We do not manufacture New Doors

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For owners of period or heritage properties, the decision to refurbish or replace an entrance door is often nuanced. While sensitive restoration can deliver remarkable results, there are specific circumstances when investing in a new door may be both necessary and advantageous. This guide explores those scenarios, drawing on insights from a recent project undertaken by London Carpentry Specialists.

Refurbishment offers the twin benefits of preserving historic character and enhancing modern performance. However, replacement sometimes provides the only viable path to achieving desired outcomes. The following sections outline when customers should consider a new entrance door, rather than restoring the original.

1. Cost Considerations.
2. Severe Structural Deterioration.
3. If the existing door or its frame is extensively damaged—through rot, warping, infestation, or repeated repairs—structural integrity may be compromised beyond the scope of refurbishment. In such cases, a new door ensures safety, security, and long-term durability.
4. Major Security Concerns
5. Where the original door cannot accommodate modern locking mechanisms or security upgrades without significant alteration, replacement may be the most practical option. Bespoke new doors can be crafted to match period aesthetics while incorporating advanced security features.
6. Compliance with Modern Regulations
7. Heritage properties sometimes require entrance doors to meet stringent fire safety or accessibility standards. If the original door cannot be brought up to code—even with specialist fire hinges, intumescent strips, and seals—a new, compliant door may be necessary
8. Substantial Thermal and Acoustic Inefficiency.
9. While innovative techniques such as Thermilate Insulating Thermal Paint and slimline double glazing can dramatically improve a door’s performance, there are cases where the existing timber or design cannot support these upgrades. If draughts, cold spots, or noise transfer persist after refurbishment, a new energy-efficient door may be the only solution
10. Irreparable Loss of Original Features
11. If historic details—such as panels, mouldings, or glazing—are missing or irretrievably damaged, and accurate restoration is not feasible, a new door custom-built to period specifications can more faithfully restore the property's character than salvaging the compromised original
12. Occasionally, the cumulative expense of repeated repairs, temporary fixes, and ongoing maintenance may outweigh the investment in a quality new door. In these cases, replacement can offer better value, providing a maintenance-free solution for years to come.

London Doors advocate for refurbishment wherever possible, particularly where historic value and original craftsmanship can be preserved. Their advanced techniques—such as Thermilate paint, specialist glazing, and fire safety upgrades—allow many period doors to be transformed without losing their character. However, they also recognise that replacement is justified in the circumstances outlined above and are equipped to deliver bespoke doors that respect both heritage and modern standards.

Refurbishing your entrance means you can enjoy the beauty of custom front doors in London without losing the charm of your original. We offer a range of finishes and details, from traditional to contemporary, ensuring your entrance door in London perfectly complements your home’s style. For those wishing to enhance their home’s kerb appeal, our handmade front doors in London can incorporate bespoke features during the restoration process.

Brian provided a quote and we agreed a date and time. Brian was able to attend early to fix my door problem. Brian and John worked with speed and efficiency to get the door fixed to my complete satisfaction. I  would recommend this tradesperson. 

Excellent prompt response to job quote working from photos. Carried out  work efficiently and kept things clean, also recommended  some improved  accessories (e.g. locks). 

Very happy with the refresh of my front door. Brian came to look  at the  door and gave a quote. He was on time and did a great job. I'd  recommend. 

 Overall a fantastic job, reliable and professional. They saved me a job and kindly painted my window sils in addition to the agreed job. Recommend and thanks again! 

For additional references to a multitude of Carpentry Projects, please visit our main website here