About Elegant Door Design
Doors - they welcome you in; they cast the first impression of whatever they open into. They are the first thing that you see, even before you enter. Hence it's important for doors to make appealing, attractive entrances; the doors should make you feel like entering the premises they guard. Yes, doors not only 'greet', they also 'guard'. Take a look at our section on doors and know about their installation, design and treatments. Welcome.Wood
Wood Pre-hung Door
Unlike the slab doors that were widely used, a pre-hung door can either have a hollow core or solid core. The most popular choice for these doors is molded hardwood. While both types offer durability and security, solid-core doors offer greater sound-proofing properties. While shopping for prefinished wood doors, make sure to look for durable stains and clear finishes, such as polyurethane. Also pay attention to the detailing on the wood, the more intricate carving and molding on the door, the better the quality.
Steel Doors
Steel Pre-hung Door
When it comes to security and durability, you will agree there is no match for a steel door. Steel doors will definitely not warp and crack like wood or fiberglass, thus making them an ideal choice for exterior doors. Foam or corkboard is used to fill the hollow between the two frames that make the door. The surface of the door is either embossed to attain a wood-grain pattern, or is simply fitted with a laminated-wood veneer.
Fiberglass or Composite Doors
Fiberglass Pre-hung Door
Literally maintenance-free and sturdy, fiberglass doors are the best choice for homes located in areas with harsh and humid climates. Like steel doors, fiberglass doors can be stained to mimic a wooden texture. The framework of a fiberglass door is made from wooden stiles and rails filled with an insulation made of polyurethane-foam.
Door Dimensions
When we talk of door dimensions, it is imperative that you measure the size of the existing door as well as that of the pre-hung door you plan to buy. Do make it a point to measure the front door opening end to end, including the frame area, or else you will end up reducing the actual entrance area. Ideally, the pre-hung unit should be an inch smaller in terms of height and width, compared to the opening itself.
Understand the Core
It is the core material that provides rigidity, fills the space between the two door frames, and also significantly reduces druminess. Basically, pre-hung doors are classified into three types on the basis of their core material.
Hollow-core
Hollow-core doors are made from hardboard with either a smooth or molded surface. It not only resists swelling but also shrinking, besides, it also provides the look of wood-paneled door on a budget. These doors are light and easy to handle, making it a popular choice for interior doors. Security wise, this should be your last option as the honeycomb-core makes it very easy to break down the door with a few kicks.
Solid-core
Solid-core doors are essentially filled with wood fiber or cork-wood that help muffle sounds and withstand extreme weather. These doors offer better insulation against heat loss. Also, they are denser and eventually last longer than hollow-core doors.
Solid-Wood