Panel doors: features and main characteristics (23 photos)
Paneled interior doors are quite popular types of doors. Demand for them has grown significantly in recent years, and the diversity of models is constantly increasing.
Before we talk about the main distinguishing features of panel-type doors, we should introduce readers to such a concept as a panel. This term is considered building. A panel is a plywood or board of small thickness that is inserted into the frame opening. The wooden panel door began to be made for the first time on the basis of this algorithm.
What details usually form the basis of such products? First of all, it is a wooden frame created from a solid bar, however, in some cases glued beam can be used. Before starting production, a careful selection of wood is carried out, which is subsequently subjected to thorough drying. A frame is four combined elements that make up a frame in its integrity. The internal area of the frame has several grooves into which the panel is built in.
Most often, the skeleton section located below is wider than the details of the lateral and transverse specimen. It constitutes the basis for the whole structure.
In total, two methods for installing panels are known:
- Elements are embedded in the groove area.
- They are fastened with decorative glazing beads, some of them are above the door plane. A similar scheme is used to change the panel easily and quickly in case the glass surface is damaged.
To ensure maximum strength as well as resistance to wear, the lower parts of individual models, which are designed for open spaces, are equipped with metal cladding, stainless steel or aluminum. Higher value specimens may have brass and bronze plates. Such precautions protect the installation from mechanical exposure.
Varieties of door panels
The doors of this sample are divided into three main types based on the material used:
- Paneled doors made of pine or other softwood. Pine structures are considered the most common.
- Some doors are made on the basis of very valuable varieties of trees. The most popular in this category are hornbeam and oak. The fastening of panels in them occurs according to the spike-groove principle. Such designs are characterized by a high degree of strength.
- There are also combined types for the creation of which derivatives of wood are used: fiberboard, particle board or plywood. In the upper part they are laminated, and the doors, veneered on the basis of different-grade wood shells, are already on sale. The space inside the frame itself may be empty or filled with honeycomb core. Such doors are inexpensive.
The last category of paneled doors is occupied by glass doors. Recessed glass can have a variety of configurations and varieties.
Modern panel installations are distinguished by a wealth of design incarnations: sizes, shapes vary greatly; many species are characterized by relief, carved style or painted. In many cases, the glass is painted or appear as stained glass.
There are also glass with a matte finish. The panel is considered the main decoration of door structures. These elements make the doors more beautiful and aesthetic.
Pros of paneled doors
A door of this kind will always perfectly complement the interior thanks to a large number of positive characteristics. It does not matter if the apartment, office or cottage - paneled construction perfectly fits the place in any environment. Panel-type doors are characterized by a high level of strength, as well as a long shelf life.
Panels not only bring some aesthetics to the interior (white panel doors are considered the most beautiful), they are also good from the practical side - the design is strong and very rigid. With this system of connecting parts, there is only a meager probability that the door installation is skewed. The panel-type doors also boast excellent noise insulation and low weight.
The door cannot dry out even if the temperature changes dramatically or the moisture level rises. So aesthetics, resistance to environmental effects are the main characteristic features of doors from a panel.
Door trim
The most popular types of finishes on the market are considered to be solid finishes and contrasting ones. In the first variant, the paneled structure is clearly distinguished, with textured and color differences. The second option involves a similar design paneled design, as well as the frame.
Massive paneled doors are usually impregnated with antiseptics, as well as substances that prevent the appearance of fungus. Still adding compounds with refractory characteristics. This treatment perfectly demonstrates the attractiveness of the wood structure, which is not able to boast of simple enamels.
In some cases, antiseptics have pigments that affect multiple shades of wood coatings. With this approach, the pattern will appear more clearly and attract more attention. Previously, stains or varnishes that changed color by carrying out a chemical reaction were responsible for this function.
The customer is free to independently choose pigment shades that simulate any existing tree species.
However, such compositions occupy only the upper layer, and if any traces of a mechanical effect appear on the surface, then the lower layer with a brighter structure can appear. Thus, if you need to make a choice between natural coating or tinted, you should familiarize yourself with this type of property in advance.
Door selection
Making the right choice of doors from the panel is not as easy as it might seem. Aesthetic features are not the most important criterion for choosing an object, more important is how reliable the product will be during operation.
For example, in city apartments, it is recommended to install door structures with an aluminum frame. If this is a summer residence, then it is worth using a variety created on the basis of coniferous tree.
The design of the finish itself should be taken into account. Standard design is acceptable for rooms with a classic interior. In apartments, most often installed doors made of solid pine.