Oak Internal Doors

Oak internal doors are renowned for their exceptional durability. Oak is a hard, dense wood that can withstand daily wear and tear effectively, maintaining its robustness and beauty over many years. It is highly resistant to warping and shrinking, ensuring the longevity of the door. Its natural grain also provides strength, which makes it less likely to split or crack compared to softer woods.

However, like all wood products, the life span of an oak internal door also depends on how well it is maintained. Regular cleaning and occasional treatment with suitable products can enhance its durability and ensure it remains in good condition for a longer period.

Oak internal doors do not require special maintenance, but following some general guidelines can help maintain their beauty and durability for a long time.

• Cleaning: Regular cleaning with a soft, dry cloth can help remove dust and prevent build-up. For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Always ensure to dry the door after cleaning to prevent moisture damage.
• Avoiding Moisture and Humidity: Oak, like any other wood, can potentially warp or swell if exposed to excessive moisture. Thus, it's crucial to avoid letting the door get wet. In high humidity areas, using a dehumidifier can help protect your door.
• Treatment: If your oak door is not pre-finished, you may need to treat it with a suitable finish. This not only enhances the natural beauty of the oak but also provides a protective layer against moisture and UV light. Even if the door is pre-finished, you might consider reapplying a finish every few years, depending on the door's exposure to sunlight and heavy usage.
• Avoiding Direct Sunlight: While oak is robust, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the wood to fade and dry out. Using blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours can help prevent this.
• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your oak door for signs of damage or wear. Early detection of issues like cracks or warping can help you address them before they become significant problems.

Installing an oak internal door can be a moderately challenging task. However, if you're comfortable with DIY projects, you can certainly accomplish this yourself. Here are general steps to guide you through the process:

Materials Required:

• Oak internal door
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Hinges (usually 3 for doors over 2040mm height)
• Screws
• Tape Measure
• Door handle and latch mechanism
• Carpenter's level
• Plane (if needed)
• Wood chisel
• Pencil for marking

Procedure:

• Measurement: Measure the opening for your new door carefully. It's essential that your new door fits into the frame correctly. Typically, you would leave a 2mm gap on the sides and top and a 6-8mm gap on the bottom for clearance.
• Preparation: If the door needs to be trimmed to fit, mark the areas to be trimmed. Ensure the door remains square. A plane can be used for minor adjustments. Note that if a lot of material needs to be removed, it should be equally from both sides and not more than the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Hinge Position: Decide where the hinges will be fixed. Normally, the top hinge is 150-200mm from the top edge, and the bottom hinge is 200-250mm from the bottom. The middle hinge (if used) would be in the center. Mark the position of the hinges on the door edge and the door frame.
• Cutting Hinge Recesses: Using a sharp chisel, carefully cut the recesses for the hinges in the door edge and the frame. The recess should be deep enough so that when the hinge is placed into it, the hinge sits flush with the wood.
• Attach Hinges to Door: Screw the hinges into the recesses you've created in the door edge, ensuring they are flush and level.
• Hang the Door: With the help of another person, position the door in the frame and screw the hinges into the recesses in the frame.
• Add Door Hardware: Now, mark the position of the latch and handle. You will need to drill holes for these, and then chisel out a recess for the latch plate so it can sit flush with the edge of the door. Once done, you can attach your door handle and latch mechanism.

To read a more detailed explanation on how to hang an internal door, check out our more comprehensive article about How To Hang Internal Doors.