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We open and close doors every day using door knobs and door handles or levers, but sometimes we forget how much style they add to a room. Whatever choice you make, it will say a lot about your décor and personality and while you may select a doorknob or handle for its looks, it also needs to be functional.

There’s a huge variety of door handles and knobs available and each one will have benefits and drawbacks. To help you decide what you should select, the experts at Door Stop have come up with some pros and cons for each, so you can get a handle on what’s best for you.

Pros Of Door Knobs

Door knobs have always been a popular choice here in Australia. They were invented in the 17th century and are perfect for use in family homes. Some would class them as the safer option because you’re less likely to bump into them or snag your dress on them.

Knobs work well in traditional, older properties which may be fitted with surface mounted rim locks. They’ve come a long way in design with plenty of different finishes including glass and ceramic.

For those who have clever pets who like to open doors, it’s a bit hard to wrap a paw around a door knob and turn – making it easier to ensure that your pets aren’t going to let themselves into the bedroom and make themselves comfortable on your bed.

Doors knobs are also considerably more difficult for toddlers/small children to open which helps stop them accessing rooms that haven’t been meticulously child-proofed.

Cons Of Door Knobs

While door knobs require a certain amount of strength to hold them and an ability to twist them, it does mean that people with physical disabilities and weaknesses may struggle to use them. They’re banned in new-build homes in the Canadian city of Vancouver in favour of more user friendly and accessible levers.

There are now more oval shaped designs which goes some way to resolve the problem, enhancing grip and leverage.

Door knobs are also inconvenient when you’re trying to open a door with dirty/wet hands without also getting the door knob mucky.

Pros Of Door Handles

Door handles are generally easier to use than door knobs as they are simpler to manoeuvre. Most commercial buildings have switched over to the lever style of handles because of their functionality.

If you want your home to look modern and stylish, then door levers have the edge as they can look contemporary. They’re also more practical – how many of us have used an elbow to open one, while carrying a bag of shopping at the same time?

They’re the perfect choice for glazed doors and narrow doors which can’t accommodate locks with deep cases. Most levers are on a longer plate and can incorporate a keyhole for added convenience.

The Cons Of Door Handles

Door handles or levers generally require greater maintenance as they have springs which hold levers in the horizontal place and over time these may either break or drop.

Because the levers on door handles protrude they can also add a safety hazard, especially when you have children who are head-height to the lever.

Here at Door Stop we have a variety of affordable door hardware, knobs and levers to suit your needs. We are the door experts in Perth. Take a look at our reviews and you can see why we’re the first choice. Come and chat to us today, don’t forget we have showrooms in Joondalup and Osborne Park and are happy to answer all your queries.

There’s a fair bit of skill, time and expertise involved in hanging a door. It may seem one of those daunting DIY tasks which you dread, can there be anything worse than spending hours trying to hang a door which then won’t close properly?

While no one will notice a door which is fitted correctly, one that’s wrongly installed will stand out like a sore thumb. An ill-fitting door may rattle whenever there’s a breeze or swing open by itself.

Here at Door Stop we know how much doors can totally transform your home. Here’s some guidance so you can decide whether to fit them yourself or call in the experts.

Prices

There are many different doors on the market so it can vary in price to hang a door. On average here in WA, you should allow at least $150 and upwards in labour costs for your average internal door and an external door costing upwards of $500 to hang.

Cost will also depend on whether you need one or two to people to do the job. The heavier the door, the more people you’ll need to fit it. Exterior doors are generally bigger and heavier than internal ones.

Generally speaking a basic hinged door will take less time than a sliding or double door to fit. If you’re replacing an old door with something similar then costs should be fairly minimal. If you’re replacing a door with a different closing mechanism, then it will obviously be more expensive.

The type of material used may also impact on costs. Doors come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from wood, glass or UPVC.

Fitting A Door

If the existing door is wooden and in good shape without any damage, then you may be able to install a slab door. This is just a rectangular slab of material which attaches to the door frame with hinges which are bought separately. Hardware such as door knobs will need to be attached.

For other doors, you may need to replace the frame, especially if the wooden door frame is warped or has been damaged over time.

If you want to hang a wooden door, there a few elements involved. You will have to make the jamb, assemble and secure it, set out hinges and cut recesses. Then you have to prepare the opening, add any hardware, pack the lock side and add any architrave.

Remember an ill-fitting door can be an eyesore. Sometimes it’s better to call in the experts who have not only the necessary skills but also the right equipment.

Here at Door Stop, we can offer advice on installation or hang the doors for you. We have 35 years’ experience in supplying a variety of doors and they all come with guarantees. We will happily custom-make doors to suit your requirements. Come and take a look at our range at our two showrooms in Joondalup and Osborne Park.

Is burglary a problem in your neighbourhood?

According to the latest WA Police statistics, there are over 1800 homes robbed each year.

Sobering figures, but there are ways to deter and prevent burglars from even attempting to break into your home, and they start with a good secure external door.

Solid And Sound Advice

A third of burglars enter a house through the front door, either because it’s unlocked, or because they can force an entry. So it’s little wonder that one of the top pieces of advice from WA Police is that householders should have a solid wood or solid-core door.

Solid-core is made from wood or MDF and covered with a veneer to give it strength and security. Hollow-core doors are generally unsuitable for external fitting, as they offer the least protection from burglars, and are easier to force open and break through.

Visually, a well-fitted and solid-looking front door is off-putting for a casual burglar. A crook checking out a neighbourhood for potential targets will soon move on from a property which has a good, solid external door with a peephole or more than one visible lock.

Lock It Up

Police also recommend that householders have deadbolts or deadlocks fitted to doors. A quality deadbolt lock can’t be kicked in and won’t open with a credit card swipe. A deadbolt should extend beyond the doorframe into your wall for added security.

At Door Stop, we offer a range of locks and handles that not only provide security, but look great and complement your door. Fortunately, you don’t need to turn your home into a fortress to achieve peace of mind. A reliable and secure door can still look stylish and complement the rest of your home.

Out Of Sight Access

Of course, a secure front door is only half the issue when it comes to stopping burglars in their tracks. An opportunist will head straight round to the back entrance for easy access. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a sliding, bi-fold or French door to improve the flow into your back garden or deck.

Our products not only have a range of secure locks, we can also supply and fit screens both for security and to stop those other unwanted invaders, any insects. Talk to us about the safest positioning of glass and pet flaps to keep your doors functional but secure.

Extra Precautions

Ensure that there’s no glass near the door knob. It’s doesn’t matter how strong of a door you have installed; if someone can simply break the glass and reach around to allow themselves, it’s all pointless.

If you must have glass by your door, consider double glazing. Double glazed windows are far more difficult to break and after smashing one panel of glass, having made noise, and still not gaining access; there’s a chance the would-be thief could flee.

If you’re wanting a pet door, try to keep it small enough so that slim adult isn’t able to squeeze through it. Keep in mind that thieves often prefer accessing through the rear of the home, keeping out of sight of any neighbours and having some time to flee if they hear the homeowners approaching the front.

Make sure that you are vigilant and keep a habit of locking up every time you leave the house, even if just popping down to the shops.

Don’t rely on one line of defence. If someone is really determined to break in, they will. Whether it’s through your door, window or even through your roof. Consider additional layers of security, such as cameras and/or a home alarm.

Lastly, don’t give the impression of an empty home. Thieves often stroll through neighbourhoods spotting which homes are easy targets, so show that your home regularly by making sure you take your bins up the drive as soon as possible on bin day and don’t let your mailbox start overflowing with junk mail.

Peace Of Mind Guaranteed

All doors and accessories at Door Stop are backed by industry leading seven-year conditional guarantees meaning that you can buy with absolute confidence, regardless of which door you choose.

Of course, Door Stop offers all of the solid core doors with double glazing options mentioned in our advice above. So, why not speak to our experts to find out more?

With two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup and with 35 year’s industry experience in doors and associated fixtures and fittings, we can help with all your requirements.

But remember, whatever door and locks you choose – don’t forget to use them!

If you’ve ever had your sleep disturbed by noise or your study interrupted by people in the next room, you’ve probably considered soundproofing as a solution.

Soundproofing isn’t just for recording studios and homes next door to motorways, here are many reasons our customers want to reduce sound levels in their houses and businesses.

Keeping The Noise Down

From massage therapists, to confidential counsellors and dentists, some workspaces just can’t operate alongside sound leakage, either from outside or other rooms within the building.

At home, you may have different bed times, a shift worker who’s trying to sleep during the day, or one family member who wants to read quietly without the sound of the television wrecking their concentration.

And if you like playing music loud or have installed a cinema room, you’ll need to consider the impact of your noise on others too.

With good soundproofing, normal life can go on without either disturbing others or being disturbed.

Close the door on disturbances

While double glazing and soft furnishings play an important part in soundproofing a room, the choice of door is also a key element of keeping sounds in – or out.

Often overlooked, a flimsy or ill-fitting door can be a major cause of sound disruption. It is the largest opening in any wall and is often the source of sound transference.

The Drum-Effect

The worst culprit is the hollow-core door. Constructed of thin veneers and a honeycombed core, this type of door can actually make sounds louder by acting as a drum. Hollow-core doors offer very little by way of soundproofing.

Most modern houses come with hollow-core doors as standard, and if you can hear a conversation clearly on the other side of your door, that’s probably what you’re living with.

Great Barrier

By replacing hollow-core doors with solid construction doors, such as solid wood or solid-core doors, you can substantially improve your building’s soundproofing. If you can afford a solid hardwood door, this will cut down on noise considerably. The density of the wood baffles the sound and when properly fitted, will create an effective noise barrier.

A cheaper option than expensive hardwood is a solid-core door that is equally as dense, but using materials such as MDF and wood veneer.

Thick Is Smart

Another factor to consider is door thickness. The standard thickness of Australian doors is 35mm, but a thicker solid door will provide more soundproofing. A thicker door may require a custom frame which can be installed by door specialists to ensure a perfect fit.

Finally, you can buy specialised soundproofing doors, which incorporate sound-reducing board and are lined with a layer of lead.

Seal The Deal

Whatever type of door you choose, its sound proofing will only be as effective as its fitting. Even a small gap on the sides or top and bottom will let sound through. Professional door fitters will always ensure that doors fit correctly and can advise on acoustic door seals and weather-stripping.

At Door Stop we can show you how the right door can make your life a whole lot quieter. We have two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup, and with 35 year’s industry experience in doors and associated fixtures and fittings, we love to share our knowledge to help our customers make the perfect choice.

When choosing a new interior door, one of your most important decisions is going to be about something you can’t even see.

Whatever style and design you choose, the construction of the door will affect the function, lifespan and cost.

While exterior doors are generally solid wood construction, you have more options with your home’s interior. The two most affordable types are hollow-core and solid-core doors – but what’s the difference between them?

A Cost-Effective Choice

Hollow-core doors are the most popular option for new builds, so if your home is modern and still has its original doors, the odds are that they are hollow-core.

The doors are made using a thin veneer of high-quality wood over a honeycombed cardboard or plastic core. This is set in a wooden frame to give the door strength and stability.

Lightweight hollow-core doors are the cheapest option and are easy to install, even if you do it yourself. Choosing hollow-core doors for your interior rooms can save you thousands of dollars and they have their advantages.

They are quite stable and unaffected by seasonal changes in your home’s humidity levels. They can also be trimmed to fit awkward door frames without too much difficulty.

However, they can feel a little flimsy and are the least effective construction for blocking sound and resisting the spread of fire.

A Solid Investment

If you are looking for a heavier door with great soundproofing, solid-core could be your answer. The door is made of a core of engineered wood such as MDF, usually with a fine veneer glued on top. They can be used for either exterior or interior placement.

Some solid-core doors are made to imitate real wood and come without veneers. One advantage these have over more expensive solid wood doors is that they won’t warp over time.

Solid-core doors are also excellent for sound insulation and act as effective fire doors. The density of engineered wood means these can be heavier than solid wood. This makes them trickier to fit than hollow-core, requiring two people and some skill.

But once fitted, a solid-core door will enhance your home’s safety and privacy and will last for many years.

Best Of Both Worlds

If cost is an issue, a mixture of hollow-core and solid-core doors can work well – using hollow for closets and storage areas, while solid doors are used to separate various living and sleeping spaces and keep noise levels to a minimum in busy areas.

Ask The Experts

If you’re still unsure what type of door you need, or would like to find out more about the styles on offer, we’d love to help. The experts at Door Stop have 35 years’ experience in the industry and we know all about doors and fittings. Come see for yourself at our Joondalup or Osborne Park showrooms.

Bi-fold doors have been gaining in popularity, not least because they have the ability to open up a home to the outdoors, creating a luxurious feeling of space.

They look sleek and can provide light all year round and have become the door of choice in recent years.

Watch any ‘make-over’ television program or flick through any renovation magazine and you’re sure to find a refurbishment with bi-fold doors.

Versatility Of Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors are made up of multiple leaves which fold back on themselves in order to open up, so they work a lot like a concertina.

One of the biggest advantages of bi-fold doors is that they can transform your living space by giving you unobstructed views out onto your patio and garden.Whole walls of glass can be opened up creating a seamless flow from indoors to outdoors.

If you don’t want all the doors open, it’s possible to just have a standard-style door at the end, giving you easy access inside or out.

Opened bi-fold doors can bring a cool breeze into your home on hot muggy days, and in the winter the glazed panels will mean natural sunlight will stream through the glass bringing natural warmth to your home.

How Much Do Bi-Fold Doors Cost?

We can’t speak for our competitors, but at Door Stop, our bi-fold doors start from $3,295 supplied and installed.

Not only is this price point one of the most competitive that you’ll find Australia-wide, there are no compromises on quality.

Because here at Door Stop, we are door manufacturer, not just a sales centre.

Buying manufacturer direct and cutting out the middle-man will not just save you money on a comparable product elsewhere; it also allows you to look at a better quality range of bifold doors in your budget.

Why Do Bi-Fold Doors Cost So Much?

The price of a bi-fold door can vary depending on material and size but because of the way they operate, there is more complex manufacturing involved when compared to other types of doors, which adds extra costs.

Imagine how a sliding door opens compared to a bi-fold door and you’ll soon realise the greater engineering required. You get more of a door profile when they’re shut closed, which is heavier on materials than compared to a sliding door which is a large expanse of glass.

Bi-fold doors are built with longevity in mind, so they are produced to be hardwearing and durable with quality, year-round weatherproof glazing panels and impressive ironmongery. They are available in different finishes, the most popular being aluminium, wood and upvc.

They require hardware systems with a greater capability and sophistication than a sliding or hinged door because there is a greater load when the doors are opened or closed.Wheels run on flat tracks which allows for a smooth operation.

The vast majority of bi-folds are top hung which means the weight comes from above.Bi-fold doors will need good structural support to withstand the weight.

Our bi-fold doors are made from a solid wood and provide great thermal insulation.Aluminium bi-fold doors offer minimum maintenance and a long lifespan and many see them as a long term cost-effective investment. They also add value to your home as they enhance the look of your property.

If you’d like to find out more about our range of bi-fold doors and whether they’re suited to your home, why not give us a call at Door Stop.We are a Perth based company and have two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup, so come and see our vast range of premium quality doors for yourself.

With 35 years’ experience, we can guarantee you’ll receive quality advice and service from our friendly staff.

With advances in digital technology, it was only a matter of time before we saw the development of new types of locking systems, marking the end of the traditional front door key.

Smart technology is now integral to our everyday lives, we use cards to get into hotel rooms and vehicles can be started without a key.Now you can enter your home using your smart phone, internet and

Bluetooth technology, but the big question remains – are smart locks are safe?

The Pros Of Smart Locks

There are many different smart locks on the market allowing you to configure, remotely control and unlock your front door through an app on your phone.There’s no doubt they add a significant level of security with you alone controlling the whole system.

House keys are among the most commonly misplaced items so smart locks not only improve security but they’re far more convenient and can avoid any lock-out situation arising.

Smart lock technology enables you to send virtual access codes to members of your family or even visiting tradesmen, so you’re able to keep tabs on who’s going in and out of your house. What’s more you can deactivate a code at any time so once a tradie has completed any work, his code can be deleted.

A smart locking system remains one of the hardest security systems to crack akin with the level of security you may see at a bank.

Smart lock manufacturers have regular software update cycles to minimise any security breaches.

They’re useful for those with mobility problems as guests can be let in and out of the house, and the door locked remotely without any need to greet or say goodbye at the entrance.

There is amazing potential with smart locks and the way they can be integrated with other assistant devices in the future, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Nest enabling a high level of all round-home security.

The Cons Of Smart Locks

While the lock may be smart, so are hackers who have the expertise to tamper with the devices and create false access codes.

There is, and always will be a risk of internet-connected devices being hacked.While they are engineered and manufactured to an incredibly high security standard security breaches do happen.

At a recent international security conference ‘DEF CON’ in America, experts noted that up to 75% of smart locks could be hacked by professional cyber criminals who had a high level of knowledge and could crack encryption codes and pin numbers.

Even well-designed smart lock apps may be compromised through other apps which are sitting on the phone, although the installation of mobile phone security software should reduce this risk.

Some smart locks are used along with a traditional dead bolt, other types require you to replace your existing dead bolt altogether, but it’s easy to remove these devices with a simple screwdriver.

In order for a smart lock to work effectively the door must be firmly closed to secure the deadbolt.

Home owners using these smart lock devices have to be vigilant, as mobile phones can be easily lost or stolen which could add complications if they fell into the wrong hands.

As always, with any lock technology, it can be difficult to know what’s best suited to your home, so why not speak to the experts at Door Stop to find out more?We have two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup and with 35 year’s industry experience in doors and associated fixtures and fittings, we can help with all your requirements.

Engineered, solid core or hardwood door?

There is much debate in the market place about which type or entrance door performs best in the Western Australia Climate. Each retailer will assure you that they have the best product, so let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages or each type of entry door.

DoorStop engineered – individual pieces of hardwood timber laminated together with meranti veneer

Advantages

• 7-year warranty
• Can be trimmed 10mm from any side
• Stable in the heat – not likely to shrink or warp
• Will not blow out with moisture like MDF solidcore
• Can be painted or stained
• Still solid hardwood but laminated

Diadvantages

• Off the shelf only, not available in custom sizes
• Completely flat finish cannot be achieved with painting.Grain will show through.
• Only available in meranti finish
• Veneer lifting – rare and covered under warranty

Solidcore – this is a door constructed using MDF (medium density fibreboard)

Advantages

• Can be routed in many styles and can be supplied in special order sizes
• Can be bought in a timber or paint finish
• Less prone to shrinkage

Disadvantages

• Can be easily damaged by water, door expands and typically blows out at the bottom / sides
• Can only be trimmed 3mm on any side
• Very strict warranty conditions regarding the amount of weather protection above the door
• Glazed doors are only beaded on one side.MDF chamfer on the other side
• The rout on the design will stain differently to the main part of the door
• Only 5-year conditional warranty

Solid Hardwood door – made from one-piece hardwood

advantages

• Can be stained or painted
• 5-year warranty
• Will not blow out in water
• Can be customised to different styles and sizes

Disadvantages

• Door is only as good as the quality of timber used in manufacture
• Likely to shrink and expand with changes in weather conditions
• More likely to warp in the heat
• Splits and shakes are common with high temperatures
• Quality hardwood doors are expensive and required significant maintenance

Based on the three available options we believe the Doorstop engineered door to be the most stable for the Western Australia Climate which is why we give the longest warranty period in the industry.

A Perth Door warranty that’s worth having

When Doorstop opened its doors 11 years ago we bought entrance doors from local suppliers. It became increasingly difficult to cover warranty issues due to very strict conditions regarding protection from the elements.

Doorstop now has its own front door range and we are so pleased with the quality that we have increased the 5 years standard warranty to an industry leading 7 years, providing the doors are cared for in line with our terms and conditions we have a no-quibble policy.

1200mm wide entrance doors are becoming more and more popular.Unfortunately, as many homes are being built with only eves cover above the front door, the industry standard timber sill with rubber door strip has become problematic with regard to weather sealing.

Common problems are; day light showing in the corners of the frame, sand blowing in and water ingress during heavy storms.

A new aluminium threshold came to the market but this has its own set of issues, especially for renovators.Due to the low profile, there is often little or no clearance inside for a door mat. The aluminium threshold can also be problematic and aesthetically unappealing when a door and side panels is required.As it cannot be stained or painted to match the rest of the frame or the entrance door, this can also be disappointing visually.

The new DoorStop high performance external door frame has eliminated all these problems.With its clever self-draining sill and removable aqua seals to all four sides, it can handle everything the WA climate can throw at it.This smart looking frame is available exclusively from DoorStop in a huge range of standard and custom sizes, to suit any configuration, including side panels. It can also be painted or stained to match your door.