Many people find Victorian properties to be charming in every way. From their elegant proportions, to their ornate architecture and complex detailing, these homes are built to impress, and today they’re as admirable as ever.
However, maintaining a home that has been around for over a century can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to finding the best suppliers and products. If your restoration project involves installing a Victorian front door, one of the options you have is getting a reclaimed door from your local salvage yard.
In many cases, a reclaimed front door only needs a little sanding and a fresh coat of paint to restore it to its former glory. Here are a few tips for choosing and installing a Victorian front door:
Confirm period authenticity
One of the first things you should be concerned about is getting an authentic front door from the period. Before you go shopping, have a look at the entry doors for several Victorian properties in your neighbourhood to find the common design elements. It’s unlikely that your neighbours will have their original doors, but most will try to preserve some elements that are unique to the era.
It is important that you try to match the look of your front door to others in your neighbourhood. Using a door from the wrong period or one that is wildly different to what everyone on your street has can make your home standout the wrong way and even detract from its value.
Visit multiple reclamation yards for inspiration
Locate as many reclamation yards around your home and try to visit several of them in person for inspiration, and also to research market values. You might find out some interesting information about the period; for instance, that doors with leaded and stained glass cost a little more, or whether you have a non-standard sized entry door. More importantly, visiting different reclamation yards will help you find a door that suits your style and personal preferences.
Choose the right sized door for your entrance
Your replacement Victorian entry door must fit your opening exactly, in length, width, and depth. If there’s no perfect fit, then you can compromise on the depth. But this will require you to do a bit of work on the frame to make it fit perfectly.
Look at the details
Focus on small details, like the location of the locks, or which side the door hangs. Fixing the door the wrong way can ruin a very expensive entry door, and increase the cost of your project, as you will need to hire a professional to move the hinges, uninstall the locks, and then install new ones the right way.
Final tip
Be careful about the types of locks on your reclaimed Victorian entry door. Considering that these doors are usually sources from demolition projects, they will likely come with insurmountable safety options. If you can’t get the lock to function properly, you might spend a little more on a locksmith.
For more information on finding the best doors and windows for your home, contact Canglow Windows and Doors today.
