Door Replacement

[Oxx]

I really hate the cheap, crappy doors in my house and would like to replace them.  I'm considering getting doors from http://www.platinumdoor.com/.  Anybody had any experience, good or otherwise, with them? Are there any other companies out there selling modern-looking doors (preferably in the Bangkok area)? It would be nice to have a choice and to be able to compare prices.

 

As for installation, it appears that the doors come pre-hung inside a frame.  (Not sure what the technical term is.)  That means I'll have to remove the existing frames.  Is that a difficult job? And is it going to cause so much damage that I'll need to rewallpaper everything? Or will they just easily come out cleanly?

 

Any other hints or tips? I really don't have much experience at all of doing this sort of job and am pretty clueless.

[johng]

If it ain't broke don't fix it !

[Lamkyong]

i think as to ease of fitting/refitting  depends on the surrounding structure  ie block wood etc      the main thing in this case  taken from reading your post is YOUR skill level

 

with respect i would leave well alone  if you are non to confident   ie in thailand often the original frame is used as the support lintel   oops

[bankruatsteve]

Without a photo, my guess is that if your current doors are of the "plastic" type, you should be able to remove without too much trouble.  If they are wood frame, it's likely to be much more difficult.

 

[Oxx]

18 minutes ago, bankruatsteve said:

Without a photo, my guess is that if your current doors are of the "plastic" type, you should be able to remove without too much trouble.  If they are wood frame, it's likely to be much more difficult.

 

 

Current door and close up of frame.

 

 

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

21 minutes ago, Lamkyong said:

i think as to ease of fitting/refitting  depends on the surrounding structure  ie block wood etc      the main thing in this case  taken from reading your post is YOUR skill level

 

with respect i would leave well alone  if you are non to confident   ie in thailand often the original frame is used as the support lintel   oops

 

The house is made with concrete posts filled with cement blocks between.

 

The point about my skill level is well taken.  One of the reasons for starting this topic was to get a better idea of what is involved.  DIY sites out there suggest it's not too difficult.  However, they don't really match Thai construction techniques.

 

32 minutes ago, johng said:

If it ain't broke don't fix it !

 

As William Morris said "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful" - a mindset I appreciate.

[kamalabob2]

Platinum Doors web site indicates they are MDF.  No shortage of terrible doors sold in Thailand. A warranty on a door in Thailand is an interesting document. MDF doors, PVC doors, HDF doors and laminate doors are not high on my list.  Hinges in Thailand in my experience work best if they clearly state Stainless 304 with four ball bearings. 35mm or better 40mm thick doors are available at better stores in Thailand. If the OP can wait, he will see some amazing real wood doors and doors made of other proper materials if he visits the Architect Expo held in late April in Bangkok at Impact. The people at Mature Lock speak and understand English as well as the couple who operate Icon hardware.  Both Mature Lock and Icon have some excellent hinges and top grade door handle sets in my personal experience. 

[Kwasaki]

Those web site doors remind me of my past companies office doors.     

 

l guess your after a change in style and colour, depending on construction material prices vary and getting a choice, Bangkok would be the place.

 

For you to remove the existing frames whether they just come out easily and cleanly or a difficult job obviously depends on the fix and any damage is guesswork.

 

That said it is possible,  if your choice is a door that is complete with frame unless it's the exact size of existing there will be problems to overcome including decor finish.

 

l'm sure you know not all doors come with frames and also different width & height sizes.

 

Personally l would stick with the existing frames if they are wood changing colour to suit wouldn't be a problem and look for a door the same size in what style and material you prefer if possible.

 

 

[CGW]

We have very recently replaced 11 of these doors for a more substantial door. We didn't change the door frames, if your door frames are a standard size & in good condition why bother? Painted existing door frames to suit.

I would "imagine" you will need "skilled craftsmen" to fit unless you have the correct tools, routers etc as I will guarantee existing your door frames wont be perfectly straight & doors will need some alterations!

Good luck!

[Gary A]

I replaced ONE door in our fairly old house. It would have been nearly impossible to take out the old frame.  I hired a talented craftsman. Of course the old frame wasn't square. It took an entire long day to install  the new door. He used a router for the hinges and a planer to fit the door into the old frame. After the door was fit, he then had to install the lockset to match the old frame.  It was a lot of work and expense just to have a better looking door.