If you are looking to restore a historic property, period doors, both external and internal, will form a major part of the restoration process.

We appreciate that if you have limited experience in this area, finding doors that are authentic and of sufficient quality is potentially challenging. 

And in the case of Victorian era doors, quality and authenticity is vitally important. After all, doors that are lacking in these areas may compromise the integrity of the property as a whole.

Today, we at Cawarden are delving deep into the world of period doors. We are going to outline why these types of doors are significant during the restoration process. We also want to provide a guide on sourcing authentic doors, for any of our readers who are inexperienced or struggling. 

Continue below for more information.

The Significance of Period Front Doors

If you have decided to restore a historic property, we applaud you. Not only can this be a lucrative venture but it is highly rewarding. 

These types of properties are a window into our past. As such, keeping them alive helps to retain our cultural heritage and national identity. 

If you have delved into property restoration previously, you will be acutely aware of the challenges involved. Broadly speaking, the number one aim of any restoration expert is to achieve authenticity. 

Quality is important too, as components lacking in quality can lead to structural complications. However, authenticity, above all, ensures that the life and soul of the building remains intact.

This is why, therefore, period internal doors and period external doors are so important. Not only do they preserve the historical and architectural integrity of the building, but they also have the potential to add significant value. It is helpful to think of period doors of one component, amongst many, that ensure a property is restored correctly.

And this is not the only product which ensures historic authenticity. Our article on creating a reclaimed brick path, for example, could be a source of inspiration for the external areas of your property.

Sourcing Period Doors: A Step by Step Guide

Finding old doors that are both authentic and well preserved is highly challenging. As a reclaimed materials expert, we can attest to this. It can be difficult to understand where to look and, additionally, what to buy.

However, it is not impossible. With some insider knowledge and initiative, finding doors for your period property is perfectly possible. 

Although finding components in excellent condition is challenging, it pays off when you are able to integrate high quality Victorian era doors into your property. 

To start, we would recommend the following: 

 

  • Do Your Research

 

Before you even start looking to purchase doors, it is important to conduct thorough research. This way, you put yourself in the best position to source authentic doors. 

First, you should identify your property’s historical period. This can be done by evaluating the overall architectural style or with the support of documentation, old photographs or expert opinion. 

If you know exactly what era your building is from, it will make finding the right doors far easier. And remember: authenticity is key in property preservation. Therefore, you need to source all the information you can get.

 

  • Look Around (Extensively)

 

Because of the sheer number of people now looking to restore properties, finding period front doors, as well as internal doors, is far easier. There are websites, marketplaces and shops all over the UK that specialise in the delivery of period furniture and hardware. 

The following is recommended:

 

  • Search online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook, Gumtree)
  • Explore reclamation yards 
  • Contact architectural salvage companies
  • Visit antique shows/ fairs 
  • Network with those in the community 
  • Consider reproduction

 

Each of the above is worth considering and, if done correctly, will be hugely fruitful. Our team stocks a range of period door furniture. We can also create bespoke doors in accordance with the client’s requirements, so it may be worth exploring our product section too.

 

  • Get Expert Opinion on Authenticity/ Quality

 

Inauthentic or poor quality components will seriously harm the integrity of any restoration process. And for those with limited experience, mistaking inauthentic items for authentic ones is easily done. 

Because of the delicate nature of this process, we would always encourage you to seek the counsel of an expert. 

Not only will they be able to provide an insight into the quality of the doors (offering guidance on what to look for/ avoid), they will also be able to verify whether they are really of a certain era.

Maintenance Tips

Although we set out to deliver a guide on sourcing period doors, we feel obliged to offer some quick maintenance tips. 

This is because products of this nature are delicate and need to be treated correctly. Failure to do so could result in damage, which ultimately compromises the entire restoration process.

For old doors and components, regular inspection is important. It will help to identify potential problems which would otherwise lead to damage.

Regular and careful cleaning is also important. We would recommend that you use appropriate products, if any, and take the time to ensure you are not causing damage.

Finally, weatherproofing and sealing may be required if the doors are really old. This will ensure that they are protected from the elements and mitigates the likelihood of damage.

Period Furniture at Cawarden

We hope you enjoyed the article and have a better understanding of how to source products for your restoration project. 

With a range of renowned reclaimed materials and products, we are available to talk to any historic property developers or restorers. 

If you have any questions about the bespoke or reclaimed materials we stock online, contact us today.