Reclaimed front doors?

KMK

We live in a 1930s house whose original front door now needs replacing.I have looked on line at reclaimed doors from that period and wondered if they are worth buying and asking a local joiner to install.

There are new reproduction ones too which are expensive but presumably more long lasting. I would like to retain the period feel of the house with a suitable door, even if it costs.

So what are the drawbacks (if any) of getting an original reclaimed door as opposed to a good quality reproduction period door?

leveller2911

The main thing to look out for on reclaimed doors is making sure they aren't in "wind" (twisted) . The majority of them are and its a pain to hang them and making sure they are water tight. They also need to be pretty much the right size because if you need to take 3" (75mm) off the height or width you take all the strength out of the door and it may "drop" ,which means it begins to rub on the sill.

Its also worth remembering that if you intend to replace the door frame as well then the whole door and frame needs to comply with the latest building regulations so glass U value can be an issue .If you're just replacing the door then the Thermal regs are not an issue.

Modern repo's are not necessarily better than the old ones. This is especially the case with the veneered doors. An old victorian door in good condition constructed from BC pine will easily outlast a modern veneered door or one make from Redwood Pine.

cyclonebri1

KMK wrote: »

So what are the drawbacks (if any) of getting an original reclaimed door as opposed to a good quality reproduction period door?

none , your new old door will outlast any modern repro, full stop.

ie good quality modern equatesw to sheite old