Know the right door for your house

A door is a basic house requirement that many people put in their homes for security purposes. However, with a variety of designs on the market, doors are not only for security, but also beautifying a home. There are different makes of doors for different purposes on the market, one is only limited by the size of their wallets.

Sliding doors
Henry Ntambi, the director Ntambi Fabricators, says glass and sliding doors are suitable for sitting rooms because of their unique design, which adds beauty to the house. However, sliding burglar proofing doors are normally put at main entrances.
Glass doors, mostly the swinging type, are usually designed with a burglar proof and closed with glass shutters which are opened to let in light and fresh air.

“These doors have mesh, which can act as nets, which prevent insects such as mosquitoes from entering even when the door is open.
The burglar proofing on both types of doors is meant for security purposes.
The cost of glass doors ranges between Shs400,000 to Shs800,000 while sliding doors cost between Shs1m to Shs1.6m, depending on the burglar proofing designs and the glass used,” Ntambi explains.

Metallic doors
Metalic doors on the other hand are recommended for behind entrances. These doors are strong, water resistant and durable. They cost between Shs100, 000 and Shs1m depending on the material used and the size.
“A metal framed door with a burglar proofing and fibre glass shutters goes on main or front entrances. Their nature contributes to the beauty of the house and is good for security. The cost ranges from Shs400,000 to Shs800,000.

Metal framed doors with burglar proofing and mirror shutters suits the bedrooms,” William Ssonko, a retailer with Home Furniture says.
Ssonko adds that such doors beautify the house and are good for security. Their price ranges from Shs400,000 to Shs800,000. However, the cost depends on the size and material used.

Flush doors
Samson Otim, a retailer at Ndeeba Furniture, says although metalic doors are good, flush doors would be better placed for washrooms.
“They are cheap and convenient, given the fact that the rooms are almost used by everyone in a home.
They are easy to clean and are water resistant because of the varnish used on them,” he says adding that people should always hire experts to revarnish the doors whenever they fade.
Flush doors cost between Shs180, 000 and Shs250, 000 depending on the make, design and where you buy it from.

Wooden doors
Dennis Kalumba of Furniture Fittings in Ndeeba, says wooden doors are suitable for back entrances if they are multipanelled and made of strong wood.
“Multi-panelled doors are put at house entrances for security purposes. This is because they are made of hard wood and durable,” Kalumba notes.
Wooden doors cost between Shs450,000 and Shs530,000 depending on the thickness of the door.

Understanding wooden doors
Philemon Bugembe, marketing manager at City Furniture in Mengo, says wooden doors which are the most common, are made of either mahogany or nkarati wood. These are normally used for front doors in homes and recreational places such as museums. Nkarati and mahogany are hardwood thus last long.
“Nkarati is in light brown while mahogany is in dark a brown shade. The problem with nkarati wood is that it is not water resistant unlike mahogany, which has a protective dark colour. Both types of wood are heavy and the door’s thickness vary between 40-50mm,” Bugembe explains.
He adds that there is a rare type of mahogany known as budongo whose doors are very attractive.
Generally, wood, metal and glass doors can either be put on main entrance or master bedrooms for safety and privacy.

The beauty factor
Luke Sseviiri, an interior designer at Pearl Interiors says. Picking either a paint or stain finish for your door will give it a fine touch.
“Wood stain is a popular way to finish new interior doors. The stain gives the doors a warm, and classic look that adds a traditional or bungalow atmosphere.
Stains are most popular for wood doors, as it emphasises the wood grain.

They are available in a variety of colours and depending on the type of material you have selected, you ought to consult an interior designer for recommendations on appropriate stains for that material,” Sseviiri says.
He adds that simple paint finish is a great way to add colour or charm to existing or new interior doors.
“People often paint their interior doors hoping for a fashionable feel or to better match the wall colours. However, many dull core doors often come already painted with a white base coat.”

How to maintain your doors
•Wipe the frame periodically using warm water and mild detergent to remove any surface grime.
•For timber or aluminum doors, wipe with a cotton cloth.
•Lubricate the hinges twice a year and clean the surface with a soft damp cloth.
•Handles should be lightly lubricated twice per year and cleaned with a damp cloth to remove dust or grime, taking care not to scratch the surface

•For sliding doors, spray a lubricant on a soft, dry cloth and wipe it onto the track. The lubricant will not harm the harm the aluminum and wooden finishings on the door.
•Inspection your wooden door frame at least once a year especially if you live in a harsh climate area. This is because wood is susceptible to attacks by fungi.
•Remove chipped paint and scuff marks. Loose paint chips can be removed with a stiff brush, and minor scratches and scuffs can be removed by a medium grit sand paper. Use a soft soap dipped water to clean any excess dirt off your door.

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