New front door needed - any recommendations?

Suzkin

I've a terraced house that has character - old victorian fireplace in front room, leaded windows at front etc. I am looking for a suitable wooden front (external) door.

Can anyone recommend a good supplier(s) that have a website? I'm in Southampton.

Much appreciated.

ukwoody

Why not pop down to Howdens on the West Quay Ind Est (opposite the Novatel) and pick up a catalogue. Good range of doors. Actually just remebered their new site is up and running http://www.howdens.com/joinery/external-doors/

You will need to find a chippie (perhaps who will hang your door) or someone with an account there unless you want to pay a lot for it. You should be able to pop down and see them as well if you ask.


Woody

Suzkin

Thanks very much UKwoody: I've just had a look at the website, and have indentified a very lovely front door!! :j

Do they only deal with 'the trade' then - would they let me into the shop premises even just to take a look??

ukwoody

Hi from a Sotonian living in Wales! (moved here 4 years ago from Shirley!)

It does vary a little from branch to branch and I never used the So'ton one. But Usually you can just wonder in to their *showroom* and either in there or on the way in are the doors. Why not give them a bell, explain the situation and I'm sure they will be only to happy to let you see one. If you play it up a bit that you're almost certain to get your chippie to hang that one from them I'm sure they will oblige no probs.
To buy it, you will need some one in the trade or else they will sting you a stupid amount. If you want to pm me the name and size of the door, I will try to get you an estimate of what they will charge the trade for it, to make sure you dont get ripped off - unless of course you already know someone.

woody

Doozergirl

I can buy trade from Howdens. Having just looked around at doors, Howdens do offer pretty good value for money but I've found that a brilliant source of new front doors is ebay I get them all from there now!

I've had a brand new front door for £1 before - the builders we had in at the time said their boss came back with worse straight from the trade counters! The one on my house now was £25. Both brand new, standard sized doors but unwanted by members of the public. Both times I managed to get the style of door I wanted very easily and locally - four panel for an Edwardian house and six panel for a Georgian. Even a composite door complete with door furniture, lock, keys and the frame I got for £275 from a trader.

You'll find the right door within a couple of weeks.

Meet my front door The surround cost me just over £50 from ebay as well

Suzkin

Thank you very much uk woody - I may take you up. :T

Doozergirl, I LOVE your door!!! Something to be proud of! The one I liked from the Howdens website was exactly the same but with glass panes at the very top where the two small squares are. I think I actually like yours better, and I love the colour too! I shall look on ebay, but you say you have an account with them? Are you in Southampton too? :j

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Can I suggest if you have the original door, that you employ a carpenter to either repair it (quite easy), or make you a new one?

My door is nearly 100 years old and with a bit of care will last another 100 years. I'm the only person in my street to still have the original door and windows.

Doozergirl

Sorry Suzkin, I'm not in Southampton. I'd be happy to help if you were local.

The colour of my door is Chappell Green from Farrow and Ball

I'm going to do some paperwork now and I have a leaflet somewhere for a discount door website that I saw at a show recently, I'll try and dig it out for you.

Doozergirl

Mmm. It was http://www.distinctivedoors.co.uk/index.html but I'm not that convinced on the prices actually.