Category: Uncategorized

Rebated doors are a popular choice in Australia because they offer a snug fit and keep out sound from adjoining rooms. A pair of rebated doors look distinctive and can be a great centre piece to any room.

They get their name because one is rebated, a groove is cut or channelled out of one door at the end, so it closes tightly onto another door with an overlapping lip.

They interlock with one another neatly, the alternative to rebated doors is where two leaves come together squarely like a sliding door.

Where Would You Use A Pair Of Rebated Doors?

A pair of rebated doors can be fitted anywhere, externally or internally. One of the doors is usually bolted in place, so the remaining one can be used as a passage door, to go in and out. This passage door will house the handle and knob.

Rebated doors can be solid constructed or glazed, but they always provide a neat and solid fit when closed. An internal pair, of rebated, clear-glass doors, will allow plenty of light to flood naturally into rooms.

What Are The Benefits?

Renowned as being highly durable, a rebated pair of doors will add a touch of elegance to any home. They flush together, meeting perfectly, offering a seamless connection. They’re affordable, and cheaper than sliding doors because they don’t operate on a rail mechanism.

They lock together so there’s no risk of them warping over time and are highly effective at blocking out noise. This is because they have hinges and seals which offer better soundproofing. Hinges are generally longer lasting and wear better than rollers which are used as the mechanism for sliding doors.

Rebated doors can come in many different types of materials, such as wood, composite uPVC, Aluminium or steel. Steel doors are generally fitted in commercial settings, such as plant or boiler rooms.

The channel which is cut out of the door is usually around 12mm, but you can cut a wider channel if you select a thicker door such as a robust entrance door.

They can keep out the cold, rain and wind, so helping to retain the warmth internally, therefore reducing energy bills.

Great Security

Rebated doors have a reputation for being one of the most secure around, because one is bolted into place. You can still use traditional hardware and locks, and for extra security you can have multi locking mechanisms.

You’ll find that they generally open outwards rather than inwards which is another bonus. Their intuitive design means they are easy to fit and install.

Here at Door Stop we can offer guidance and advice on the best type of door to suit your requirements. We have an impressive range of internal and external doors. Read our online reviews and you’ll see 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 so popular.

You go in and out of your front door every day, but do you ever stop to consider how much it creates a first impression to visitors and people walking along your street.

Your front door may well provide protection for your house, but it also has a huge impact on its appearance. Real estate agents will always tell you that first impressions count, which means a decision whether to paint or varnish your front door can prove to be a dilemma. At Doorstop we’ve put together some advice to help you make that choice.

Application

A varnish will enhance the natural grain of the wood and soaks into the wood. It will not obscure or block out its texture. It is a clear film and is made from oils and resins and is applied to protect the wood.

Varnish is somewhat more difficult to apply than paint. The wood of your door must be carefully sanded and have a smooth surface, so that it can absorb the finish. Always sand and apply the varnish in the direction of your grain. You may have to apply two coats to achieve the perfect all-over glossy finish. Brush the varnish in a thin, even coat and let it dry before touching.

Paint will stay on the top of the door. This layer on top of the surface, means that very little paint is absorbed into the wood itself. Modern paints dry fast and won’t easily crack.

If you want the door to be durable, you will need to apply several coats. Most people will be advised to use a primer ahead of the paint as it helps the paint to be absorbed and can enhance the colour.

Longevity

Varnish will wear and get weathered. The chances are that you will need to revarnish every few years especially if that door is south facing into the sun, or is impacted by rain and wind.

Varnished doors require care and maintenance, if you don’t seal them before or immediately after installation, the doors may warp or swell over a period of time. It’s advisable to put on an exterior seal to make it more hardwearing.

A front door which is painted will offer a better protection from wet weather and harsh sunlight. It’s advisable to paint your entrance doors with light colours which reflect rather than absorb the heat. Darker colours will fade quicker. Just like varnish you will need to repaint over time but a painted door lasts longer than a varnished one.

Appearance

A wood door can make a dramatic statement and can lift the appearance of your house. The grain structure means your door’s natural beauty will shine through, with the varnish only enhancing its appearance. With a varnished wooden door, you can also investigate options such as glass inserts with decorative features.

There are less tones and shades with varnish, whereas with paint, you have a wide variety of colours to choose from. Your painted door may also match the colour of your garage door, therefore enhancing the overall look of your house.

If you need help with making a decision, speak to the door experts. The team at Door Stop can offer you technical, informative advice so you can have that front door you’ve always dreamt about. We have two showrooms, one in Perth and the other in Joondalup so come and visit us today.

French doors have for centuries been a popular choice for bringing light and outside views to the indoors. But have you ever stopped to wonder what is a French door and why should your Aussie house have one?

The History Of French Doors

French doors are technically windows.

Back in Renaissance times, French architects were influenced by Italian fashion to consider classical proportions and symmetry.

Soon, France’s ornate and detailed Gothic styles were replaced by more classical designs and French windows were developed as part of this trend.

By creating full-height windows made of embedded glass in a metal and wood frame, plenty of natural light would be allowed in. These windows created a feeling of balance and elegance that is still highly prized by homeowners today.

Designed In Pairs

Designed to open outwards, these windows work as doors particularly when hung in pairs, make a large opening allowing free traffic flow to and from outside.

Particular to the French style, is the series of panes separated by muntins or glazing bars.

These are a nod back to when large panes of glass were hard to come by, and by setting smaller panes into a wooden or metal frame, French doors usually allow in as much light as a single glass door.

Aesthetically, French doors are considered stylish and sophisticated. They look stunning and are ideal for making a dramatic entrance.

They can be found in many grand houses and historic buildings in Europe and America as well as colonial properties throughout Australasia.

They’re usually at the back of a property, where garden views can be maximised without compromising privacy.

Great Addition To Contemporary Homes

Contemporary homes can also be improved by the installation of French doors.

Both externally and internally, the large amount of glass means that the joinery does not intrude or overwhelm modern furnishings and decorations, and their simple lines can complement modern furniture as well as antiques.

Because the doors open outward, they work beautifully with a modern deck or balcony, as a gateway flowing into a barbecue or pool area and tying your outdoor focal points to the rest of the house.

Elegant Doors With Different Finishes

Today, the French door style can make the most of modern materials such as aluminium or UPVC for a lighter and more cost-effective solution to illuminate a dark interior.

Sometimes the look of a French door can be mimicked by inserting muntins into a single pane of glass to break it up visually without adding weight or bulk and ensuring a sleek finish.

Issues with French doors can include draughts, which occur where there are gaps where the doors meet, or between the door and the threshold.

Professional fitting will ensure a perfect seal and can include opening restrictors to prevent doors being blown open by the wind.

Security for French doors can also be vastly improved by the installation of multi point locks with anti-bump cylinders.

Here at Door Stop, we can offer advice on the best types of French doors for your requirements.

We have doors available in a variety of sizes, materials and designs and each one comes with a 7-year warranty. Come and speak to the experts and investigate our range at our two showrooms in Joondalup and Osborne Park.

When designing or upgrading a bathroom, the choice of door can easily be forgotten, or left as an afterthought.

Yet choosing the right door for your bathroom can increase space, improve accessibility and enhance the look and feel of your design.

Think Ahead

Your choice of door should be incorporated into the early stages of your design planning, as the type you install can impact on how the rest of the bathroom will function.

For example, in a small space the way a door swings can make your facilities easier or more difficult to access. A badly planned door opening can inhibit use of the sink or toilet or block a mirror.

Sliding Solution

One popular small space solution is a sliding door. By choosing a sliding door for your bathroom, the space inside suddenly opens-up offering more options for placement of fittings and cabinet layout without the intrusion of an opening door.

If a sliding door is impractical, bi-fold doors can be a stylish addition that also doesn’t overwhelm a small space. Increasingly, second bathrooms or ensuites are internal rooms with no natural light. For these rooms, installing a door with opaque glass panels can borrow light from adjacent rooms without compromising your bathroom’s privacy.

Material Difference

Solid wood doors also work well in small bathrooms, as you can add towel hooks or a rail to the back and maximise your hanging space. If moisture and humidity are an issue, you may wish to consider materials such as aluminium or fibreglass to avoid your door warping or sticking.

Whatever material you choose, our range of quality accessories, including locks and handles, will complement your overall style and can be professionally fitted alongside the door itself.

Bigger And Bolder

For those lucky enough to be planning a larger bathroom, your bathroom door can make more of a statement. Investing in an unusual choice such as French doors, which swing together to meet in the centre, will create a striking focal point, made more interesting by having the space to stand back and admire them.

Concealed Doors

If you want to hide an ensuite bathroom, you can conceal it behind a set of doors which are part of larger wall unit. Essentially, the doors which access into the bathroom will look like another set of wardrobe doors and provides a seamless look.

When designing an extra bathroom for an existing property, you may be working with an irregular space. That needn’t be an issue. At Door Stop, our 35 years of experience in the industry means no space is too awkward as our dedicated experts can design, build and install custom-made solutions to every door problem.

Whatever your style and budget, drop by a Door Stop showroom in Joondalup or Osborne Park. Whether it be in person or by phone, our customer service is second to none and our skilled team are on hand to offer technical advice to help you achieve the dream bathroom you deserve.

Were you aware that most criminals will break-in through the front door of a house? Installing a good lock to stop any unwanted guests should be a top priority.

Here at Door Stop, we’ve been looking at the best front door locks to protect your home. A traditional deadbolt lock is a lock bolt that is moved by turning a key without any need for a spring and is the preferred choice for front doors. Smart locks combine the best of traditional deadbolts with new technology to deliver a good standard of safety.

Deadbolt Locks

A deadbolt lock has a steel bolt which extends into a door jamb and strike plate of the door frame. There are different types, but the most common ones are single deadbolt and a double deadbolt.

Both deadbolt locks consist of a cylinder operated by a key, a bolt which slides in and out of the door jamb and a turn mechanism that allows you to manually control the bolt from the inside of your house.

The toughest deadbolt locks are made of hardened steel or brass. The cylinder or bolt can also be reinforced with hidden steel plates which will strengthen the lock even further.

Single Or Double

A single cylinder deadbolt is operated with a key from the outside and with a turn mechanism inside. They are cheaper to buy and install.

A double-cylinder is operated with a key on the inside and outside which means there is no turning mechanism on the inside. It offers enhanced security and means that if an intruder breaks the glass and reaches inside, there is no turning mechanism to get in easily.

Smart Locks

Smart locks are popular and offer greater flexibility. You can control access to your door through your phone and create temporary keys to let people into your home. Most work with a deadlock system to give you reassurance over security.

Get A Good Strike Plate

The strike plate is crucial with any front door. This is the metal piece which holds everything together when the doorjamb is locked.

There are plenty of locks on the market which have short wooden screws, which attach the strike plate to the jamb. Any intruder can easily kick the door in, and the screws can easily tear out soft wood. Resistance is far better if you use longer screws on your plate.

Check The Door Frame

While it’s important to get the right lock, also pay attention to your door. Weak doors, especially hollow-core doors may give way before the lock.

Research shows that the more people that live at a house, the more likely it is to be left unlocked. A door lock is no good if people forget to lock it. Most intruders will target a house if they discover there is a door which hasn’t been locked.

If you need help and advice, ask the experts here at Door Stop. All our doors, locks and accessories are backed by guarantees so you can always buy with confidence. We have two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup and have 35 years’ experience, so come and talk to us today about your requirements.

You may have noticed that sometimes doors just don’t keep to their original shape.When they’re new and freshly installed they are upright and straight, but over time they can bow and warp.

Chances are that if your door is exposed to the elements and gets wet, then at some point it will lose its shape.

Warping – A Common Problem

Warping is unique to solid wooden doors and stems from a rise in humidity, heat or damp levels and moisture entering your doors. The amount of shrinkage and warping will vary from timber to timber.

Warping on external doors tends to be more noticeable in the spring and summer months when wood, which has been wet, starts to dry out.Taller doors are more prone to warping than shorter doors. The good news is that there are things you can do to protect your doors so that they’re more resilient.

Protect With A Good Sealant

The best way to combat the problem is to take preventative measures when you install a door. Let the door get used to its new environment by placing it in the room for 48 hours, so it can adjust to the moisture content in that room. Ensure you apply several coats of sealant to your door, at least two coats and keep the door flat during this process.

The sealant must be applied to all six sides of the door, not just the main faces, pay special attention around the top and bottom as that’s the area which easily soaks up moisture.

A Door With A Minor Warp

If you notice early on that one of your doors is starting to lose its shape, then you can easily rectify it yourself. Carefully remove the door from its hinges and if the door is painted, remove any paint using a heat gun if necessary.

Smooth and fill any cracks, and take off the coating or varnish, paying attention to the bottom and top of the door. The whole door will need at least two coats of sealant and this includes the hinge areas. If you decide to paint, then wait until the sealant is dry to do this task.

When you hang the door, don’t forget to seal the door frame as well. If you seal the door and not the frame, and the frame expands you’ll have a door which sticks.

A Door With A Bad Warp

If the warp is bad, then try lying the door on a pair of saw horses or similar and weigh it down with some heavy towels or blankets. This is a good old fashioned, but effective approach.

You may need to leave the door for several days until you notice it’s correcting itself. Using wet towels can sometimes be more effective than dry ones. If the warp is very extreme, you can add weights as well. When it’s straight, let it dry and ensure that you follow the steps above to seal it effectively.

Wood is a natural material made to last. Here at Door Stop we can give you practical tips and advice to protect your wooden doors. Why not visit our showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup to see our wide range of doors for yourself?

Have you ever been abroad and driven a car on the right-hand side of the road? It doesn’t seem right, does it? Sometimes other nationalities do things differently. You may have spotted that doors in some countries open outwards, whereas here in Australia most of our doors open inwards.

It would be unusual for us to pull a front door open, rather than push it. It makes sense for a door to open inwards as it provides better security and protection against harsh winter weather. However, what works well for one country doesn’t necessarily sit right for another.

We’ve been exploring why Scandinavian countries in Europe, that’s Denmark, Norway and Sweden and a few other countries have doors which open outwards rather than inwards.

Safety Reasons

Many believe that doors which open outwards are safer as it allows for easier escape access. Anyone caught up in an emergency or fire, rushing to get away, would naturally push a door rather than pull it.

During a church service in Finland in the 19^th century, a false fire alert left dozens of people dead. They became crushed in the chaos as they fled for the exit doors and struggled to open them. It led to new laws and the introduction of outward opening doors.

Allows More Space

Apartments in Scandinavia were traditionally built quite compact. External doors opening outwards can create a feeling of spaciousness.

Where you’re restricted on size, it’s natural to want to make your home feel quite roomy and outward opening doors go some way to achieve this by not causing any internal obstruction.

Historical

Years ago, houses in Sweden used to have a double entrance door, one would open outwards, the other inwards, each swinging open independently. This unusual combination helped to improve insulation and retain warmth inside a home.

As the years went by, the door which opened inwards started to be replaced by a single outward opening door which then became the norm.

Harsh And Extreme Weather

Scandinavian houses are faced with a harsher climate than Australia and endure plenty of rain and heavy snowfalls. Doors which open outwards help to reduce the amount of water and snow entering the property, minimising any damage.

A large majority of homes in Florida in America have outward opening doors, especially those built after 1992. Hurricane Andrew, a category five hurricane, ripped through the state in in that year causing massive destruction. Building regulations were changed following a result of the severity of the hurricane. Heavy objects picked up by a hurricane and travelling at speed in strong winds have less chance of smashing through outward opening doors.

Here at Door Stop, we can offer advice on all types of doors, both external and internal. We have doors available in a variety of sizes, materials and designs and they all come with a 7-year warranty. Come and speak to the experts and investigate our range at our two showrooms in Joondalup and Osborne Park.

Bi-fold doors offer both flexibility and sophistication and are popular in today’s Australian home. Glazed bi-fold doors are great at maximising natural light and have become a sought-after feature in a contemporary house.

Bi-fold doors can work anywhere, be it in a small apartment or a large mansion, as the panels work together to fit any aperture.

They’ve also become the doors of choice in many commercial properties as they work well to close-off meeting areas. There’s the option to stack the doors to one or both sides.

They’re made up of multiple panels, each one connects to its neighbour via hinges so that it expands and collapses like a concertina.

Doors are fitted to runners, and when opened they slide and fold at the same time, so it’s a smooth seamless operation.

They way they’re produced and function means bi-fold doors can encompass entire walls and open up a living space.

Standard Doors

Most bi-fold door configurations are designed to fit openings of 1800mm and over. Door configurations can vary, and will depend where they’re being fitted. Our panels come in three width sizes – 820mm, 770 mm and 720mm. The size of your aperture will determine the number of panels you need, either three, four, five or more.

You can fit several larger panels together or smaller ones.

Larger ones will need more room to open out and of course, the more panels you have, the more space you’ll need when they’re folded back. You can have your bi-fold doors custom made, but this will obviously work out more expensive.

Internal bi-fold panel doors are the same thickness as other Australian internal doors – that’s 35 mm thick. If you have five panels in your door then basic maths will mean you’ll have a 175 mm stack when the doors are concertinaed back to one side.

• 2040mm X 720mm X 35mm
• 2040mm X 770mm X 35mm
• 2040mm x 820mm X 35mm

If you’re looking for bi-fold doors externally, you can order them bespoke for your requirements.

Traffic Doors

You don’t have to have an even number of doors, although most people opt for pairs of doors. With an odd number of doors, one will usually become the so called ‘traffic’ door that will operate separately from others.

A traffic door allows quick and easy access in and out of a room without having the need to fold back any panels. If your bi-folding door is the only way in and out of a room, then incorporating a traffic door would be a good option.

The beauty of bi-fold doors is that 90% of an entranceway or aperture can be opened up, so it really does offer that feeling of space.

As always, it’s good to rely on some expert advice when selecting your bi-fold doors, so why not speak to the team at Door Stop to find out more? We have two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup and with 35 years’ industry experience in doors and associated fixtures and fittings, we can help with all your requirements.

Your doors are one of the first things any visitors will see when they come to your home. While doors serve a function, ensuring privacy and blocking out sound, they can also add character and style to any property.

While there’s an array of choice, material and colours to choose from, Australian doors are sold in standard sizes. If you’re trying to fit your house out with new doors, then the cheapest way would be to buy ones which are ready made for installation.

These types of doors are cheaper than custom doors which are tailor-made to suit your specific requirements.

Standard Internal Door Sizes

Internal doors are less thick than external ones. There are two styles of internal doors panel and flush.

The most affordable type of internal door is a panel door, which is usually made of wood and has an inlaid panel and is more traditional. Panel doors offer good sound insulation and are made with either solid wood or a hollow body.

Flush doors include a core of solid material, usually laminated timber or plywood, and can be easily painted as they are smoother. Because they have no panels, they’re easier to clean. Their sleek finish means they fit in well with modern décor and tend to be less expensive than panelled doors.

In Australia, the most common internal standard door for both panel and flush has a height of 2040mm, a width of 820mm with a thickness of 35mm.

While this is the most common standard door size, there are other sizes which are popular and also deemed standard size and these are:

• 2040mm X 620mm X 35mm
• 2040mm X 720mm X 35mm
• 2040mm x 770mm X 35mm
• 2040mm X 870mm X 35mm
• 2040mm X 920mm X 35mm

What To Consider

Doors for toilets and dressers are generally smaller in width. If you want your house accessible to all, then you’ll need doors which can accommodate wheelchair access so you’ll need them slightly wider.

While the height of a standard door in Australia is 2040mm, some newer homes are being built with taller ceilings to create that feeling of space. If you have high ceilings you could consider marginally taller doors which reach 2340mm.

There are set guidelines or Australian Standards for the height of the door hardware. It should be within 900mm and 1100mm above the floor – that’s around waist height for the average adult.

Standard External Door Sizes

External doors are also standardised to help homeowners and they are slightly thicker in depth coming in at 40mm as they are sturdier. The most popular is a height of 2040mm X 820mm with a thickness of 40mm.

Other sizes include:

• 2040mm X 620mm X 40mm
• 2040mm X 720mm X 40mm
• 2040mm x 770mm X 40mm
• 2040mm X 870mm X 40mm
• 2040mm X 920mm X 40mm

If you’re thinking of replacing or installing new doors, give us a ring at Door Stop. We have two showrooms in Perth and can help you decide what’s best for you. All our doors and windows are backed by a seven-year conditional guarantee and we offer a personalised service. Take a look at our excellent reviews, we know you won’t be disappointed with our products.

Replacing your sliding doors to the garden with bi-fold doors can be a great investment, as they bring the outdoors into a room almost completely, increasing light and improving air flow. When fitted properly, they also provide security and efficient weatherproofing.

The latest technology has made bi-fold doors an attractive and affordable option for homeowners who want to upgrade their house. At Door Stop, our current range of bi-folding doors has an option to suit every door opening and buyers’ budget.

On The Right Track

While early versions of the bi-fold door were fitted on hinges in the wall at one end only, modern track-fitted doors have an even weight distribution, which gives a smoother, lighter operation. This means less stress to the fittings for a longer lifespan.

No one wants their new door to let in draughts or to stick when opening, so a correct fit is vitally important. Accurate measuring is key to achieving a neatly-fitted door which will enhance your room and glide open and closed smoothly. Seasonal changes in temperature and humidity can actually affect the fit of a door, so a good door fitted correctly will take this into account and allow year-round integrity.

What’s Your Angle?

Each track and door system has its own sets of instructions, and will vary slightly in the fitting, although the principles are the same. These include:

• Don’t cut corners – precision is paramount when measuring.
• Your doors have to be parallel and your door hinges have to be positioned perfectly to ensure this.
• You’re looking for right angles – the sides of the door opening should be perpendicular to the upper track and the floor. Your upper track and floor need to be completely parallel.
• The lower brackets need to be positioned at the right distance from the walls and in relation to the upper track.
• The instructions will tell you exactly where the pivot plates should go. These are the plates that joins the doors to the frame and correct positioning will make for that perfect gliding action you’re looking for.

It Takes Two To Measure

There are several measurements that need to be taken to ensure your new doors are a perfect fit. Get help for this as two people can measure more easily than one. You’ll need to take four sets of measurements:

• Working down vertically, take width measurements of your entire door opening at the top, middle and bottom of the frame.
• Measure the door opening height at each end of the frame. These should be the same – if not, use the smaller measurement to ensure your door will fit the opening.
• A diagonal measurement will reveal whether the opening has right angles (which is what you want). Compare measurements from the top left corner to the bottom right, and vice versa, they should be the same. If they differ, you may need to allow for trimming when fitting.
• Check the size of your door frame rebate (this is the recessed and flush threshold where to door site, and keeps the room weather proof). The thickness of your door will depend on the width of your rebate, allowing up to 5mm clearance for a smooth fit.
  If you don’t want to take the measurements yourself, Door Stop offers a complete professional measuring and installation service in and around Perth. Book a no-obligation free consultation with us to find out more