Hello dear forum members,
We live in a half-timbered house built in 1775 and are currently working on renovations. Next year, the ground floor and the front door are scheduled to be addressed. The current front door closes poorly, sticks, and is so warped that light gaps are visible, so action is needed. It is a plastic door that was probably installed by the previous owners. I can’t say if it is DIY store quality, but it does not look particularly high-end.
Some time ago, we looked at various manufacturers at trade fairs and specialty stores, ranging from large well-known companies to artisan workshops, and the prices quoted are sometimes shocking. I understand that a front door won’t cost as little as an interior door, but €7,000 and up is still quite something.
Before intensifying our search, I would like to ask for general advice on what to pay attention to. The door should be as stable as possible so that the problems we currently face do not recur soon. In terms of design, we want as large a glass panel as possible with muntins on the inside if possible, and different colors on the interior and exterior.
At the moment, I am considering buying a wood/aluminum door. However, I don’t know what to look out for with this type. In my research, I came across a source that recommends a steel core in plastic or wooden doors for higher torsional stiffness.
For now, I am mainly looking for further tips on what to consider and possibly experiences with different manufacturers.
In this context, I would also like to specifically ask about experiences with sparfenster.de. They apparently belong to a Swedish roofing company, the materials used are from brand manufacturers, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Has anyone heard of them?
Thanks in advance,
Tobias
We live in a half-timbered house built in 1775 and are currently working on renovations. Next year, the ground floor and the front door are scheduled to be addressed. The current front door closes poorly, sticks, and is so warped that light gaps are visible, so action is needed. It is a plastic door that was probably installed by the previous owners. I can’t say if it is DIY store quality, but it does not look particularly high-end.
Some time ago, we looked at various manufacturers at trade fairs and specialty stores, ranging from large well-known companies to artisan workshops, and the prices quoted are sometimes shocking. I understand that a front door won’t cost as little as an interior door, but €7,000 and up is still quite something.
Before intensifying our search, I would like to ask for general advice on what to pay attention to. The door should be as stable as possible so that the problems we currently face do not recur soon. In terms of design, we want as large a glass panel as possible with muntins on the inside if possible, and different colors on the interior and exterior.
At the moment, I am considering buying a wood/aluminum door. However, I don’t know what to look out for with this type. In my research, I came across a source that recommends a steel core in plastic or wooden doors for higher torsional stiffness.
For now, I am mainly looking for further tips on what to consider and possibly experiences with different manufacturers.
In this context, I would also like to specifically ask about experiences with sparfenster.de. They apparently belong to a Swedish roofing company, the materials used are from brand manufacturers, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Has anyone heard of them?
Thanks in advance,
Tobias
I wouldn’t install a door in an old house that is made with modern technology.
I mean: it should be wood. I’m not familiar with those metal core doors. I’m skeptical, but of course, they could be good as well. And I don’t like plastic doors for various reasons (it’s a matter of taste and environmental concerns).
As far as I know, what matters for exterior doors is:
That the fittings hold well – probably three hinges and several locking points on the latch side.
That they are well insulated. Wood generally offers good insulation (just don’t make it too thin).
And that they don’t warp. This is tricky and requires trust in the manufacturer, because you can’t tell how well the wood was selected just by looking at a new wooden door.
I’m not very confident in some company from who-knows-where.
The door will probably be custom-made (?), so I think it’s important that the craftsman who makes it is “good.” I always try to figure this out through conversations: What is my feeling? Do I trust them? Can they provide explanations that sound convincing? Do we understand each other? Does the communication work?
I mean: it should be wood. I’m not familiar with those metal core doors. I’m skeptical, but of course, they could be good as well. And I don’t like plastic doors for various reasons (it’s a matter of taste and environmental concerns).
As far as I know, what matters for exterior doors is:
That the fittings hold well – probably three hinges and several locking points on the latch side.
That they are well insulated. Wood generally offers good insulation (just don’t make it too thin).
And that they don’t warp. This is tricky and requires trust in the manufacturer, because you can’t tell how well the wood was selected just by looking at a new wooden door.
I’m not very confident in some company from who-knows-where.
The door will probably be custom-made (?), so I think it’s important that the craftsman who makes it is “good.” I always try to figure this out through conversations: What is my feeling? Do I trust them? Can they provide explanations that sound convincing? Do we understand each other? Does the communication work?
There are no heritage preservation restrictions to consider, as it is "just" an old residential house without any background that would justify such protection.
In principle, every front door is custom-made since there are usually no standard sizes like with interior doors. Therefore, each manufacturer would produce it specifically for each project.
Wood is, of course, an option, but it requires maintenance. I also do not want a plastic (uPVC) door, so the choice would be between aluminum and aluminum/wood.
In principle, every front door is custom-made since there are usually no standard sizes like with interior doors. Therefore, each manufacturer would produce it specifically for each project.
Wood is, of course, an option, but it requires maintenance. I also do not want a plastic (uPVC) door, so the choice would be between aluminum and aluminum/wood.
Chamois schrieb:
Therefore, each manufacturer would produce it specially for who-knows-where. Yes, you’re probably right.
I prefer working with local craftsmen and have little experience with “such companies.”
An old half-timbered house with an aluminum door seems “wrong” to me, but of course there are sophisticated options that could be considered “special.”
Your aside: “although it also requires maintenance” caught my attention.
I don’t think a “normal wooden door” requires a lot of care. Of course, opinions on this can vary widely.
My advice: a wooden door (with a frame) made using solid craftsmanship, fitted with hardware that meets modern security standards.
BUT:
The comments above are certainly correct: photos of the current front door and its surroundings would make such advice much more meaningful.
Something else that’s important: Is the space where the door (with frame?) is installed stable? Could something have warped there (and not the door itself)?
Half-timbered houses are well-known for their “movement.”
I am also currently planning a front door (for a considerably younger house from 1967) and am considering having the exterior made from oak, with the vertical boards fastened using bare iron screws (security screws that cannot be unscrewed). The tannins in oak react with iron and often cause dark “stains.” This is seen as “characterful” on old farmhouse or castle doors but would normally be considered a flaw on new doors.
I like that kind of thing and am curious to see how it develops, but it’s certainly not to everyone’s taste.
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