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Have you discovered the beginnings of rot on your external door?  here is out step by step guide on how to fix the frame

The quality of the fit and performance of any door is only as good as the fixtures holding it in place. Even if you choose one of our best doors from our most prestigious ranges you cannot make up for deficiencies in the quality of the fitting. Over time even with careful use, the door fit within the frame may develop certain defects. These defects will cause the door to clip the frame in places, making it difficult to open and close or may prevent the door shutting altogether. In this edition of ‘How To Correct Common Problems with Doors’ we will be focusing on binding doors – problems with hinges, screws and latches. Binding Doors - What to do Check for Loose Screws It sounds obvious but when it comes to binding doors, one of the simplest problems that can occur with the door hinges is that the screws have come loose. This will mean the door will pull away from the frame making it difficult to open and clashing together as it is closed. If the screws turn but without actually tightening you will need to either: a) use longer screws to penetrate further into the wood b) use thicker screws (hinge bracket screw holes may prevent this) c) use glue covered splinters of wood (e.g. matchsticks) and insert them in to the hole. This will create a tighter fit giving the screw more purchase grip (but is only suitable for lightweight interior doors) TIP: to avoid binding doors check all screws are properly countersunk for a nice snug fit to the hinge metal. Strained Hinges Strained hinges can sometimes be the reason behind binding doors. This is when the weight of the door has bent the hinge out of shape. This will increase the swing radius of the door and create friction and possibly prevent the door closing altogether. If the strained hinge was not the outcome of misuse then it is likely the hinges were not strong enough for the weight of the door. We typically recommend T Hinges or butt hinges for fixing our range of solid oak internal doors. It's really down to your own personal preference as to what type of hinge you want to use. Handforged T Hinge For the more traditional style doors such as barn/cottage style or ledge and brace doors, the T Hinges work really well and are a very popular choice. As a rule of thumb, select a size of T hinge that is approximately half the width of the door (so if it's a 3' door then use a pair of 18" T hinges, if it's a 2'6" door then the 15" T Hinges would be fine). Stainless Steel Butt Hinge For the more contemporary doors such as the Mexicano or Victorian doors, you'll probably want to use a pair of butt hinges (although there is no technical reason why you couldn't use T Hinges on the Mexicano if that's your preference). We would recommend a pair of good quality 3" butt hinges, such as the stainless steel option (pictured) or the more traditional black butt hinges in a beeswax finish. The black butt hinges also look great when combined with the ledge and brace door or barn door - it really does come down to what you feel works well with your own interior. Problem with the Hinge Mortise Depths: Sunken Hinges Sunken hinges can be another cause of binding doors. This is when the hinge has been set too deep into the frame causing the door to bind with the frame at the hinge side just before it closes. To rectify this you will need to: Remove the door from the frame. Unscrew the screws from the problem hinge. Cut un-corrogated cardboard to fit behind the hinge. This will pad out the distance between hinge and frame. Reattach door to frame temporarily using only one screw per hinge to test and check the problem is resolved. Unscrew hinges and adjust padding depth using other sheets if necessary. Once sure the binding doors issue is resolved screw in the other screws to fully reattach the door. Exposed Hinges A door with an exposed hinge will exhibit the problem of the door binding to the frame on the lock side. An exposed hinge means that the metal of the hinge is not flush with the wood surface of either the door or the frame. To rectify this you will need to: Remove the door from the frame. Unscrew the screws from the problem hinge. Carefully deepen the mortise with chisel and hammer. First cut the perimeter edges of the mortise. The chisel must be vertical with the bevel side facing the mortise. Next gouge out the centre part of the mortise with the chisel bevel side down using small taps. Once metal is flush with the wood surface smooth off the mortise and screw in the hinge. Reattach door to frame.   Information is accurate at time of publishing, however, may be subject to change.

Key Takeaways Aspect Lacquer Hardwax Oil Application Factory or on-site On-site Appearance Can emulate natural look Natural, warm look Durability Sits on surface, visible when scratched Absorbed into wood, more resistant Maintenance Difficult to repair, may need professional Easy to maintain and repair Recommended Less ideal for high-use doors Better for long-term use and maintenance Key Elements of Choosing a Finish for Oak Interior Doors Desired appearance (natural vs. glossy) Expected usage and wear of the door Ease of maintenance and repair Durability of the finish Application method and expertise required Oak interior doors are not just accessories but integral elements of your home's design. After choosing the perfect style, the next crucial decision is selecting the best finish. Let's explore the options and their pros and cons. Ledge and Brace Door Mexicano Door Victorian Style Door Lacquer Finish Lacquer finishes gained popularity due to their ease of application and maintenance. Pros: Can be applied at the factory or on-site Modern lacquers can emulate a natural oil appearance Available in matt or high gloss finishes Simple to maintain initially Cons: Sits on top of the wood rather than being absorbed Scratches are easily visible, especially on high gloss finishes Repairs often require sanding and refinishing the entire door Professional expertise may be needed for repairs Hardwax Oil Finish New formulations of hardwax oils, like Treatex, offer an excellent alternative to lacquer. Pros: Absorbed into the wood for a natural, warm look More resistant to abrasion and wear Easy to apply and maintain Localized repairs possible without refinishing the entire door No specialist attention required for maintenance Cons: May require slightly more frequent maintenance Conclusion While lacquer finishes have their merits, modern hardwax oils like Treatex offer a superior combination of appearance, durability, and ease of maintenance for oak interior doors. They provide a warm, natural look while allowing for simple upkeep and localised repairs. For those seeking a balance between aesthetics and practicality, hardwax oil finishes are an excellent choice for oak interior doors. Ready to enhance your oak doors? Explore our range of oils and waxes or browse our collection of internal oak doors. For personalised advice, don't hesitate to contact us.

There are many fittings to be considered for a new external door but not only do the practicality of items need to be thoroughly considered but the style of the fixture must be in keeping with the style of the front door. When it comes to choosing a letterbox the home owner must first consider which is more suitable for their home; a traditional door mounted one or a secure and outdoor mail box lockable wall mounted one.

Sticking Doors: Common Issues and Solutions Key Takeaways Identify the exact areas where the door sticks by marking with chalk or pencil. Use sandpaper for minor adjustments and a wood plane for larger corrections. Regularly maintain doors to prevent future sticking, including oiling hinges and checking for moisture damage. Advanced solutions include using dehumidifiers and reinforcing door frames. Seek professional help if DIY methods do not resolve the issue. Understanding the Problem of Sticking Doors Encountering a sticking door can be frustrating. A door that once opened and closed smoothly may now grind against the floor or door frame. Understanding the cause is the first step to solving the issue. Sticking doors can be caused by: Changes in humidity and moisture. Alterations in flooring material. House settling over time. Identifying the Cause To correct a sticking door, determine the precise cause of the problem. Even doors installed by experts can develop issues due to factors beyond control. Here's how to pinpoint the problem: Check if the door is damp. Moisture can cause wood to swell. Examine the door frame and flooring for changes or damage. Look for visible signs of sticking, such as marks on the door or frame. Steps to Identify Sticking Areas Open and close the door slowly to observe where it sticks. Look for tight spots where the door rubs against the frame. Use chalk or a pencil to mark the sticking areas on the door and frame. Correcting a Sticking Door Once you've identified where the door sticks, it's time to fix the issue. Here are practical methods to correct a sticking door. Sanding the Problem Area Sanding is often the simplest solution for a door that's too tight against the frame. Remove the door from its hinges. Place the door on a stable surface. Use medium-grit sandpaper or an electric sander to sand the sticking areas. Rehang the door and check the fit. Tools Needed for Sanding Medium-grit sandpaper Electric sander (optional) Screwdriver (for hinge removal) Planing the Door If sanding doesn’t resolve the issue, planing might be necessary. Use a wood plane to shave off thin layers from the sticking areas. Be careful not to remove too much material. Planing Equipment Wood plane Protective gloves Realigning the Door Sometimes, a door sticks due to misalignment with the frame. Adjusting the hinges can help. Tighten any loose screws on the door hinges. Reposition the hinges slightly if necessary. Raise the hinge on the opposite side for doors that stick at the top. Tools for Hinge Adjustment Screwdriver or drill Replacement screws (if needed) Preventive Maintenance Regular maintenance can prevent doors from sticking in the future. Maintenance Tips Oil the hinges annually to keep them moving smoothly. Check for moisture damage or warping, especially during wet seasons. Paint or varnish the door as needed to protect it from humidity changes. Advanced Solutions for Persistent Sticking Doors Dealing with Extreme Humidity If you live in an area with high humidity, sticking doors can be a recurring problem. Here are advanced solutions to keep your doors functional: Dehumidifiers and Air Conditioning Using dehumidifiers or air conditioning can help control indoor humidity levels, preventing wood doors from absorbing excess moisture. Place dehumidifiers in rooms with sticking doors. Maintain a consistent indoor temperature with air conditioning. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer. Weatherproofing Exterior Doors For exterior doors, proper weatherproofing can prevent water ingress and swelling. Install weather stripping around the door frame. Apply a sealant to the door’s bottom edge. Ensure proper drainage around the door area. Reinforcing Door Frames In some cases, the door frame may need reinforcement to correct misalignment or warping. Adding Shims Shims can be used to adjust the alignment of the door frame. Remove the door and the trim around the frame. Place shims behind the hinges to adjust the frame’s position. Reattach the trim and rehang the door. Reinforcing the Frame If the frame is significantly warped, reinforcing it with additional support might be necessary. Install metal brackets to support weak areas. Use longer screws to secure the frame to the wall studs. Consult a professional for major structural adjustments. Advanced Tools for Fixing Sticking Doors Using advanced tools can make the process of fixing a sticking door more efficient. Power Planers Power planers are more efficient than manual planes for large adjustments. Ensure safety by wearing protective gear. Adjust the depth setting for precise material removal. Regularly check the door fit during the process. Orbital Sanders For a smoother finish, orbital sanders can be used after planing. Use fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Keep the sander moving to avoid uneven surfaces. Check the door fit frequently to avoid over-sanding. Professional Help If you’re unable to resolve the issue with DIY methods, it may be time to seek professional help. When to Call a Professional Consider professional assistance if: The door continues to stick despite multiple adjustments. The door frame is significantly warped or damaged. You lack the tools or expertise for advanced repairs. Choosing the Right Professional When selecting a professional, look for: Experience with door and frame repairs. Good reviews and recommendations. Proper licensing and insurance. Conclusion Sticking doors can be a minor nuisance or a significant hassle, depending on the severity. By identifying the cause, applying the right fixes, and maintaining your doors, you can ensure smooth operation for years to come. For persistent issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help to avoid further damage and ensure a proper fix.

Yes, solid oak doors look great in country cottages & yes they also look great in barn conversions. Of course. This goes without saying. However, solid oak doors can also add the most amazing finishing touches to modern houses and contemporary living spaces everywhere! Mexicano Door Ok... so maybe a ledge and brace door would look slightly out of place in an urban city flat but why not consider the Mexicano range; a lot of our customers have, resulting in some very happy people out there. This contemporary door is not 'over the top'; it is subtle, elegant and incredibly stylish. Not to mention the sturdiness and durability of its construction. 100% solid oak (no veneers here thank you) and handmade to an extremely high standard - the Mexicano doors will last beyond a lifetime. At first glance they are similar in appearance to the Suffolk door range but whereas the Suffolk doors have a frame on the back, the Mexicano solid oak doors are the same on both sides. The true beauty of the oak really shines on the contemporary Mexicano door range. They are supplied sanded but unfinished so you can choose what finish to use that will best match and complement whatever may already be in your home. Corsica Door Lever For the perfect modern finish, this door looks great paired with one of the range of designer door levers. There are over 15 to choose from - all sleek, stylish and a great way of adding the perfect finishing touch to contemporary solid oak doors. Another popular option for the more modern abode is the range of Panel doors. Choose from a 4 panel or 6 panel style and choose between a regular or half glazed option. Even choose from flat panel or raised with beading. Half glazed can be a great way of adding light to a property, if required, allowing light to flow between rooms. Put your individual stamp on these doors by selecting your own style of glass - clear/opaque/patterned/leaded - you can really go to town! 4 Panel Solid Oak Door The solid oak Victorian 4 panel door is a very popular choice. In modern houses, traditional terrace houses, contemporary apartments and most other abodes we find (and are told) that these solid oak panel doors work really well. They also lend themselves well to different types of finishes and different styles of door furniture. These panel doors are all 100% solid oak doors. They will last for an incredible amount of time. The panels are easily removable so if you fancy another change a bit further down the line you could easily transform them into a half glazed or even put glazing into all four panels for a dramatically different look again. There are mortice and tenon joints in all corners. The construction of these doors means that they are incredibly strong and once treated will require very little maintenance. These solid oak doors look beautiful when combined with character grade Oak flooring - you can combine traditional and modern to really great effect. We always recommend finishing with Treatex clear matt oil, which will work just as well on your solid oak flooring as your solid oak doors. Whether it's a new home or a renovation project, remember the importance of the doors and the drastic improvement that can be made by making this simple change. Be the envy of your friends and family with some truly beautiful  solid oak doors & whilst it is unquestionable that solid oak doors do look great in country cottages, don't ever be fooled into thinking that this is the only place where they belong! Information is accurate at time of publishing, however, may be subject to change.

Well the recent good weather has reminded me of a particular container that arrived in the depths of winter, it had been snowing for days and we weren't even sure if we were going to receive the container. We did manage but only with a superhuman effort from the warehouse team. So lets hope the summer continues and we don't almost get frostbite again. NL

Updating your home with solid oak skirting boards can bring a sense of style and warmth to any property. You don't change skirting boards often so it's important to choose a style and type carefully before proceeding.

Architrave is the finishing trim or wood that fixes around internal doors, windows and loft openings. These strips cover the small gap between the wall and the door frame. Architrave frames a doorway much like a painting is framed. When choosing architrave try and match the skirting board design because both come in various styles and widths in different types of wood.