DOORS, WINDOWS & BALUSTRADES
DORSETSVERSUSTRADITIHANGIOL DORSBYWHT;S A RIGHTORF YOURPROCT4 JE Whatever the scaqed sty qe or pu rpose of you r deveqopmentd doors are a v itaq featu re of any bu iqdingd important both aesthecaqqy and fu nconaqqyd and a significant consideraon du ring the constru con processd too: STAIRWAYS
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ith such a range of choices, from materials to the ironmongery and the finish, the potential combinations are virtually limitless, allowing you to select doors that perfectly fit your design goals and budget. But underlying all these other considerations, there are essentially two options – the traditional hanging door or a ‘doorset’. There are pros and cons to each, so understanding the difference is crucial when deciding which is suitable for your project.
What’s the difference?
Put simply, the traditional hanging door is just the door ‘slab’, whereas the doorset is the complete package, as Richard Kowalski, Technical Manager for the door division at Stairways, explains: “With a traditionally-hung door, a developer will need to install the frame and add all the other elements separately on site. On the other hand, a doorset comprises a lining or frame that is already routed out for hinges, locks and other elements, and the door itself, which comes ready for installation, including ironmongery, such as latches, bathroom locks and hinges. FC_A APRIL
“At Stairways, we ask our clients to specify what they want ahead of time. On a front door, for instance, they may need drop-down seals, intumescent strips, locks, deadlocks and so on – all of which can be sorted for them in the factory, so the doors arrive ready to install.”
Ease of installation
When it comes to a larger development like residential flats, which could include hundreds of doors – ease of fitting matters more than ever. Richard clarifies: “We have supplied sites with upwards of 300 doorsets, which represents a lot of work for the onsite team, so the easier we can make that process, the better. With so many jobs handled in the production process by a specialist factory, it means fewer specialist skills are needed on site, which can help to reduce onsite costs and the opportunity for error. “With a doorset, you’re sourcing every component from the same supplier too, which ensures compatibility and performance – you can avoid those lastmoment panics, that nightmare moment – for instance, when you discover the doors are the wrong size for the frames; it happens! 28
“Very often, our clients will also order stairs and skirting boards from us too, which makes for the most streamlined delivery and installation processes. It also means that they can be assured of a consistent finish throughout – those small details make a big difference to the overall look.” Alongside the look ofthe ßnished door, there is also the potential for additional reliability and compliance. Richard explains further: “Because doorsets are manufactured, tested and installed as complete units, it helps to ensure ßre and security performance, as well as dependability for users. Doors are subjected to particularlystrict ßre regulations,whi doorset meets entirely.”