What you need to know about doors and how to choose interior doors. Which interior doors are better: the pros and cons of products from different materials

Not a single repair, in whatever style it is made, is complete without replacing interior doors. But how to approach their choice? Veneered interior doors are a great option for apartments, houses and even offices. They are endowed with special properties, unique characteristics, due to which they have gained enormous distribution in all countries of the world. Veneered doors - what is it? That is what we will talk about in this article. Moreover, we will highlight the main selection criteria, because the durability of the use of interior doors largely depends on this.

About veneer

Veneered interior doors are popular due to a number of advantages. And they, in turn, are provided with the properties of the main material used for their production. Veneer should be understood as a natural material, in translation this word means "sliver". This is a thin layer of valuable wood that managed to preserve the structure of natural fibers.

Veneer types

To date, there are several varieties of veneer:

• Natural - the thinnest layer of natural wood with an aesthetic appearance, used for cladding.
• Reconstructed - this variety is made of wood tropical trees and the advantage is used for the manufacture of furniture, panels for interior decoration. Working with such veneer, it is simply impossible to do without the use of special equipment.
• Ribbed - thin sheets of wood glued along the edges to each other. Durability and excellent performance properties are what distinguishes this type of veneer.

Veneer production

Veneered doors - what is it? In order to fully answer this question, it is necessary to highlight some production features. The production process of natural veneer involves the use of several basic techniques:

• Planing - the main advantage of this method is the preservation natural beauty valuable wood fibers, the thickness of the material in this case does not exceed 0.5 cm.
• Peeling - the procedure for removing chips in a spiral, the layer thickness is up to 1 cm.
• Cut "sawn lamella" - that's what they call this method getting veneer. The production process involves sawing logs into the thinnest (up to 1 cm) fibers. This is the most expensive veneer, which is practically not found in mass production, used only as exclusive interior items.

What's new?

More recently, the revolutionary fine-line technology has been used for the production of veneer. It allows you to use artificially grown tree species in the shortest possible time. The peeled fibers are then glued into large slabs, after which they are cut at a certain angle. Such veneer conveys the structure of wood fibers as naturally and as naturally as possible, being 100% natural.

For processing into veneer, it is currently used as solid logs, and small segments, which allows you to save and save to the maximum Natural resources making products more affordable.

Artificial veneer, represented by multilayer plastic, is also actively used. He still imitates a drawing natural wood, but at the same time endows doors with high mechanical characteristics. But upon a detailed examination of the doors, the difference between natural and artificial veneer is obvious even to the layman.

Design features

Suppose you opted for veneered doors. What it is? Structurally, they are a wooden frame sheathed with MDF sheets. By the way, for the manufacture of the frame, less expensive tree species, such as alder or pine, are most often used to reduce the cost of production and make it more affordable.

The basis just mentioned is made future door, on top of this workpiece by hot pressing is superimposed thin layer the same veneer, giving an exceptional appearance to each product. The back and end sides are also pressed with veneer door leaf, which allows you to achieve the integrity of the coating and exceptional appearance. After veneering, the door leaves are covered with several layers of heavy-duty varnish, which gives the doors a complete look.

Advantages

Veneered doors: what is it? What benefits do they have? If you have chosen them, it does not hurt to know in advance about the strengths. Judging by the reviews, this is:

• strength and durability - these properties are provided by the use of natural wood in the production process;
• ample opportunities for design experiments;
• spectacular appearance;
• full visual compliance with solid wood doors, while the cost is more affordable compared to them;
• excellent indicators of heat and sound insulation;
• relatively light weight and easy installation;
• natural, ecological clean materials, which allows the doors to be used even in rooms to which special requirements are imposed.

disadvantages

If you choose veneered doors, reviews about them will be a good informative base. So, those who have already installed them at home, highlight some of the shortcomings. These include difficulties in choosing a set of doors - the structure of the fibers will never be identical, you will have to come to terms with this.

Secrets of choice

Finding good veneered doors on the market is not as easy as it seems at first glance. Variety of manufacturers, rich color palette- something that introduces doubt and confusion to buyers, especially inexperienced ones. Most often, in the selection process, we focus on the appearance, colors that veneered doors are presented with: walnut, oak, ash, maple, cherry - there are many options.

But we propose to focus on other aspects, because the service life of the door depends on this:

• Manufacturer - trust a proven and experienced manufacturer, do not choose a handicraft. Be sure to request a certificate, which will confirm the quality and reliability of the door you are purchasing.
• The pattern and structure of the fibers - carefully inspect the door from all sides. Natural veneer is never repeated in the pattern. If you notice a repetition, this is a fake or artificial veneer, which should be presented at a reduced price. A vague, inaccurate pattern indicates the use of low quality wood.

• Defects - be sure to inspect the door panels under the light for scratches, cracks and other small defects invisible to the naked eye - the surface of the doors should be perfectly even and smooth.
• Smell - the presence of a strong chemical odor indicates the use of low-quality paintwork material for the manufacture of veneered interior doors. Few people know that low-quality varnish can cause an allergic reaction, so you should be extremely careful.
• End - in this case, it is worth considering not the colors of the veneered door, but the quality of the finish of the end. If the veneer even slightly moves away from the canvas, you have a low-quality product.
• Shape - the door leaf must have a strictly regular geometric shape, maximum tolerance- 1 mm. If the error is greater, it is better to refuse to buy such a door.
• Glass - if there are glass inserts in the door you have chosen, you must carefully examine them as well. Glass must be of high quality and securely fixed.
• Durability - shake the door well: no extraneous sounds, rattling should appear.

And of course, carefully check the dimensions of the door and your opening for compliance, because in case of an error, you will not be able to fit the veneered door in size.

Summing up

We tried to find the answer to the question: veneered doors - what is it? We studied all the main characteristics and properties. Now we can sum up. Veneered doors are endowed with a number of advantages, which will significantly distinguish them from the background of their closest competitors. Such a door will be an excellent option for those who started repairs, but are limited in budget, why can’t they afford a more expensive purchase, for example, doors made of natural array. Moreover, if you do not understand anything about the installation of interior doors, it is better to entrust the work to professionals, because the slightest mistake can lead to deformation and subsequent breakage of the canvas.

Today you can find veneered doors in any major hardware store. Their price, first of all, depends on the type of veneer used and the manufacturer and ranges from 2500 to 9000 rubles. Approaching the choice wisely, you will save yourself from mistakes and give preference to exactly those copies that will serve you for more than a dozen years and become a full-fledged decoration of the interior, no matter what style it is decorated in.

Solid wood, veneer, laminate, MDF, glass... How not to get confused in the materials from which interior doors are made, in their properties and the best combination price/functionality? We understand the advantages and disadvantages of interior doors.

Solid wood interior doors

Prices for such doors primarily depend on the type and quality of preparation of the wood from which they are made, and secondly, on its size, thickness and method of processing/decoration. The premium segment includes hardwoods: maple, beech, oak, mahogany. One such door will cost at least $500.

There are also more budget options for solid wood doors. These are models made from soft woods - most often pine. The lower price bar for such doors is 200 USD.

Advantages of solid wood doors:

1. Durability (doors are able to withstand severe operational and shock loads);

2. Durability (this material lasts longer than all the others);

3. Good sound insulation (determined by the density of the door, the uniformity of its filling);

4. Compliance to processing (doors with any surface shape can be made from solid wood);

Disadvantages of solid wood doors:

1. They do not tolerate changes in humidity (this is especially true for doors made of softwoods. In no case should they be installed in bathrooms);

2. Very heavy (this factor must be taken into account when choosing fittings - it must be designed for the appropriate load);

3. In the case of using low-quality materials, they are prone to the appearance of cracks (if the wood was poorly dried initially, then cracks in the doors will appear very quickly).

Unfortunately, all the advantages of solid wood doors can be nullified by poor wood preparation. If the material was poorly dried, then the doors deform quite quickly. In case of conifers trees, resinousness is also added: knots in wood, painted with a thin layer of light paint, can darken over time.

Veneered doors

The use of veneer in production significantly reduces the cost of interior doors. The veneer is a thin slice of wood, approximately 0.6-1 mm thick. Then this veneer covers a hollow (most often) or full-bodied (made from bars, or even made from solid inexpensive wood) door. The result is a completely eco-friendly (both inside and outside) door, with the appearance of a solid wood door, at a much lower cost.

Advantages of veneered doors:

1. Moisture resistance (in cases where the veneered door is varnished, it will not absorb moisture. Perfect solution for bathrooms. Such doors can be installed in rooms where humidity reaches 80%);

2. Naturalness (veneered doors have a distinct wood texture);

3. Durability (with proper operation, a veneered door lasts 10-15 years or longer);

4. Soundproofing (according to this indicator, veneered doors are almost as good as solid wood doors, in the case of hollow doors, the indicator is somewhat worse);

5. Restorability (veneered doors can be restored if they have small scratches or abrasions).

Disadvantages of veneered doors:

1. Color change in direct sunlight;

2. Sensitivity to wet cleaning(it is desirable to use special cleaning agents).

MDF doors

At the moment, this is one of the most budget options. And, basically, they choose it just because of the low price. In fact, MDF boards are made from wood waste. These doors are hollow inside. Most often, in the production of such doors, the array is used only in the frame, and MDF boards serve as the surface of the door leaf.

Advantages of MDF doors:

1. Low cost;

2. Decorating with any materials (MDF doors are both painted and pasted over with a film, and decorated - depending on the wishes of the client);

3. Lightness (these doors weigh very little, so any fittings are suitable for them, which further reduces the cost of doors);

4. Do not dry out (according to this indicator, the array is significantly inferior to MDF).

Disadvantages of MDF doors:

1. Insufficient strength (even a slight blow will cause a dent);

2. Not restored (dents on the canvas are almost impossible to eliminate without a trace);

3. Harmful to health (the canvas contains formaldehyde);

4. The ends of the door leaf break quickly.

Laminated doors

Laminate is used not only for floors, but also for finishing doors. In fact, it is a cheaper replacement for veneer.

Advantages of laminated doors:

1. Wear resistance (this material is less susceptible to environment than veneer);

2. Easy to clean.

3. Variety design solutions

Disadvantages of laminated doors:

1. Controversial environmental friendliness (there are practically no natural components in the film);

2. High quality laminate is expensive (at a price even comparable to veneer);

Glass doors

One of the "non-wooden" options is glass doors. Today, glass is no longer brittle and hazardous material. Modern technologies make it possible to make doors from glass, which is difficult to damage.

Advantages of glass doors:

1. Environmental friendliness (glass does not contain harmful chemicals and components);

2. A variety of design solutions (transparent, frosted, stained glass, colored glass allow you to transform the interior).

Disadvantages of glass doors:

1. Thermal insulation (glass doors do not retain heat);

2. Difficulty of care (any pollution, even just fingerprints on glass doors are visible too well, so they need to be washed relatively often);

3. Injury hazard (small children, and sometimes adults, may not notice a completely transparent door and hit it).

Conclusion: From the point of view of "price-quality" veneered doors look the most attractive today. In case you have small children (who like to draw on doors and walls), animals (may leave scratches) or when installing in places with high humidity (for example, in a bathroom) - it is better to choose laminated doors. Laminate is easier to clean from dirt, may have increased resistance to scratches and moisture.

Text: Natalia Shnitko

Nowadays high technology interior doors are still relevant. But modern products differ in many ways. Both in terms of quality, design and materials of manufacture. The question of how to correctly assess the existing diversity and how to choose interior doors remains one of the priorities in the repair.

To understand what to choose, you need to clearly understand what the doors are for, what functions they will perform in the home, what material they should be made of, what design and design are more suitable for the apartment. To do this, you need to know what requirements may be imposed on them, and what interior doors are in general. In this matter, the advice of professionals is very important.

Requirements for interior doors

The cumulative list of requirements looks like this:

• The beauty.
• Functionality.
• Reliability and durability.

Doors should be beautiful, work easily, last long and properly divide the living space. If they are glazed - skip right amount Sveta.

The level of heat and sound insulation should provide a good rest. correctly installed, good sealant and the threshold help solve the problem. The reliability of the door is determined by the following properties:

• Resistant to mechanical stress. Elements should not be easily scratched or peeled off after wet cleaning.
• Moisture resistance. The material must provide long-term exposure to steam without changing the physical and geometric parameters.
• UV resistant. Under the action of sunlight, the canvas and platbands burn out or change colors. The highest quality products retain their original appearance for a long time.

Construction types

If you choose the right design, it can last a long time. And there are plenty to choose from:

• Shield. Such a canvas consists of a solid material, as a rule, solid wood. Glued or whole, but with a homogeneous structure.
• Paneled. This is a type-setting structure, consisting of vertical and peppered bars and panels (thinner inserts) that form a cellular structure.

From above, MDF or chipboard plates are attached to it, for the lining of which veneer, eco-veneer or laminate is used.

According to the form, interior products are divided into the following:

• Deaf. The canvas is made entirely of one material without cutouts.
• With inserts. Cutouts are made in the canvas for inserts that provide filling inner space light. It is not difficult to choose an insert of any color for the interior today.

Also, the designs differ in the ways of opening. The most commonly used types are:

• Swing. These are the most ordinary doors, the wings of which are hung on hinges. There are single and double doors.
• Sliding. The sashes of these are shifted to the sides on rollers along special skids.
• Folding. This type It is an accordion-type structure, when the canvas folds when opened, and straightens when closed.

Material for interior doors

The material from which the product is made is a fundamental factor when choosing. It affects properties and reliability. It depends on the cost of the door. The most common are:

• Wood. Natural material is always in price due to its properties. Products from the massif differ in external beauty, durability and durability. Top Models give status, significantly decorating the interior. They serve up to 50 years. They breathe, that is, provide normal moisture exchange, do not harm health and are best suited for living quarters.
• MDF. The material is an excellent alternative to natural wood. MDF boards are made from small wood shavings by pressing.

Due to the high environmental friendliness and durability, a large selection of textures and colors, MDF products enjoy a deservedly high reputation.

It is important to consider the thickness of the plates and the quality of their coating.

• Chipboard. Cheaper in the literal and figurative sense of the material. Under the condition of high-quality processing, it can serve as an alternative when choosing. It is not recommended for installation in bathrooms, toilets and kitchens, as it does not withstand high humidity.
• Plastic. Metal-plastic products are highly moisture resistant. The choice of color is small. They are not used as interrooms, but for balconies it is an indispensable option.
• Glass. Most often used as inserts, but sometimes designers recommend installing all-glass structures.

Finishes

The quality of the finish determines the appearance and durability of the door. It is on the finish that the first attention is drawn when choosing. The following materials are widely used today:

• Natural veneer. Veneered products are a great alternative to solid wood designs. Veneered doors are cheaper, and in terms of properties they are not inferior to solid wood ones. The veneer is used to cover products, both from solid wood and paneled from MDF. Veneer is environmentally friendly, and veneered doors are durable and natural beauty.
• Ecoveneer. Even more affordable modern material. It is made from wood waste with a small addition of non-natural ingredients. In the production, wood fibers are used, glued special composition. Outside, the eco-veneer is covered with compounds that increase its strength and wear-resistant properties. The doors veneered by him are distinguished by a large selection of colors and textures.

• PVC film. MDF and chipboard are covered with a polyvinyl chloride film using a special technology. Laminated PVC products have high moisture resistance and strength. PVC film completely imitates expensive types of wood. The best laminated PVC doors are outwardly difficult to distinguish from wooden ones. Laminated PVC doors are distinguished by a large selection of colors. The best laminated products with PVC film do not emit harmful substances when heated. PVC will not fade. PVC-coated laminated doors do not dry out. PVC film resists the growth of bacteria.
• Laminate. Most of the time it's an unnatural finish. The best laminated samples have a protective layer of melamine.

Veneer and eco-veneer: pros and cons

The veneer easily copes with fluctuations in humidity and temperature. If it is varnished, it is completely protected from negative factors.

Veneer provides a wide choice for design fantasy. Thanks to a large selection of textures, patterns and colors, you can choose a product for any interior. Veneer - a thin cut of wood - has all the advantages of natural wood. This is beauty, environmental friendliness, strength and durability. Veneered products also have disadvantages, which include the following:

• Veneer does not like sunlight. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the material tarnishes.
• Insufficient moisture resistance. Thin veneer can pick up moisture and move away from the base in case of poor assembly.

Eco-veneer completely imitates it, but thanks to the added resins it is distinguished by increased strength and moisture resistance. At the same time, its cost is significantly lower.

It is almost impossible to distinguish veneered doors from natural ones either by sight or by touch.

Ecoveneer has the following advantages:

• High moisture resistance. It does not absorb moisture, and therefore does not swell or dry out. Ecoveneer can be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Ease. The material has a relatively small mass. Such products are easier to install and require less effort in terms of ensuring the reliability of canopies.
• UV resistant. The sun does not affect this material in any way.
• Wear resistance. This property is acquired through a special protective film providing protection against abrasion.
• Strength. Ecoveneer is less prone to chipping and cracking.

Thanks to the last three properties, eco-veneer has durability. A large selection of textures and colors predetermines the growing popularity of the material. The disadvantages include the following:

• Low soundproofing properties.
• Ecoveneer does not breathe. The material does not allow air to pass through and does not absorb or release moisture.
• Difficulty in repairing mechanical damage.

Main selection criteria

Before choosing a door, you need to decide what functional load the structure will carry and where it will be installed. It can be just a division of living space and interior decoration, an increase in sound insulation, or all together. You need to decide how much light it should let into the room. If the door must be installed in a bathroom or toilet, special requirements are imposed on it. The basic selection criteria include:

• Material. The properties, weight and price of the product depend on it.
• Thickness. This parameter should provide good sound insulation.

• Weight. For installation in rooms, a too massive structure is not required.
• Sound and heat insulation. The design should not let sounds from the bathroom and noise into the bedroom. Thermal insulation is important for the door to the balcony, but not for the rest.
• Moisture resistance. Important when installing in the bathroom, kitchen or toilet. It is better to take laminated PVC.
• Design. The type and number of leaves, the structure of the leaf and the presence of inserts are selected based on practical requirements.

On the video you can see the selection rules:

• Finishing. It must meet the requirements of design and durability.
• Colors and style. The choice of color, structure and pattern is determined by the design requirements and personal taste preferences. The product should match the style of the interior as much as possible.

In any case, it is correct to start the choice by measuring the opening. It is difficult to take into account all tolerances, allowances, therefore it is recommended to provide work to specialists. They should also set. Doors are best ordered from trusted manufacturers in the catalog. The store checks the completeness and build quality, the availability of a guarantee. Attention is drawn to the quality of fittings, decorative elements and locks, as well as the actual condition of the surfaces. The advice of experts and friends is always worth taking into account.

During overhaul everything in a house or apartment needs to be changed, including interior doors. They are one of the main elements of decor, able to decorate the interior, create home comfort. Only a high-quality interior door can have good performance characteristics, and in addition, they must be combined with their appearance with the general style of the living space.

Doors serve quite well long term about 10-15 years, so you need to choose them correctly so that they function reliably all this time, are comfortable and beautiful, and most importantly, have good quality. When choosing doors, many are concerned about the question which models are better, with PVC or veneer. To answer this question, you need to know all the characteristics of both species and then go shopping.

PVC or veneer

Both options for such interior doors belong to the segment of affordable products, they are chosen by most consumers. Modern market offers big choice door structures made of veneer and covered with PVC film. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both options, which one to prefer.

Veneer doors

Veneer is a natural material and due to the use various breeds wood has a wide range of colors and textures. The door frame is made of solid wood expensive breeds which are covered with MDF and veneer.

The thickness of the door leaf is approximately 40 mm, a thin slice of veneer can be made of wood such as walnut, oak, mahogany, beech. Doors look very beautiful with a unique texture because the veneer can be cut along and across the grain of the wood. Outwardly, they are very similar to doors made of solid wood. The advantages of veneer doors include such qualities as:

1. Resistance to harmful environmental influences.
2. A large assortment breeds, textures and colors.
3. Most of the models with their appearance can decorate the room, bring a touch of aristocracy and presentability.
4. High margin of safety and reliability, with proper care quality products are durable.
5. You can restore the coating if necessary.
6. A wonderful option for a classic interior.

In addition to the advantages, veneered doors also have disadvantages.

1. They are sensitive to high humidity. indoors, temperature changes, the coating may be damaged, especially if it was poorly fixed.
2. Influence ultraviolet rays can change the original color of the product. Compared to other products made of artificial materials, veneered ones are much more expensive.

It should be noted that high-quality models of veneer doors are covered with a special varnish. Such a coating more reliably protects the product from UV, changes in the geometry of the web when exposed to moisture and other damage.

PVC products

Such doors are more affordable, but considering wide range of modern models of different colors and shapes, sometimes at a cost they can be at the level of doors made of natural wood or veneered.

In terms of naturalness, they are inferior to veneer products; PVC interior models look in the form of a solid or frame structure based on MDF covered with a PVC film on top. This material is not toxic, it is hardly flammable, the pattern that is applied to the film retains its brightness and clarity for many years.

Key Benefits pvc doors are qualities such as:

1. Heat and moisture resistance, which is very important for those rooms where a constant temperature is not maintained.
2. Large range, there is always a wide selection of colors, textures and shapes. This makes it easier to choose to create a harmonious design in the interior of a house or other room.
3. Durability of a covering does it shock-resistant, protect from chips and scratches.
4. Environmentally friendly, they do not contain harmful impurities, so they are safe for health.
5. Not afraid of UV rays.
6. Minor damage can be repaired by restoration.
7. Low cost, which is lower than other types of materials used.

PVC doors are the best option if there are small children or pets in the house. For cladding films or plates made of synthetic and natural materials . Appearance door PVC structures very attractive, variety of models makes it easy to pick up suitable option for any design.

PVC products also have negative sides:

1. If the products are of poor quality, then over time, edge peeling or film swelling may occur.
2. With strong mechanical stress, the film may tear.
3. If the product has a high cost, then it is better to choose the veneer option at that price.
4. Even the most beautiful PVC models cannot give the impression of naturalness, it is clear that they are artificial.

Conclusion

When the question arises which doors are better to choose, you should consider general style at home, their financial capabilities, living conditions. If we talk about a room or a living room, then it is better to choose veneered doors, but for a bathroom or kitchen, a PVC model is suitable, they are more moisture resistant.

It is very important to consider what material was used in the living room for its design, depending on this, select the most suitable one. A correctly chosen interior door always transforms the room, filling the homely atmosphere with positive notes.