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If you want to throw more light into your entrance hall, you should consider a door with sidelights. This is the name given to small vertical windows either side of your door, it has nothing to do with vehicle lights!

The first thing people notice when they walk up to your home is the front door. Once they knock or ring your bell, they’ll stand for a while and admire it, so these sidelights are bound to appeal to visitors and create a lasting impression.

Spotlight On Sidelights

A sidelight can be installed both sides of a door for a symmetrical look, or to one side only, and can be paired with either solid panels or glass. As well as being available in many styles, you can get different sizes – half sidelights, three-quarter length or full – so the choice of how much glass you’d prefer is up to you.

Traditional sidelights are stationary and don’t open, but with more modern doors you can have sidelights which will move ajar. You can also have a transom window above your door, which is a small rectangular window. They’ve been around for two hundred years or more and were originally a design feature to let air in, but these days they’re a great choice to further brighten up an entranceway.

Who’s At The Door?

Windows are made to be looked through so you can take in the outside view. With sidelights you can see who’s arriving at your door and whether you want to allow them to come in.

Be warned, while you can see out, people can see in! At night-time, when you have your overhead hallway lights switched on, people can easily look through. If you ever needed a reason to prevent this area from getting messy, this is it.

Make It Bold

Sometimes a standard size entrance door on its own just isn’t enough to create an impact. Sidelights will make it extra impressive and add curb appeal to your home. Add some decorative or obscure glass to stamp your own personal mark on it; a splash of colour will add extra lift and brighten the area up even more.

Shine The Light In

Sidelights can really enhance the level of natural lighting within your home, adding warmth and creating a greater sense of internal space while also improving its sale value at the same time. If you want to maximise the amount of natural light, pair your sidelights with a glazed entry door.

Remember, the entrance hall is a place to meet and greet so let an abundance of light flood in. Whatever your choice of a front entrance door, we’re sure you’ll find something at Door Stop. We have an extensive range of exceptional, sturdy hard wearing doors all backed with a seven year conditional guarantee. Don’t take our word for it come and look at the quality of workmanship yourself at our two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup. Check out our reviews, once you buy our doors we’re sure you’ll be back for more.

There are many different types of door hinges on the market and it can be difficult to know which one is best suited to your door. What you don’t want to experience is a door hanging off its frame because the hinge is not strong enough for its weight or you haven’t put enough hinges on your door.

Hinges can be supplied in a range of materials including steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminium or chrome.

A door hinge works by rotation which allows the open and close movement. We’ve been exploring the best hinges for heavy doors.

Ball Bearing Butt Hinges

Probably the most common hinge, a ball bearing butt hinge is also known as ball race and ideal for external and commercial doors. For internal doors, you could opt for a butt hinge without the ball bearings.

The ball bearing butt hinge is the ‘Rolls Royce’ of hinge because of its quality. Comprising two halves, one is attached to a fixed component like a frame, while the other’s linked to the door. Capsules between the joints on the knuckle contain small ball bearings which help with weight load.

It’s the bearings in these butt hinges which support heavy weight, so there’s no risk of the hinge warping or buckling. The ball bearings reduce friction and allow the doors to swing smoothly. Light oiling or greasing of the hinge will improve its longevity and performance.

75mm butt hinges are suitable for standard internal doors up to 40mm thick, whereas 100mm ball bearing butt hinges are the size preferred for thicker external doors up to 54mm.

Concealed Hinges

It may be called a concealed hinge, but don’t be fooled, as this type of hinge can be just as hard wearing as others. People choose concealed hinges for modern, minimalist homes. They’re designed to be invisible so you can only see the surface of the door. They come in two parts brackets and pivots.

Because they’re hidden away, it’s difficult for intruders to break them so they rank high for security.

Piano Hinges

A piano hinge or continuous hinge is one which is long, sometimes running the full length of a door and wide. Why piano hinge? The name stems from its original purpose to support the lid of a piano.

The beauty of piano hinges is that they distribute weight and stress in a uniform fashion and can be cut to meet your exact requirements.

Strap Hinges

A strap hinge on an external door is also referred to as a gate hinge and is instantly recognisable as it has a long leaf which stretches out across the door. It is a surface mounted hinge and makes a bold statement and can be seen on large external decorative doors.

They are robust and long-lasting and generally reach across two thirds of the door.

For all your door requirements including hardware, contact Door Stop. Hinges can cost as little as $12 each but our experienced staff can outline your options. All our doors are backed by a seven-year guarantee. Look at our reviews and you’ll understand why we’re the door company of choice in Perth.

Anyone thinking of buying a replacement door or buying a new one for an extension, will probably be amazed at the number of options on the market. There are so many doors available, both cheap and expensive, the decision on what to buy can be harder than you imagine.

Doors come with varying price tags and can depend on many factors including:

Material. Cost may be dependent on material for example whether it’s made from engineered wood like MDF, fibreglass, composite wood or solid timber.

Glazed. Doors which have glazed panels will cost more, especially if they are installed with toughened glass or number of panels.

Hardware.Hardware comes in different styles. Handles and knobs made from different material, such as bronze or nickel and will impact price.

Design. The intricacy of the design will affect cost. Plain designs will be cheap compared to elaborate designs. Off the shelf doors, ones which are manufactured en-masse, will be less expensive than custom-made ones.

External or interior door. Exterior doors are harder wearing so are more expensive than internal doors.

Shape and size. Cost will vary depending on size, double doors will naturally be more expensive than single doors.

Cheap Doors

One of the most important factors affecting cost is material. Internal budget range doors are usually made from MDF and are popular because they have been tried and tested. Designed for quick installation, they’re readily available and come in standard sizes.

Simple in design, they appeal to most tastes. Internal MDF doors require minimal maintenance and just need a quick wipe down to keep them clean.

For external doors, solid doors are cheaper than composite doors. Solid doors may still be weather resistant but not as good as a composite door.

While material used in cheaper doors will make them durable, they will lack the strength of a more expensive timber door. There’s always the risk that they may not match your exact requirements and you may be limited in colour choices and design. Some people argue that they lack character or individuality and you could find that your neighbour has bought the same one.

Expensive Doors

Expensive doors can make your home look more sophisticated and elegant. You can still buy good doors off the shelf, but if you are after something niche, then it can be custom made for you. Timber composite doors are stronger than wooden ones.

Composite core wooden doors can become a showpiece of your home, look very luxurious and add value making them a great investment for the future. Adding in extras such as glazed panels adds elegance. Expensive doors will last for a long time because of the high quality of the materials and the craftsmanship involved.

All our doors at Door Stop are bound to make a great impression. We offer a personal service and have exceptional reviews, so come and visit one of our showrooms in either Osborne Park or Joondalup to find out more. We have a vast range on display, so check out the quality for yourself.

It’s not always an open and shut case, excuse the pun, to know when a door might need replacing. If a door is obviously rotting or is severely warped, then it’s a sign it should be changed.

Here’s some guidance to help you decide whether your door should stay or go.

Your Door Doesn’t Open Easily

What use is a door if you can’t open it easily? Over time a door may become less flexible and get easily stuck which can be hugely irritating. If it’s difficult to budge and you’re having to exert extra pressure on it, you could damage the hinges.

A door which has restricted movement is one which needs to be replaced.

No Longer Blends In With The Décor

Doors dictate the look and the feel of any home. Trends change and what you installed ten years ago may now look outdated. Dark wooden doors are no longer in vogue and front doors with side panelling are a nod back to the eighties.

A modern front door will increase a home’s so-called curb appeal and make the envy of your neighbours.

A door which is fit for purpose is one which keeps out both draught and noise. If you can hear your children in other rooms or the traffic out on the road, the likelihood is that the door has become misshapen.

If you see light coming through your doors or bugs frequently getting in, then there are gaps and air is escaping. The tiniest of gaps can let heat or cold air through and may impact your energy bills. Check that the frame hasn’t become loose and try to adjust the door and install some weather stripping. If the problem can’t be resolved, it’s time to replace the door.

Door Damage

Every now and again a door will be accidentally damaged – whether that’s a flying toy or someone’s knocked into it.

A door which is obviously damaged is not a safe one. Both wood and metal doors can expand and contract with temperature changes.

Front doors can weaken through moisture by the rain and a rotting door which is soft or brittle to touch, will eventually become discoloured and peel.A wooden door is made from organic material and mould and mildew can easily spread.

You should always feel safe in your own home, so if it’s no longer doing the job it’s supposed to it’s time for the door to go. Whether it’s a front door, internal door or patio door, wear and tear can takes its toll. Draughty rooms are uninviting and shabby doors are unappealing.

Whether you’re looking to update your front door for looks, security or energy efficiency, speak to the experts at Door Stop. With two showrooms in Perth and buy now pay later interest-free finance options, start your research today. Go to www.doorstop.com.au/financing to find out more.

Hair Raising

Despite being the catalyst for a shocking experience, It’s not actually your doorknob’s fault – it’s the way you’re charged up with static and moving from room to room. The ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Thales of Miletus discovered static electricity in 500 BC, by rubbing fur on amber. He noted that the charged amber pieces could attract hair and other lightweight objects, and thus one of the earliest party tricks was born.

Atoms And Asperities

The science of static electricity is still being explored. It’s all about electrons and atoms, asperities and insulators – but it pretty much all boils down to friction. In a similar way that a boy scout might rub two sticks together to create fire, we all know that rubbing any two surfaces together can create static electricity.

When you walk across your carpet in stockinged feet, the fibres rub together and build up static which can then be discharged with a shock when you touch a door handle. If both your socks and carpet are man-made, then the shocks will not only happen more often but could be more forceful.

Cold And Dry?

You may notice that these sort of shocks are more prevalent during winter. That’s because static electricity can build up in the home during cold, dry weather.

If you’re not ready to upgrade your nylon carpet to a more natural alternative, how can you fix this? For a start, you can reduce the conductivity in your feet. If temperatures allow, go barefoot on the carpet. You’ll notice an immediate reduction in static shocks. If your plastic or rubber-soled shoes are causing the friction, invest in a pair of leather-soled shoes or slippers. Like magic, you’ll be unshockable.

Something In The Air

Although friction causes static electricity, the atmosphere affects how it works. We’ve mentioned cold, dry winters. Even if it is wet outside, modern houses have insulation and heating systems that maintain a dry atmosphere indoors during winter. However, using a humidifier in the house or office can prevent shocks by adding moisture to the air. Humidifiers are a portable and cheap way to reduce the spread of winter germs and improve air quality when you have your windows closed during winter, so are well worth investigating.

Shock Treatment

You can also treat your carpet with anti-static chemicals to reduce the build-up of static in the fibres, and rub tumble dryer sheets on your furnishings – the fabric softeners on the sheets reduce electrostatic charges on fabrics and prevent shocks.

Armed with this information, you should be able to make the changes that banish static shocks from you home. But if you’re still unsure, contact us at Door Stop for advice on door handles, door knobs and accessories and all other hardware. Our door experts in Perth know that different metals can reduce conductivity, with non-metal door handles taking the risk of a shock away altogether.

Wintertime brings cooler weather when we become more susceptible to much-dreaded colds and the flu. Everyone is sniffling, coughing with noses dripping, and it’s this time of year when you need to watch out and protect yourself from picking up a virus including the new, highly infectious global virus Covid19.

The rumour mill says you can get sick from touching an infected handrail or doorknob. So, if a person who has the flu or a cold, coughs into their hand and touches a doorknob, will the germs be infectious? The answer is yes – but probably not for as long as you imagine.

How Long Are Viruses Infectious?

A virus can live on a doorknob, but it can only stay active for a limited time. Most viruses do not like the conditions of the outside world, preferring instead the warmth inside our bodies. In moist, humid environments, in nostrils or throats they thrive.

You can’t see bacteria unless you’re looking at them under a microscope, so they’re the hidden enemy. Before you panic and go on a scrubbing and cleaning frenzy you should know that germs don’t survive long on external surfaces.

Do All Door Handles Have Bacteria?

Research has shown that the viruses remain contagious on surfaces from anything between nine hours to three days, preferring harder surfaces to softer ones. Bacteria lasts longer on non-porous areas, material such as plastic and metal, while on porous surfaces such as clothes and paper they quickly disappear.

Flu viruses live longer than cold viruses and both survive for a greater amount of time when temperatures are low.

You have a greater risk of bacterial growth on a doorknob or door handle which is frequently used, so watch out for one on a busy public bathroom door.

Protecting Yourself

Detergents and bleach will destroy any bacteria, so it’s good practise to wipe down your door handles and doorknobs. Generally, in the home, any virus will have died and no longer be contagious within half a day. The best way to protect yourself is the age-old recommendation of regularly washing your hands, using soap and hot water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. Getting a flu shot will give you added protection.

Other tips to prevent you from passing on germs to anyone else is to keep your distance from others if you’re feeling ill, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and always throw away tissues in the bin.

If you really don’t want to come down with a virus avoid surfaces in public places, that not only includes doorknobs and lift buttons but train and escalator handles.

If you need advice on hardware for your doors, speak to the experts at Door Stop. Our doors are both stylish, practical and affordable and you can even take advantage of our finance package which offers zero deposit for twelve months. With two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup, why not come and look at what we can offer?

It’s a subject which can leave people baffled, why do some Australian properties have door handles fitted so high?

No, it has nothing to do with Australians being taller than other nationalities, but more to do with the age of a door.

You’ll find that the average modern door in a new property is around two metres high and the handle will be at waist height. Visit an older property and a door handle will be higher up.

Older Doors

Australian houses, especially Federation houses and those built before World War II, would often have door handles two-thirds of the way up the door. The exact reason why is still unclear. Some people argue that it was to ensure children couldn’t enter rooms, while others say it was more a trend or fashion.

Doors which are around a hundred years old, usually have door handles placed 1440mm from the floor. If you’ve ever visited historic homes, you may have come across dado and picture rails which were all positioned quite high up a wall. Historians say one of the reasons for their introduction was to make a room which had high ceilings appear cosier and it was an optical trick to bring the ceiling height down. Door handles may have been fitted high to follow this theme.

Australian Door Handle Notoriety

The position of door handles in Australia has even been a source for fascination for overseas visitors. When filming the 2017 horror movie in Australia called ‘Better Watch Out’ American director and writer Chris Peckover mentioned door handle height in an online interview.

He claimed they were so abnormally high, his eyes were constantly drawn to them, they were a source of frustration and detracted him from filming.

What’s The History Behind Door Knobs And Handles?

The doorknob was invented by American Osbourn Dorsey in 1878 when he submitted a patent for a door knob or door holding device as it was called back then. Prior to that many people used latches or leather straps as handles to keep doors closed.

Following on from Dorsey’s invention, door knobs started to become elaborate, some were made of cut glass china, wood and ceramic. Cast metal knobs became very popular throughout the early part of the 21^st Century.

These door knobs paved the way for what’s now known as door handles and levers.

Positioning Of Door Handles

If you’re living in a property which is seventy years old or less, then chances are your handles and knobs on your doors will be around 1000mm from the floor.

Ask a carpenter or a door manufacturer and they’ll point to an Australian Standard which recommends they should be installed between 900mm and 1050mm from the floor. For aesthetic reasons, it’s always best to have your handles at the same height on all your doors so they look neat and uniform.

Ultimately, the choice of where you want to put your door handles is entirely up to you. If you want advice on anything to do with doors, speak to the team at Door Stop. We sell a vast range of affordable, superior quality doors and all types of hardware. We offer a price match guarantee so come and visit one of our showrooms in either Joondalup or Osborne Park to find out more.

How annoying is to have your peace and tranquillity broken by a slamming door? Most of us have been scolded for slamming doors while we were in a strop in our teenage years, but doors can also slam on their own. It could be the simplest of reasons – because of open windows.

We’ve been examining the science which causes this to happen which is all about the movement of air.

Windows Cool Your Home

Open your windows on a sunny day and you’ll be airing your house which in turn will make you feel more comfortable. It’s the cheapest and most effective way of cooling your house and if the windows are on different sides of the building, natural breezes will pass through. This is known as cross ventilation and can help to get rid of stale air.

As air moves through your house it can remove pollutants, odours and moisture. Open the windows at night and the cooler temperatures outside will help to reduce the heat internally. Ventilation and a flow of air distribution makes your home more comfortable to live in.

So, while we know there are so many benefits from opening your windows, why does throwing open the windows encourage doors to slam shut if they’re ajar?

Air Pressure

Imagine a house as just a big hollow box which is filled with air. The doors within the house swing open and shut and generally we do this ourselves to create the force for this movement, but air movement can also create this force.

If you’re in a room and the windows are shut, there’s minimal air movement. The effect of displacing air requires more force because that air is contained.

The more windows open the more force which exists. Opening a window means wind blows through and looks to find a path through the house. When it goes through and past a door it provides the force needed to slam it shut. The air flows freely, with the area of low pressure behind the door in that room equal to the rush of outside air which means resistance is reduced, allowing the door to swing closed easily.

Creating A Vacuum Inside

Turn this on its head. If a window is open, window blowing past an open window can suck air from the house. Air rushing past an open window creates a low pressure at the window. This then drags air out of the window creating a vacuum inside the house. This can then cause air movement through the house, in turn slamming doors. This is known as the Bernoulli effect.

For all your door needs come and speak to the experts at Door Stop. Whether you’re after internal or external doors, we have a range to suit your tastes. You’ll be impressed with our turnaround times. We can have them delivered, installed, weather sealed with locks included, all at a competitive, affordable price within days. Pick up the phone and call us today or visit us at our showroom in Osborne Park or Joondalup and speak to our friendly team.

It’s always unsettling when a door opens by itself. That’s why so many supernatural movies include a creaky door swinging open without any apparent reason. It’s like movie shorthand for something being wrong inside a house.

If your doors are prone to swinging open without human intervention, while you might get a shiver up your spine, before you call in the paranormal investigators, you should check out the cause.

Normal Or Paranormal?

If it’s not a ghost blowing your door open, then what is causing the door to swing out by itself? There are a variety of non-spooky causes, and luckily all of them are quite simple to fix and may involve a spot of DIY. Improper framing, misalignment walls which aren’t plumb and un-even floors could all be the culprits.

First, you should look for the simplest solutions. Your errant door could simply be caused by a draught. Is it windy outside? Is there a way for wind to get into your house? You should be able to feel it if this is the case. Find where the draught is coming in and seal it, even if it’s just by closing the curtains over rattling windows or securing insulation tape.

Tighten Those Hinges

If it’s not a draught, maybe it’s the hinges. If they are loose or out of alignment, the door won’t stay shut. Check to see if the hinges are lined up by using a level. Grab a screwdriver and make sure the screws on the hinges are tight. At the same time investigate whether the floor is level.

If it still isn’t right, take the nail out of the top hinge and bend it slightly, then put it back into position. With enough friction, the door will start to behave itself and stay closed when you want it to.

Settle The Matter

The problem might need greater investigation. Houses of all ages can settle, which means they shift slightly on the ground they are built on. This can throw plumb lines out of kilter, causing the doors to open, even if the settling is too subtle to see by the naked eye.

Check out the spacing between your door and the jamb – is it uneven? A shim is a quick fix behind the door hinges, using a slim wedge-shaped piece of wood which makes a door level and plumb fitting. You can glue and slide in a shim at the place where your door bows out from the plumb line.

Seek Help

If you can’t manage the problem by yourself, or want a new door, we can help you. Door Stop has professional experts who know all about doors and how to get the best out of them. From general advice to buying a new door altogether, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. With 35 years of experience, and showrooms in Joondalup and Osborne Park, check us out. We can open doors for you – but only when you want them to be open.

Visit any home and you’re usually bound to see a panel door. They’ve always been a popular choice because the panels make them one of the strongest on the market. These doors can be easily incorporated into an older or more contemporary property and fitted internally or externally to offer a smart, elegant look.

Just as it sounds, a panel door is crafted out of panels, with each one fitting together to create a finished door. It’s produced in a way to prevent movement, so the quality of the door is maintained.

The History Of The Panel Door

Panel doors have been around since the 18^th century and are also known as rail and stile doors. They’re just as popular today as they were two hundred years ago and are made from components – rail, stiles and infill panels – which together create a very solid, hardwearing door.

Panel doors are more commonly made of wood, but can also be found in steel, aluminium or composite. The most popular design is either a four-panel or six-panel door which looks good in almost any setting. If you want sunlight to flow through your home, you can opt for a glazed version.

How Is A Panel Door Made?

Panel doors use a basic joinery method with the panels recessed or raised into a door which can be either solid or composite. They are surrounded by simple or more intricate stiles, rails and mullions.

Wood tends to move because of its natural form, expanding and contracting depending on humidity, but a panel door is constructed in a way to resist this movement.

The outer stiles, which are vertical frames, are responsible for the hardening of the wing and prevent the doors from buckling, keeping the door straight so it functions well. The centre stiles divide the space to accommodate the panels.

The rails are horizontal lengths, which as well as keeping the outer stiles parallel, also frame the panels. Every panel door has a top, middle and bottom rail to help with its rigidity. The mullion forms the divisions between the different panels of the door and runs vertical. The elements of the door are bonded together using an industrial strength adhesive.

Benefits Of Panel Doors

Panel doors have exceptional insulation and soundproofing qualities. Incredibly durable, needing minimal maintenance they are guaranteed to withstand years of use and are perfect for high traffic areas.

It’s virtually impossible to punch a hole through a panel door because they’re so strong which means they offer great security.

If you’re considering panel doors speak to the experts at Door Stop. Have you had chance to look at our online reviews? Our customers return to us time and time again because of our service and the quality of our doors. We have two showrooms in Perth, one in Osborne Park and the other in Joondalup, and with no deposit and no interest for 12 months, there’s nothing to stop you from buying that new door today.