What material for interior doors would you choose? I'm being talked into choosing oak doors and have been recommended this company in particular http://www.ukoakdoors.co.uk/ but they're not cheap... Does anyone have any alternative suggestions? Edit to add: has anyone happened to have used the company in question? moderator's note: added a more descriptive title to topic
Who is trying to talk you into the oak doors, hubby or sales person? Hubby okay, sales person not so much. Do any of those doors fit the style of your home...more importantly since you will have to pay for them and live with them do you like any of those doors styles? Our house is a standard tract home of the 1960's era so replacement doors when we get around to that will be plain solid core doors for durability and sound proofing and come from one of the local big box DIY stores. I guess I really am of no help to you.
Like Toni, we are in Texas in a house built in the late 1970's. As we replace doors (hollow core, ghastly fake something-wood) we are using louvered doors. They still allow privacy but also allow air circulation. They are wood, and a real bear to paint, but we like them awfully well. Oak seems very appropriate for the UK. Pine, not so much!
Louise I'd take a trip to either Homebase, B&Q or Wickes as they have a large selection of internal doors. If you're really keen on oak then you can stain them to look the part. So much cheaper than paying out for solid oak as, after all, they are for inside not outside so don't need to be weatherproof.
When we built our house, I didn't know any better than to think there was any thing different offered than what was quoted... Well, DUH! So we got hollow core oak veneer. they aren't sound resistant, so whenever anyone flushes or runs water or makes water there is no mistaking the noise. As we remodel and replace doors they will be solid. but until then we will tolerate them as they are. There definitely is a difference between them and hollow core doors.
The main reason I want solid oak is for sound retention. As someone just below has mentioned, they have hollow core and you can hear everything. Or are there other materials that offer the same level of soundproofing for less cost?
Update: I now have this beauuutiful door in my living room: http://www.ukoakdoors.co.uk/four-panel- ... p-358.html It's quite minimalist (I think) and doesn't really go with the tired old curtains I've got. I want to replace them with some blinds, but I'm having a bit of trouble choosing. Considering the door, and the fact my living room is homely but minimalist with a lot of light colours (will try and get a picture, will need to borrow a camera though) would you choose: Something simple and classic like this blind: http://www.mswoodenblinds.co.uk/p-674-p ... assic.aspx Or something a bit different like in the pictures below: ( photo / image / picture from louise's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from louise's Garden )
Louise, the door you chose is lovely. Sorry I can't help with the "choosing" part, but let us know what you decide on.