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It’s happened to all of us. You buy something, then discover it’s not fit for purpose. Either it breaks or wears away before expected. It can be incredibly frustrating if an item doesn’t last.

Durability is at the top of the wish list for most people buying an interior door – no wonder why. They seal off rooms and hallways to break up airflow and increase privacy and mute noise.

You may be wondering which internal doors are the most long-lasting and hard-wearing. Nearly every shopper entering a door showroom or display centre will ask that question, so let us share our advice. 

Solid choices – wood and engineered doors

As the name implies, a solid wood door consists of 100% natural wood except for a few bits of hardware. Nothing beats the classic look of wood and its ability to stand the test of time.

However, a solid wood door can easily stick in its frame because it reacts negatively to fluctuations in heat and moisture and may end up warping, twisting or bowing.

Equally as good is an engineered door featuring blocks of timber running in different directions. The configuration of these layers gives it an unrivalled strength. An engineered door uses a modern construction method to make it both stable and cheaper than a solid wood one. It also provides better thermal insulation.

An engineered wooden door can have the same beautiful finish as a solid wood door, but the composite layers of timber will prevent swelling and shrinking.

The longevity of both these doors may well increase the value of your house should you ever decide to sell.

A sturdy option – solid-core doors

Solid-core wooden doors have great insulation properties and will not warp or twist. They look like solid timber doors but have Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) internally and then a layer of hardwood veneer on the outside.

The outside layer has higher-quality wood. The interior part of the door can be extra flame retardant, but it won’t match the strength of a solid wood, or engineered door.

Hollow-core for inside only

Hollow-core doors fall at the cheaper end of the market. They should never be considered for an external door. Internal hollow-core doors have fillings of paper or plastic, usually formed in a honeycomb pattern to help with structural integrity.

These types of doors are the least durable on the market, offering little in the way of fire resistance, acoustic and thermal insulation.

Are you considering buying a new door or overhauling your current installation? Then look no further than Door Stop. We have a team of experts who can offer advice over the phone or in person at our two showrooms in Joondalup and Osborne Park.

We only sell quality doors with wood from responsibly managed sources. Our doors are delivered directly to you at competitive prices with a guaranteed seven-year warranty. Check out our Google reviews to discover why the people of Perth choose to buy from us.

How easy is it to recognise a quality door? It’s not as simple as you think. A door’s appearance doesn’t always give many clues about durability and strength.

If you’re struggling to see the wood from the trees about buying a quality door, we’ve some guidance to help.  

Know more about your door

There are many doors on the market but which one is best? A solid wooden door is robust but so is a solid-timber engineered door consisting of multiple blocks of wood pressed together. A hardwood veneer applied on top of the door makes it incredibly sturdy.

Solid wood doors are susceptible to environmental changes, but engineered doors aren’t affected by humidity and won’t warp meaning they’ll outperform a solid option.

There are two other types of doors – hollow-core and solid-core. The clue between the difference is in the name. Core type signifies the strength and durability of the door.

Solid-core doors are sturdier with MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) inside while

hollow-core doors have a thin timber veneer over a honeycombed cardboard or plastic core.

How can you tell the difference?

• Test the door’s weight. Solid wooden and engineered-core doors are heavier and harder to lift.
• Check the panelling.  Hollow-core doors usually have faux panels, whereas panels that appear detailed are likely to be wood, engineered or solid-core.
• Painted doors are more likely to be hollow-core.
• Wooden, engineered and solid-core doors are more expensive because of material costs.

The thick (and thin of it)

The thickness of your door can indicate the quality – the greater the width, the more substantial and secure. 

Any good manufacturer will list the width measurement of a door. Entrance doors should be 40 to 45mm thick. A wider door has more resistance against warping or getting damaged around the jambs. 

Manufactured to perfection 

The way the door is manufactured will tell you a great detail about its strength. Before you make a purchase ask whether it’s made in Australia or from overseas and the assembly process. Learn about the type of timber used. Little details about the construction give valuable insights – even down to glue and stains.

Enquire as to whether the doors meet certain specifications. Many Australian ones carry the British Standard Kitemark which means the door is of superior quality and matches specific standards.

A high-quality door will have undergone extensive cycle testing – a measurement of how well the door performs after being repeatedly opened and closed.

Strength and security

Security takes priority when choosing a new door. Entrance doors should incorporate multi-point locks, high-strength security hinges and a robust locking barrel to prevent a burglar from gaining entry.

Reputation and warranty 

Always investigate warranties – a good quality door should come with a lengthy one.

It’s always wise to do some research. Check how long the business has been in operation and the level of experience and knowledge in carpentry and joinery. Trawl through online reviews to find out about customer feedback.

Don’t feel stumped over door quality! Door Stop has 35 years of experience manufacturing and selling quality doors, making us one of Perth’s largest door suppliers. Our engineered doors feature meranti wood and all come with the British Standard Kitemark and a seven-year guarantee. Visit either our Joondalup or Osborne Park showroom to find out more.

If you have a door, you’ll need a frame – you can’t have one without the other. Replacing a door without changing the frame is possible as long as it’s a slab door – one on its own.

New doors can give a house an entirely different feel. Replacing a door with a new one in an existing frame is far easier and cheaper than installing both door and frame.

When should you change a door?

A door may well get damaged or worn over time. Did the kids play cricket with the ball, or even worse the bat, denting the timber? Perhaps you were trying to move furniture resulting in the leg of a chair or table scraping your door. Does this sound familiar?

Everyday wear and tear may be taking its toll with stress cracks appearing on the timber around the hardware. Your eyes are probably drawn to minor scratches or dents that have become more noticeable (and multiplied) over time, or a door may have become swollen and no longer shuts.

Why replace a door without a frame?

It’s more ethical and eco-responsible to change just the door if the frame is still in sound condition. Plus, the main advantage is that it will cost you less. 

Anyone considering replacing a damaged slab door should try to find one of an identical size with similar placement and measurements for the hardware. The task will be far easier to complete because the door is like for like.

Use your old door as a template to help you easily calculate measurements, so jambs and lintels match up. Any door has to hang correctly to function, so it needs to be square and level to set into the frame. 

How easy is it to replace a door in an existing frame?

To replace a door without changing the frame, the cut-outs for the hinges in the new door should be in the same place as the previous one, hung the same way. It sounds simple in theory, but in practice it can be tricky and time-consuming to achieve. For the door to fit and function well, everything needs to pair up as per the last door.

Both the door and jambs need to be carefully measured and prepared. Drill holes concisely, ensure you pay attention to chiselling mortices for the hinges and boring holes for the lock set.

The Door Stop commitment

There’s nothing simpler than replacing one door for another without removing the frame. 

Have you ever thought about exploring ways to add value to your property? Replacing your doors is one of the easiest ways to breathe new life into your home to make it modern and fresh.

Experienced carpenters and joiners will ensure that any new door fits an existing frame correctly. We stock beautiful doors at affordable prices. Each one comes with a seven-year guarantee, so why not visit one of our display centres in Joondalup or Osborne Park today?

Did you know that your average exterior or internal door is now thicker than it used to be thirty years ago?

Doors speak volumes about your taste but also serve a purpose – to allow people in and out of various spaces.

Homeowners have been driving the change for a thicker door, realising a heavyweight champion offers strength, durability, better insulation and protection.

The only drawback to a thicker door is that it may be more challenging to move. A professional joiner or is best to install it unless you’re a competent DIY enthusiast.

Strength and durability

External doors are deeper than internal ones because they have to stand up to elements and face heavier usage. A good solid front door should be 40mm thick and an internal one 35mm.

Thicker, heavyweight doors offer better protection against damage and impact while making you as an individual feel safe and secure. There’s something quite satisfying about hearing the click as you shut a sturdy door. Thicker doors feel better to open and close and symbolise longevity.

At the heart of every thick door is usually an engineered core (no pun intended). In its simplest terms, an engineered core door is thin layers of wood glued together to create a solid piece of wood. A door manufactured with an engineered core has many advantages over solid wood doors – one of the most beneficial is that it won’t warp.

Have you heard about acoustics?

Going about daily life with a constant buzz of noise in the background can be frustrating and distracting. It won’t help you to rest, recuperate or concentrate.

Doors prevent the movement of sound through a house. A thicker door is far better at reducing sound transmission from one room to another, allowing you to enjoy a greater level of peace and tranquillity.

Insulate your home

Because it’s more energy efficient and has better insulation properties, a thicker door will save you money. A well-insulated door won’t let heat out in the winter and will keep cool air inside in the summer.

Thicker, energy-efficient doors reduce your carbon footprint, so you’ll be doing your bit to combat climate change. Plus, it offers better protection against unwanted insects and pests and other types of critters from coming into your home.

Going up – resale value

If you want your house to have a better resale value, then thicker doors will often make a better impression on potential buyers. It doesn’t take a carpenter, joiner, or tradie to recognise a quality door when they see and feel one.

Research has shown that a new entry door offers a potential return on investment of around 75%. Just as it only takes seven seconds for a person to make an initial impression on someone else, buyers want a house that looks welcoming at first glance.

Door Stop sells high-quality, thick doors at affordable prices. We have an impressive range of doors to suit your requirements and offer a no-quibble seven-year warranty. What sets us apart is our vast experience and knowledge in not just doors, but carpentry and joinery. 

Read our online reviews and discover why we’re the first choice in Perth. We have showrooms in Joondalup and Osborne Park, so come and see for yourself why our doors are popular.

Western Australians know how to embrace outdoor life. Weekends are often spent with family and friends enjoying al fresco dining on a patio bathed in sunshine. Sounds idyllic? If you like outdoor entertaining, why not consider connecting your kitchen to the outdoor space with servery windows.

Not sure what they are? Let’s serve up some information to give you greater insights.

The history of servery windows

A servery was traditionally a counter, or service hatch in a kitchen to serve meals while keeping any dirty pots, pans and other clutter from view. It was a popular way of delivering food to people sitting around a table in a formal dining room. 

The kitchen servery window has grown from there. With most Aussies spending as much time outdoors as indoors because of the climate, it’s no wonder servery windows are fast becoming a popular must-have addition for every Aussie home.

Benefits of a servery window

Servery windows open into an outdoor space allowing you to easily pass drinks, food and cutlery outside and inside with minimum fuss for maximum convenience. You can serve items faster, so less time for hot items to get cold.

They bring in natural light and ventilation and enhance your backyard view. In addition, you can carry on talking to guests while preparing your food. There’s the option to extend your kitchen benchtop out to create a bigger space. If you put some bar stools on the external benchtop, you have your own private mini-bar for guests to enjoy.

Any cool drinks can remain chilled – pass out a bottle of beer or a spritzer from your fridge as and when it’s needed.

A servery window gives you a clear view of the outdoor area, so you can still feel part of any conversations. You can also keep an eye (and ear) out for any children or grandchildren splashing about in the pool. 

It’s a hygienic way of serving food – no more taking platters back and forth, stopping to open and close doors and touching door handles in the process that may be gathering bacteria and germs.

Which type of servery window?

Servery windows come in different styles. Gas strut servery windows are popular because they don’t need a sill. They look classy and modern, offering a feeling of expansive space.

A hinge mechanism allows them to open upwards to 90 degrees. All that’s required to operate them is a gentle push – the gas struts will take care of the elevation. You can either pull them down or use a pole that hooks onto a pull handle to draw them back.

Bifold servery windows stack back onto each other. They contain several hinged framed window panels that fold back in a concertina style. 

Do you think servery windows could enhance your home? Visit either one of our showrooms in Joondalup and Osborne Park to see the quality yourself. Our reviews speak volumes about our products. With close to 40 years of experience serving customers in Perth, our timber and aluminium servery windows are aesthetically stunning and will last for decades.

A house with a view is something we all desire. If you have a lovely vista, you will probably want to connect the inside to the outside with windows that enhance your entertaining experience.

Servery windows not only open up to an outdoor space, but are also functional, allowing you to easily pass foods and drinks through to guests.

Two styles of servery windows dominate the market – the gas strut window and bifold window. To help you decide what will serve you best (no pun intended), here are the pros and cons of each one.

Gas strut windows

A gas strut window functions like an awning window, pushing upwards and outwards to 90 degrees through a hinged strut mechanism. Each strut is composed of a shaft connected to a piston within a cylinder or housing containing nitrogen gas.

When the strut opens or closes, gas gets displaced through a hole. The pressure acting on the shaft enables it to hold its position.

It opens up in its entirety and cannot be partially opened. One single push will manoeuvre it out and up.

Gas strut windows are the perfect way to increase airflow and light to your home while allowing you to socialise with guests outside as you prepare food and drinks indoors.

Unlike bifold windows that can take up room on your bench, a gas strut window won’t impact space – there are no vertical panels blocking the view.

Whereas they are easy to push upwards, they are more awkward to pull in, although you can use a pole to draw them back in a similar way you pull down blinds. There are no tracks for this type of servery window.

Bifold windows

Bifold windows can be partially or fully open, offering greater flexibility, so if the sun suddenly dips behind a cloud and a rain shower looks imminent you can part close the length of window. 

They stack back on each other in a concertina effect. Because of the way they operate, they take up more space.

Easier to open and close than a gas strut window, you can increase them to the length you require by adding more panels.

Each panel has its own framework, so when your bifold windows are closed, they may partially block your view.

Bifold windows require sills, can easily be recessed into server benches and are smooth to operate.  Among the most secure types of windows that exist, they are a deterrent to burglars. Completely enclosed on tracks, intruders will have a tough job lifting them out or breaking in.

If you want to learn more about servery windows, why not visit Door Stop? A local Perth firm with just under 40 years of experience, we produce high-quality windows and doors that are made to last. For peace of mind, we offer a no-quibble seven-year guarantee. If you have any questions – speak to our friendly team at either of our two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup.

Nothing quite beats a solid wood door and its natural beauty. Whether it’s a timber entrance door or an internal door, it’s unique. Each solid wooden door has a different and varied grain making it truly one-of-a-kind.

As a natural material, it needs to be protected and maintained. With minimal care, it will look pristine for many years.

If you have a wooden entrance door and live to the ocean, be mindful that the salt can impact the door. If your house is in a built-up area, a wooden from door can get dirty from car fumes. 

The recommendation is to clean your doors fortnightly or at least monthly.

Dust your door

You dust down wooden furniture, so you should do the same with a solid wooden door. Dust can be damaging to your door as well as look unsightly. Over time it can wear down a door’s protective coating making it more susceptible to scratches. 

Dust and cobwebs gather around doors and their frames. You can use a feather duster, but you may find it easier to dust with a clean paintbrush because it can get into corners and areas that are tricky to reach.

Wash it down

Next, wash your door with mild soap and water mixed in a bowl. Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge and some elbow grease dipping it into the soapy water to remove any minor marks or dirt. Don’t use too strong a soap, or you may damage the integrity of the wood. Always check the door is dry after cleaning by wiping it down with a towel.

Tackling stains that won’t shift

For hard-to-remove stains, use white liquid spirit. Wear rubber gloves because prolonged contact can cause skin irritation, drying and cracking. Wipe the wood door with clean water once you’ve finished and dry the surface.

For these stains, try the following approach:

• Grease – Mix ammonia with cold water, apply to a towel and rub on the stain.
• Any dye – Mix baking soda with lemon juice and rub it into the stain with a sponge. Once lifted off, rinse with water.
• Thick pen markers – Toothpaste can work wonders on marker stains on wooden doors. Use a lint-free cloth to rub it in, then rinse with water. 

Make door handles shine 

A door handle and the door plate can get dirty because of different people touching them. Increased contact can lead to an increase in bacteria growth. Wipe down the handles with a cleaning spray that also sanitises. 

Buff and polish

Finally, it’s a buff and polish your wooden door. Apply a thin layer of polish along the grain before adding another layer. Liquid furniture polish will bring out the sheen of the wood. 

Real estate agents say solid wood doors are a great selling feature that adds value to your home.

At Door Stop, we sell a vast range of affordable, superior-quality doors. We’re dedicated to first-class customer service and offer a price match guarantee. Come and visit one of our showrooms in either Joondalup or Osborne Park to see the wide range of doors for yourself. With close to 40 years of industry experience and outstanding reviews, we can advise you on all your door requirements to find what’s best suited to your home.

One of the most frequently asked questions from anyone considering a new front door is whether a door incorporating glass is safe.

A common misconception is that a glazed door can be easily damaged and targeted by burglars. You’ll be surprised to learn how tough they are!

There are many versatile front door options which incorporate transparent, frosted glass and lead lighting. All these options open up a view and enhance the natural light in your home.

Any glass fitted in homes and buildings – and that includes within doors – has to comply with Australian standards and meet safety guidelines.  

What type of glass is best for front doors?

Not all glass is the same – glass used in most front doors throughout Australia is a safety glass known as laminated, toughened to prevent damage. If it should ever break, it will not shatter, the glass chunks will remain in place. You won’t be on the brunt of dangerous shards flying around that may create a potential injury hazard.  

Intruders will never enter your property because they physically cannot break through the glass.

Laminated glass is different from toughened glass. It’s thicker, so it has higher insulation properties and better resistance against shock and damage. As well as safety and security, laminated glass within your front door is better for soundproofing. Another benefit, it blocks out the sun’s UV rays, so you’ll never have to deal with faded furniture.

How is laminated glass manufactured?

In simplest terms, a plastic layer of tough resin fits between two panes of thick glass. This layer is synthetic, either a sheet of ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PBA). It exists to keep the glass bonded and retained in the frame even when glass breaks.

Laminated glass is in shower doors, cupboards, shop fronts, vehicle windscreens, skylights, and glass partitioned walls and can come in regular lengths or cut to size, but this has to be done by a professional.

Benefits of a front door with glass

Never overlook a front door with glass because it will be sturdier and safer than you can ever imagine. Glass maximises the amount of sunlight coming in through the door to give you an entryway flooded in light. 

A part-glazed entrance door with panelling, either horizontal or vertical, is a popular choice with either frosted or translucent glass.

You don’t have to sacrifice front door security with a glass door. Many argue they are more secure than a solid metal, wood or composite door.

Would you like to know more about our range of front doors? Why not take a look at our entrance doors featuring glass and meranti?

Door Stop is a leading door supplier in Perth. We offer interest-free finance and a seven-year guarantee to give you ease and peace of mind.

We have a range of entrance doors, both single and double doors, available in standard sizes. Do you want something different? We can custom-make a door to suit your needs. An entrance door is the first thing people look at when they arrive at your home, so make sure it’s stylish and creates an impact.

Bifold doors can look stunning, but not if they’re grubby and dirty. No one enjoys cleaning, but chores are a fact of life to keep your home beautiful.

If you neglect your bifold doors, you will never be able to appreciate the views of your outside garden or patio area.

Bifold doors are becoming ever more popular. Stacked to one side, bifold door panels look tidy. The wall of doors offers a contemporary look, with each one stacking back on the other like a concertina.

The good news is that cleaning bifold doors is relatively simple, meaning you can easily admire the outside from the inside.

Check out our step-by-step advice to clean your bifold doors to leave them looking their best.

Start with cleaning the glass

There are many great tips about cleaning glass. One of the most popular is to use a solution of water and vinegar. It is cheap and effective, but a word of warning, it may be a tad smelly. Other people prefer washing up liquid, another great idea, but keep suds to a minimum, or you’ll get into a lather (quite literally).

Some people prefer to use a specific window cleaning product. Paper kitchen towels should be avoided, because minuscule stringy threads will inevitably get left behind.

High-grade microfibre clothes are a great option to clean your bifold doors, but you can also use scrunched-up newspapers soaked in 50/50 water and white vinegar. Use a circular motion with your cloth or newspaper on the windows to leave them gleaming. Make sure the solution doesn’t drip onto frames.

Then tackle the bifold frame

Some cleaning fluid and a cloth are the only items required to wipe down your frame. Don’t use any harsh abrasive products – like thick cream cleaners. Frames have a powder coating, you don’t want to damage them.

A pencil eraser will work wonders at lifting marks and stubborn stains away.

Make tracks for the bifold tracks! 

Small objects can easily lodge in the tracks of your bifold door to prevent the smooth operation of the doors. Get out your vacuum cleaner and attach the nozzle to hoover up dirt, dust and any granules. A vacuum will draw most things up! 

To get those awkward bits of dirt, use an old toothbrush, work along the track manoeuvring it about to shift that dried-on muck.

Finish with the locks and hardware

The locks also need to be maintained as part of your cleaning routine. Grime can build up in small mechanisms like locks – especially where the latch and deadbolt connect with the frame. Lubricate your lock on your bifold doors twice a year with WD40. Wipe down your door handles with a general all-purpose cleaner. 

Have you seen the range of bifold doors at Door Stop? We are so confident you will love our doors that we offer a no-quibble seven-year guarantee. It means you can buy with confidence. Visit one of our showrooms in Joondalup or Osborne Park and see our bifold doors for yourself. Admire their quality and start transforming your home with new doors today.

Make no bones about it – we are a nation of pet lovers. According to the RSPCA, Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with 61% of households owning pets – most are dogs.

There’s a fair bit of equipment you’ll need with a dog and many people consider investing in a dog door or dog flap.

A dog flap or pet door is a small opening to allow dogs to enter and exit a building without needing a person to open the door. But is it worthwhile getting one for your home?

Pros

A door flap means your four-legged friends can move around at ease, having free access to play in the backyard and to enjoy outdoor exercise.

It will virtually guarantee no more accidents in the home, a perfect solution to ensure your hound toilets outside.

A dog flap is paw-fect (excuse the pun) because it boosts a dog’s confidence and can reduce boredom and stress.

It can put an end to unwanted behaviours – no more destructive chewing, noisy barking or clawing and scratching furniture or doors. They’re versatile and can fit into a glazed patio door, bi-fold or wooden door at purchase or as a retro-fit.

Cons

It can be easy to install the wrong size pet flap – that tiny bundle of fur could grow into a massive mutt, so do some research about the size of your pet beforehand. For example, a German shepherd at three months old is less than half the size it will be when fully grown. Be aware of your dog’s potential width as well as height. 

Your pet may take a while to get used to it. It might not take to the door flap immediately – pets get easily stressed, so best to let your dog examine the door in their own time.

Installing a dog flap in a door may make the warranty for that door void. Some argue it is a security risk creating a weak point in your home to make it more susceptible for an intruder to gain entry.

Beware of inquisitive toddlers who may use the door to crawl in and out – children love to play games and a dog flap is a tunnel as far as they’re concerned and they may get stuck!

If you’re houseproud it may not suit you because it will encourage more dirt into your home. Imagine the filth your dog may bring on after a roll in a puddle?

A dog flap may be inviting for your dog, but it could be welcoming to others – the neighbour’s cat, a possum, rodents and snakes…you get the gist? They may all inadvertently wander into your home.

Don’t get in a flap – talk to us

Do you think a dog flap would work well for you and your dog – then why not come and talk to us? We are one of Perth’s leading door specialists and have more than 35 years’ experience offering entrance, bi-fold and custom-made doors.

We can get that door flap fitted as part of your door package so why not visit one of our showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup to see what we have on offer?