Oak doors are by far one of the most striking features that a homeowner can install within a house. When installed they form a centrepiece in every room of the home as an object of striking beauty and elegance. However, fitting oak interior doors can present a challenge to the average DIY enthusiast. It is therefore important to take into account a number of considerations prior to attempting to fit such doors. By doing so the homeowner can ensure that the doors look their best within the home.
First and foremost, it is essential that the new oak doors are hung correctly in order to look their best in the home. In order to achieve this the homeowner must first ensure that the door is the correct size for the opening that is available. It is important at this stage to ensure that all measurements are carried out with a high degree of accuracy. The door may initially be trimmed using a saw but for smaller alterations a plane would be more appropriate. It is important to remember that more wood can be taken off at a later stage but it cannot be added once removed.
Secondly, the homeowner should take great care when selecting the additional fittings for a door such as hinges and handles as these items can make or break an oak door. It is important that these items are both functional and attractive to ensure the best appearance of oak doors. The hinges should be able to support the weight of the door and should be fitted carefully in order to ensure that the door hangs vertically. Moreover, any door handles fitted to interior oak doors should be installed so that the door opens and closes smoothly.
Finally, the homeowner should give adequate thought to the finish that will be applied to the door when it is finally hung. Oak doors lend themselves to being left unfinished once installed as they feature an attractive heavy grain which is often desirable. However, if a finish is required straining is most appropriate to oak interior doors as this does not mask the natural beauty of the wood. However, these doors do not lend themselves to be painted, again due to the heavy grain. If a painted finish is desired the homeowner should consider a wood with a lighter grain such as pine. For such a finish there really is no need to go to the expense of buying oak doors as paint will simply cover up the most desirable characteristics of this wood.
To achieve the best results when installing new oak interior doors it is important to take into account the aforementioned considerations. By doing so, the homeowner can ensure that their new oak doors look their very best when they are installed within the home. By taking the time to address these considerations at an early stage the homeowner can further ensure that the doors look stunning for many years to come.