Installing a new door is a simple and great way to upgrade your home. Whether you're replacing an existing door, putting the finishing touch on an addition, or filling a previously empty doorway, you have a few decisions you have to make before you can start. With all the options for types of doors, types of locks, and even sizes, it can be a little overwhelming when you are trying to find what works best for your house and your budget. These key steps will get you on the right path for that new door installation and will make sure you get the job done quickly and correctly.

Know Your Door

The first step to new door installation is knowing exactly which kind of door you need and want. There are so many different types of door and styles to choose from so doing some research before you dive in would be a good place to start. Look at the level of security you want for the door along with the material it is made with. If you have a very modern home, a traditional wood door might not be the best option.

It is also good to look at the type of lock you want as well, especially for an external door. Will you be happy with a traditional cylinder lock, or are you thinking of upgrading to a smart lock? If you already have some smart home security elements, you'll want to find a smart lock that can be integrated into that system.

Make sure you know the size of the door frame in addition to the size of the door. Nothing is worse than ordering a door and being excited when it arrives just to find out it is the wrong size. Now you are stuck waiting even longer to replace your door. These are all important factors when looking at the type of door you want to get.

Choosing the Right Material

Door materials each have their own advantages. UPVC doors are lightweight, durable, low-maintenance and excellent insulators — making them the most popular choice for UK homes. Composite doors offer the look of wood with the strength of fibreglass and are highly resistant to warping, cracking and fading. Solid timber doors provide a classic aesthetic but require more maintenance. Steel doors offer maximum security and are ideal for commercial properties.

Consider your home's style, your security requirements and your budget when choosing. Our locksmiths can advise on the best door type for your specific situation and ensure the lock you choose is compatible with the door material.

Security Considerations

When installing a new door, security should be a top priority. For external doors, we recommend fitting a British Standard BS3621 mortice deadlock combined with a high-security anti-snap euro cylinder. This combination meets most home insurance requirements and provides excellent protection against common attack methods.

Multi-point locking systems, which engage at multiple points along the door frame, offer significantly better security than single-point locks. Most modern UPVC and composite doors come with multi-point locking as standard — but the quality of the cylinder fitted matters enormously.

Help is Always Good to Have

When your car needs an oil change you take your car to the mechanic who is trained to do the job correctly. When it comes to changing out doors in your home, locksmith services are the best way to go. Aside from industry knowledge that can help you choose a door, locksmiths are trained in door installation. Locksmiths are true professionals and will always make sure the new doors are installed correctly the first time.

Doors are large and bulky and you do not want to cause any unnecessary damage to the surrounding walls or door frames by trying to install a door yourself. Leave it to the trained professionals!

Do not be afraid to call in a locksmith for help. Some people might think that calling a locksmith would cost too much money for something as simple as a door, or that the locksmith would have to travel far to do the job. But the truth is, there are locksmiths all throughout the London area. From a locksmith in Holloway to one in Bromley, they are conveniently located to make it easier for you. Their prices are reasonable, and really you will save more in the long run knowing the door was installed correctly with no damage to your home.