Things to Consider When Purchasing a Laminate Door for Your Home

Style:

• Wood patterns - Laminate doors come in various wood patterns to mimic different types of wood, such as oak, maple, cherry and walnut. Choose a pattern that complements your existing cabinets, trim, and furniture.

• Color options - Laminate doors come in a wide range of neutral and colored options to suit different tastes. Popular choices include white, gray, black, and brown, but you'll also find some bolder color options like red, blue, and green. Choose a color that fits in with your home's color palette.

• Design features - Some laminate doors have decorative details like glass insert panels, beveled edges, or molded panels for a more customized look. Consider these design features to add visual interest.

• Frame options - You can choose laminate doors with framed or frameless edges to achieve a different aesthetic. Framed doors look more traditional, while frameless doors have a sleek, contemporary style.

Your choice of style will mostly be determined by your taste and the overall style of your home, so shop around and look at various options to determine which laminate door will match and enhance your existing decor.

Space:

• Measure the door opening - The first step is to accurately measure the door opening's width, height, and depth. This will help ensure you buy a door that fits space properly.

• Account for clearances - You'll need to leave adequate clearance for the door to open and close freely. Consider space for hinges, door knobs/handles, threshold/kick plates and trim. Typically you need at least 1/2 to 1 inch of clearance on all sides.

• Inward vs outward swinging - Determine if the door will swing inward into the room or outward into a hallway. This affects which side the hinges will be on.

• Special shapes - Some doors have special shapes like arched tops or cathedral designs. Ensure the opening is the correct size to accommodate these shapes.

• Adjustable or custom sizing - Some laminate doors, especially hollow-core options, can be easily cut down in size. This gives you some flexibility if the opening is a non-standard size.

In short, accurately measuring the door opening and accounting for all necessary clearances is essential to ensure a proper fit for your new laminate door. The right measurements and knowing where to leave space will help you avoid installation headaches and door alignment issues after installation.

Budget:

• Consider your overall budget - Set a realistic budget before beginning your search. Depending on features, size, and brand, laminate doors can range widely priced anywhere between $100 and several hundred dollars. Your alternatives will be more limited if you are aware of your budget.

• Cheaper options - On the lower end, basic hollow-core laminate doors with minimal features can cost start from $100. These are the most affordable but often least durable.

• Mid-range options - Mid-range laminate doors between $200-$300 often have solid cores, higher grade laminates, and more design features like raised panels. They offer better value for the cost.

• Premium options - The most expensive laminate doors over $500 often have solid wood cores, high-end finishes, custom sizes, and premium hardware. While very durable, they are usually only necessary for high-traffic areas.

• Additional costs - Don't forget to factor in additional costs like door hardware, threshold/kick plates, installation supplies and potential installation fees if hiring a pro. These can greatly increase the price as a whole.

Durability:

• Core material - The core material, either hollow or solid, affects durability. Solid core laminate doors, made of wood or composite material, are more durable and resistant to warping. Hollow core doors are lighter but less durable.

• Laminate grade - Higher grade laminates with thicker overlays and better adhesive bonding will offer more durability and resistance to wear, moisture, and impact. Look for ANSI/WDMA grades.

• Moisture resistance - Water-resistant laminates and proper sealing of core material can help prevent swelling and warping from humidity. This adds to the long-term durability of the door.

• Pet resistance - Some laminate doors, especially those with melamine surfaces, offer better resistance to scratches, dents and damage from pets.

Warranty:

• Warranties cover - Door warranties typically cover manufacturer defects related to materials and workmanship. This includes defects in the laminate surface, door frame, and hardware.

• Standard warranty length - Most laminate doors come with at least a 1 to 2-year limited warranty covering manufacturer defects. Some brands offer 3 to 5-year warranties.

• Premium warranty options - Some higher-end laminate doors, especially those with solid wood cores, offer longer warranties, up to 10 or even 20 years. A few brands offer lifetime warranties.

• What's not covered - Warranties typically do not cover damage from accidents, abuse, improper installation, or failure to follow care instructions. Natural variations in wood grain and color are also not covered.

• Helps resale value - A longer warranty that extends past the time of ownership can improve the resale value of the door since it transfers to the new owner.

• Filing a claim - If a defect does occur, the warranty will describe the process for filing a claim and getting service. This usually involves notifying the manufacturer in writing within the warranty period.