Internal doors offer privacy and help to keep rooms warm, but what happens when the frames are not a standard size? Is it possible to cut a standard door to size or do you need to order made-to-measure wooden doors?
How do I Know if I Need Made-to-Measure Doors?
The first step is to get the tape measure out. The standard size is 762 x 1981cm or 2’6” x 6’6”. If this matches your frames, you can pick from a wide range of design options. Local window and door companies, along with DIY stores and even salvage yards, will offer various styles and finishes, so you can find the ideal match for your living space.
Can you Trim Internal Doors?
It can be the case that your frame is a standard size, yet the door is difficult to shut because of a thick-pile carpet or tiled flooring. In this instance, it may be possible to plane off a small section from the bottom.
Whilst planing is a means of adjusting the size, it should be undertaken with care. Firstly, it is important to know whether you have hollow or solid wood internal doors. It is not uncommon for domestic doors to be void or filled with insulation. With these, trimming tolerance is minimal. If more than a few millimetres are removed, it can compromise the structure.
With solid wood doors, over trimming can leave any design features, such as panelling, looking out of balance.
If you are confident that small adjustments will do the trick, be sure to accurately measure and mark the area to be cut. If this is not something you have tried before, it is worth using a carpenter, especially if you have several needing attention.
Please note; fire doors should not be altered in any way as this can compromise performance.
10 Timbers to Consider for your Custom Front Door - You may also be interested in:
Replacing Oversized and Double Doors
In some interiors, the doors are a design feature. As an example, an especially tall door works in proportion with rooms with high ceilings. These can be found in period properties of the Georgian and Victorian era, as well as in barn conversions and other unusual domestic properties.
Wider frames and double doors have been incorporated into many properties to offer flexibility. When closed, they divide the living space into two, yet pull or slide open and there is a large social space for entertaining.
You can’t simply stick an additional panel of wood onto a standard door to add the necessary height or width. In these examples, bespoke doors should be made to fit the exact requirements.
Historic properties can have unusual sized door frames, in many cases, these are smaller than standard. Under the stair cupboards, fitted wardrobes and other storage areas also require smaller than average solutions.
As mentioned above, cutting to size can impact on the look and structural integrity of the door. It is therefore recommended that you invest in bespoke timber doors which are crafted to provide the perfect fit.
Does Made-to-Measure Mean Just the Door Size?
Historic properties can have unusual sized door frames, in many cases, these are smaller than standard. Under the stair cupboards, fitted wardrobes and other storage areas also require smaller than average solutions.
As mentioned above, cutting to size can impact on the look and structural integrity of the door. It is therefore recommended that you invest in bespoke timber doors which are crafted to provide the perfect fit.
Does Made-to-Measure Mean Just the Door Size?
The great thing about made to measure doors is that they can be crafted in your choice of material, style and finish. You are not limited to the range of styles currently available from a stockist. This Pinterest page includes an original range of doors which could provide inspiration!
If you wish to replicate a period style or a door design that has grabbed your attention, it is possible. You might like panelled or moulded interior doors or prefer the simplicity of a flat piece of timber with an eye-catching grain. You could put joinery skills to the test by requesting a carved door!
Made to measure doors can be crafted from different varieties of wood. They could incorporate stained glass, frosted glass or other types of glazing. This helps light in infiltrate, brightening the internal spaces.
Whilst a natural wood grain or white paint finishes is often favoured you might prefer to go bold. Would you like doors that blend in with the shade of paint on the walls or ones that offer a strong contrast? Any RAL colour shade can be matched for a striking effect.
What About Measuring and Fitting my Made to Measure Doors?
When you order bespoke internal timber doors from Hinson Custom Made, we provide quality products and comprehensive services. This includes an initial visit to your property to view and measure the door frames. During this visit, we can answer questions, talk through options and provide advice. With decisions made, we will prepare a quote.
We craft non-standard sized doors to your requirements in our Milton Keynes workshop. This includes applying the desired finish, hinges and handles before arranging a convenient time to return. Our installation team will hang your doors, ensuring a good fit. We will leave you with our quality guarantee.
Our specialist team also craft external doors, including bi-fold doors and stable doors.
To arrange an appointment for Hinson Customer Made to visit you, or for you to visit our Milton Keynes showroom, please call 01908 516333.
