Everything you need to know about finding a Door Installer

Doors are an important part of the home, whether they are external or internal.  External doors, such as the front door, provide a first impression of your property as well as security and privacy.  Internal doors can help reduce heating and cooling bills and can reduce noise. 

No matter if you are choosing an external or an internal door, you need to choose one that fulfils your requirements.

External doors need to be stronger and more durable than internal doors for security reasons.  Choosing a solid door and fitting it with a reputable locking system will keep your family and belongings safe and secure.

©Everstrong Serurity Doors and Screens

Types of Doors

There are several different types of doors. Some of the most common are:

• Wooden: most wood doors are not solid wood but rather have a fibreboard, honeycomb or polyboard core.  Wooden doors are great for older-style homes but they can require maintenance to keep them in top condition.
  
  
• Aluminium: usually powdercoated and this allows the home owner to choose from a wide range of colours.  However, because of the powdercoating process, the colour cannot be changed at a later date.  Aluminium doors often have glass as well and look great in contemporary-style homes.
  
  
• Sliding: commonly used between the house and the backyard or in rooms where space is at a premium – such as in the bathroom.  Sliding doors let in a lot of light and because of the large surface area when open they are also excellent for ventilation.
  
  
• Flush: usually used in the interior of a home as they are cheap.  All surfaces are flat and these doors are usually made from wood or fibreglass.
  
  
• French: also used between the house and the backyard.  French doors are commonly made from glass and wood or aluminium, come in many designs and can be single or double doors.  Use toughened or reinforced glass to provide maximum security.
  
  
• Bi-fold doors: so named because they are doors that fold on top of one another.  Bi-fold doors create wide openings so are fantastic to use as a way of creating an indoor/outdoor room.  However, because of their weight, the doorway may need to be reinforced to hold them.
  
  
• Fire doors: doors that are rated to protect against fire for a certain period of time, usually from one hour to four hours. These are great if you need extra fire protection for your property (for example, if you live in bushfire prone zone, or if you need fire protection for your business). For more information see fire doors. 

©Dan's Carpentry Creations

Selecting a Door Installation and Repair Specialist

When it comes to interior and exterior door installation, a professional will be of great help (also see door installation).  In fact, many large door companies will provide a service that includes fitting, delivering and installing your door (as well as door repairs, door replacement and door restoration).  A professional door supplier will also be able to measure your doorway and provide you with a door that fits perfectly square, which is essential for the door to perform correctly (closing, eliminating noise etc). For more information see door suppliers.

Find out if your door comes with a warranty, and find out what the warranty covers.  Also ask for a quote before any work is performed.

Any security screen door repairs are best undertaken by the original installer, who will be familiar with the product and also carry the appropriate spare parts. For more see security screen door repairs.

How Much Does Door Installation Cost?

A door installation professional will typically charge based on the number of doors involved. This relates to how much time they will spend on the job. If they have supplied the doors then this cost also needs to be factored in. Though this figure is only a guide, hourly rates will start at $50 though expect to be quoted for a 'fitted' price for your doors.