

Richmond Bluebell Bi- Fold Door

Richmond Campion Bi Fold Door

Half glazed bi fold doors are a great way of adding light to an area. Two popular styles are shown.

Pine is a popular material to use when it comes to bi fold doors as the properties lend themselves well to this style of construction.

If you have Victorian 4 panel doors already in your interior then adding this style of bi fold for wardrobes or other areas can really complement the overall look.

Fitting bi fold doors can feel like a daunting task but there are some great ‘how to’ guides out there that should really help.

Properties of walnut

• Botanical name: Juglans nigra
• Colour: Its colour ranges from light grey-brown to rich chocolate brown through to a dark purplish-black.
• Appearance: The patterns include plain to highly figured. This species produces a greater variety of figure types than any other. Certain varieties of walnut can have curled or wavy grains.
• Physical Features: Walnut, is one of the most fine hardwoods. Walnut mixes well with other woods and natural materials. Characteristics are moderately heavy, very strong, and stable.
• Uses: Joinery & furniture

Why choose walnut doors?

Walnut Mexicano Door

6 Panel Walnut Door

American walnut is a hardwood that is durable and lends itself well to door construction. Most of us choose walnut because of the warmth that the walnut colour exudes – rich and deep with a feeling of decadence and elegance. However, it’s also a durable wood that, if treated correctly, should last well and keep looking good for years to come.

There are contemporary walnut doors and more traditional walnut doors. If you have your heart set on walnut then there’s sure to be a style to suit.

Amadora Walnut Door

Coruna Walnut Door

The Amadora and Coruna walnut doors are extremely striking to look at and the glazed panels will allow light to stream through inside the property. The contrast of light and dark gives a powerful look and feel and can totally transform a contemporary home.

Both of these doors feature a frosted glazing and are actually engineered from a walnut stained oak rather than walnut per se – arguably getting the best of both worlds! Impressively, both of these doors are also available as FD30 fire doors.

So whether it’s a traditional style 2 panel, 4 panel or 6 panel style or a contemporary Mexicano, Ecuador or Salvador style door, or one of the ultra modern walnut stained oak doors, if you’re looking for walnut doors, you’re sure to find that special something at Johnson Doors.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for then give us a call – we’d love to hear from you.

Fire Doors and Fire Regulations

Fire is unsurprisingly the most common cause of unnatural death in the home. The greatest danger posed from fires are not burns from direct contact with flames but the toxic fumes and smoke that occur as materials in a house combust. Except in the cases of ‘flash fires’ it is the smoke that spreads faster than the flames and if the fire occurs at night it will often overcome its victims without waking them.

Fire safety regulations have improved survival rates through increased implementation and improved methods of production as science has developed new materials for production of household goods. There are two different forms of fire protection; passive and active. Passive fire protection includes items such as fire doors or fire walls. Active fire protection include items such as smoke alarms or fire extinguishers and these are involved in the detection or suppression of fire.

Despite advances in fire regulations for new buildings the biggest changes have been seen in the workplace and rented accommodation. This is largely due to the fact that people that own their own home are responsible for understanding what the fire risk is to the occupants. This is not true for offices, factories or rented accommodation where employees and tenants have no say in the fire protection offered by commercial landlords or corporations.

Mexicano Fire Door

Six Panel Fire Door

For this reason the strictest codes of fire regulation have been seen in these areas and one such advance is that of fire doors.

Fire doors are not only constructed of more fire resistant materials but in most cases will swing shut to provide a life saving seal preventing the spread of smoke through a building. New buildings must conform to the latest fire regulations so as to aid safe evacuation of a building.

Additional items such as intumescent strips and cold smoke seals are attached to the door frame to further prevent the spread of toxic fumes or smoke.

Construction of Fire Doors

Rather than wood or wood composites used in the manufacture of standard doors, fire doors have a central core that can be comprised of either vermiculite, steel or gypsum. Each of these three materials has different qualities. Vermiculite does not disintegrate at high temperatures it merely expands, steel can tolerate extremely high temperatures around 1400 degrees centigrade, yet gypsum is the best material for storing the heat rather than passing it to other nearby items. Because the fire protection materials can be covered by a wood veneer it is possible to choose a highly effective and functional fire door that will also complement your style of interior or exterior design. Tempered glass can also be used in glass panels which also opens up the choice for home renovators.

Of course, the value of any safety regulation is only as good as the framework that supports it. In the case of fire doors this means the strict testing of products, the quality of installing and maintaining the doors and the appropriate safety inspections. In the UK, fire doors must be tested according to either British Standard Fire Door Test BS 476 Part 22 1987 or the BS/EN 1634-1 2000.

FD30 and FD60 Fire Doors

Perhaps not surprisingly they are ranked in terms of their ability to withstand fire. An FD30 can effectively withstand the test for 30 minutes, and FD60 for 60 minutes. However, despite the technical nature of the tests and the life saving importance of fire doors, new developments in technology mean that there is now a wide range of fire doors available that hide their advanced construction, satisfying the interior designer and health and safety clipboard ‘bods’ alike.

For more information on the full range of fire doors that are on offer at Johnson Doors, keep an eye out for the next blog post.

Forward Thinking

If you have some old wooden doors a great way to re-use them could be to adapt them to replace the old garden fence by stacking and fixing the doors horizontally to the required height, to make a new fence. Another great use is to make a bench seat for the garden. You could use brackets to fix the legs to the bench (and may need to plain the edges) then treat all of the bench with varnish or stain.

Innovative Use of  Wooden Doors

Chris Ruhe has transformed old wooden doors by creating surreal storage cabinets from them.

These one off unique handmade products are just another example of how old wooden doors can be revamped and forged into a new product.  The cabinets have been fabricated using antique and salvaged doors and some of the original hinges and hardware were maintained as both functional and aesthetic components. He has many other unique designs and different sized cabinets available.

Artful Doors

A door is a versatile piece of material and could be turned into a piece of art by painting a landscape picture on it – then hanging it on a wall. You could even paint a mural on an existing door incorporating the walls either side of the door to create a landscape image. Painting would be an expensive option if you’re paying an artist; another way to get the image on the door and wall is by using a vinyl print that can be glued or pasted to the wall and door. Most sign writers or picture framers have large scale vinyl print machines these days. Take along a favourite holiday photo and see what they can do for you.

Finding new ways to re-use old wooden doors and other furniture is worthwhile so the next time you are updating your home or thinking about throwing out old doors take a moment and see if you can transform the door into another type of furniture for yourself – or as a gift for someone else.

Precision Engineered Doors

Engineered internal doors are available and sold in various thicknesses and styles. The diverse range of these doors is increasing, and are already a popular choice in many homes and properties throughout the UK. When you are thinking about updating your home with new doors – contact a few local wooden door suppliers in your area or via the Internet. Most companies will be pleased to answer any questions you may have concerning the construction of their doors. One of the biggest benefits is that engineered doors are very low maintenance and are extremely strong. They can be easily installed and will not warp or twist like some solid oak doors do. Engineered wooden doors are mass produced with precision so if you are buying more than two doors it’s very likely the two will be identical visually – this keeps the uniformity and symmetry throughout your home. Another positive about buying engineered doors is that most of the wood used in this type of construction – comes from sustainable forests, and you will be supporting and doing your bit for the fragile environment.

Secure & Stylish

Engineered doors are built to last and they are an attractive addition for any home. External engineered doors are particulary a good choice for the UK climate – due to constant atmospheric weather changes. A few things to look out for when shopping for a new engineered internal or external doors are…

• Is there a manufacturer’s guarantee?
• Will the door need finishing or is it finished – i.e. stain or oil?
• Is ironmongery included? i.e hinges, latches or door knobs/handles
• Is there free delivery or a fitting service available?

At Johnson Doors we have a huge range of doors to choose from, including some fantastic engineered doors. Choose from a traditional style such as a Victorian or panel door from the Elegance range or something much more contemporary such as the Mexicano or Salvador. Whatever you’re looking for, we are sure to have a door that fits the bill.

Spend what you will on the quality of build and materials on any door and that investment is jeopardised by the choice and finesse of the finish. We will cover the selection process for which options are available when it comes to different types of finishes in another one of our guides. We also have a guide that covers how to select the appropriate paint colours for your doors that complement the surroundings.

This guide however, will look at the recommended process for how to paint a panelled door to give it the perfect finish without unsightly or unprofessional brush marks, a strong coating without cracking or flaking and an even colour. It’s best if you can paint the door first, allow to dry, and then paint the frame after. This way it’s less likely someone will touch the fresh paintwork.

“Failure to prepare is preparing to fall” – A wise skydiver

You will need: one broad paintbrush (2 ½ inch), one slim brush (1 inch – for painting the mouldings only), your chosen paint, sheets to cover floor, 2 pieces of cloth, pot of water, white spirit, tin foil, some old newspaper.

How to Paint a Panelled Door – Step by Step

• Prepare the room. Lay down the dust sheets on the floor and ensure there is adequate ventilation without the possibility of dust blowing on to wet paint.
• Remove door handles. Prevent an embarrassing situation that will be trotted out by your spouse every Christmas by slipping a small wedge under the door ensure it doesn’t accidentally close on you with the handle fixtures and screwdriver on the floor in the other room
• Clean the door with a damp cloth then dry with a fresh one. After ensuring the door is clean and dry apply the paint in the following order:- 1^st paint the mouldings (the angled edges of the raised parts of the door) with the slim brush, 2^nd paint the panels, 3^rd paint the muntins (vertical centres), 4^th paint the cross rails (horizontal parts), 5^th paint the stiles (vertical outer sides of the face of the door), 6^th finally, paint the edges of the door.

TIP: when finishing each section of the door use brush strokes in the same direction as the grain of the wood and use the wet cloth to wipe away any unwanted paint.

• To clean the brushes:- wipe as much excess paint off the brushes and on to the newspaper. Dip the brush in to the white spirit and spread out the bristles to work in the liquid. Rinse out the white spirit and paint residue and apply a small amount of washing up liquid. Work the liquid through the bristles and then rinse thoroughly. Dry then shake the brush to flick out all the remaining water. Cover the brush part with the tin foil ensuring the tip of the brush is pointed to prevent the bristles spreading out before they are used again.

TIP: Do not use cheap brushes. Some people that can’t be bothered to wash out their brushes after using them simply throw them away. If you’re using cheap brushes, we agree. Throw them out before you use them and then go and buy some to do your home justice. There’s simply no point spending wisely on quality doors and paint if the brush controlling the finish isn’t up to the job.

TIP: A dog with a lovely glossy coat has everything to do with good diet and nothing to do with DIY. Remember to shut out the pets until the paint has dried to avoid a furry finish to your door.

Glazed internal doors work especially well when a small room joins a larger room, mainly because this type of door gives a sense of space to the smaller room – and both of the rooms benefit from an open plan feel without losing privacy. Prices can be high or low depending on the material – the best way to find out is to go online and see what deals are on offer in the marketplace.

Things to consider – when choosing glazed internal doors...

• Do you need half glazed, part glazed or fully glazed?
• Do you need bevelled glass?
• Is the glass toughened to British glazing requirements?
• Could the glass be stained, frosted or leaded?
• Do you want solid wood or engineered glazed internal doors?
• Could you have a design or pattern sandblasted onto the glass?
• Do the doors come glazed or unglazed?
• Are the doors treated with varnish/stain or unfinished?
• Are the doors veneered or solid wood?

Door Essentials

When choosing ironmongery (door knobs, handles, hinges) for glazed internal doors – it’s worth having a shop around because of the vast choice of styles available. A contemporary etched glazed door would normally look good with a contemporary brushed steel or nickel plated door handle – but this is down to your own personal taste. Also consider if you will need privacy locks for bedrooms or bathrooms – these normally lock from the inside without a key. Internal glazed doors are great for creating a rich and inviting atmosphere for the home. If you are concerned about retaining heat within your rooms you could choose to opt for double or triple glazed glass. You would probably need to pay more for the extra glass but you could probably calculate how much money you would save from heating bills to see if it’s cost effective.

Wood Finishes

Glazed internal doors are available in many types of natural wood including engineered oak, solid oak, walnut and pine. Natural solid woods have their advantages and disadvantages. With engineered glazed doors there are advantages such as cost, weight and the door may be less likely to warp or twist over time.

Glazed doors can be used anywhere in the home; for bathrooms or closets frosted glass would be an appropriate solution for added privacy. If you have a alot of wooden furniture in your home glazed doors will offer a nice contrast between the materials. For laundry rooms consider bi-fold frosted glazed doors or perhaps for the en-suite in the master bedroom. Whatever the period your home was built in there are glazed doors out there to complement your rooms and style perfectly.

Johnson Doors supply a popular range of glazed internal doors and oak French doors. These glazed internal doors are sometimes referred to as Pattern 10 doors. Choose between an engineered oak option  or there is also a solid oak interior French door kit. Glazing is not supplied in the solid oak kit but safety glass will be required which can be purchased easily from your local glazing company and made to any design you want, i.e. you may want beveled or a different style of glass.

The engineered oak doors come with glazing supplied. This range of internal doors are provided unfinished ready for final finishing at home in your choice of style. The glazing profiles are easy to fit; they may require a small amount of sanding at the ends to make them fit perfectly as they are deliberately made approximately 2-3mm longer than required to allow the extra to be sanded on site for the  perfect finish.

These classic French doors are built to last and will light up your home beautifully.