Restoring old interior doors versus buying made-to-measure – which should you opt for?

Interior doors are a crucial component of any home. They not only provide privacy and security but also enhance the overall aesthetics of your living space. Over time, however, interior doors can become outdated, damaged, or worn out. This in turn may necessitate you to either restore them or replace them with new ones. And let us tell you, restoring old interior doors versus buying new custom ones is a common debate. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately, the decision will depend on a variety of factors. These would include your budget, the condition of the existing doors, and your personal preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Restoring Old Interior Doors

Restoring old interior doors can be an excellent way to preserve the character and charm of an older home. At the same time, that could potentially keep the costs down. If the doors are in a fairly good condition but just need some TLC, restoration can be a great option. Here are some advantages you get when taking up the restoration of your old interior doors:

1. Cost-effective: First and foremost, as mentioned, restoring old interior doors can be much more cost-effective than buying new ones. Especially if you’re on a tight budget. Instead of paying for new materials and installation, you can simply restore the existing doors.
2. Preserves character and charm: Many older homes have unique interior doors that add to the home’s character and charm. Restoring these doors can help preserve their historical significance and maintain the home’s original aesthetic.
3. Eco-friendly: Restoring old interior doors is not least of all more environmentally friendly than buying new made-to-measure interior doors. It reduces waste and helps conserve natural resources by reusing existing materials.

Of course however, there are also some disadvantages to restoring your old interior doors, including:

1. Time-consuming: Restoring old interior doors can be a time-consuming process. That is especially true if the doors are severely damaged or in poor condition. It can take a lot of time and effort to repair, sand, and paint or varnish the doors to restore them to their original condition. And you are sure to make a mess taking up the restoration!
2. Limited design options: When restoring old interior doors, you’re limited to the original design of the doors. You can’t make significant changes or customizations to the doors. So if you’re looking for a specific style or design, restoration may not be the best option out there.
3. Risk of additional damage: Depending on the condition of the doors, there may be a risk of additional damage during the restoration process. For example, sanding the doors too aggressively could cause further damage or weaken the structure of the doors.

Buying New Custom Interior Doors

If restoring old interior doors isn’t an option or you’re looking for a more custom design, buying new custom interior doors is the way to go. Among the many advantages of buying new custom interior doors, you find:

1. Custom design options: When buying new custom interior doors, you have almost unlimited design options. You can choose the style, material, color, and finish to fit your specific needs and preferences.
2. Better quality: New custom interior doors are often made with high-quality materials and construction methods. This can improve the durability and lifespan of the doors, making buying new doors a good investment.
3. Easy installation: Installing new custom interior doors is often much easier than restoring old doors. You can have the doors professionally installed, which saves time and reduces the risk of damage during the installation process.

But there are naturally some downsides to buying new made-to-measure interior doors:

1. It is costly: Custom interior doors can be much more expensive than restoring old ones, especially if you choose high-end materials or complex designs. This can be a significant disadvantage if you’re on a tight budget.
2. May not fit existing frame: If you’re replacing old doors with custom ones, there’s a chance that the new doors won’t fit the existing door frame. This brings us back to the issue of cost – new door frames will most certainly be required, which will bring up the expense.

Which Option is Best for You?

When deciding whether to restore old interior doors or buy new made-to-measure ones, the better option for you would depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking to maintain the original charm and character of your home, restoring old interior doors may be the way to go. Before moving on with that though, you need to assess the condition of the doors. If the doors are severely damaged, restoring them may not be feasible. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more modern or personalized look, custom doors may be the better choice. It’s important to factor in the possible cost, time, and the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve before making a decision. It is therefore always good to get a quite for new custom interior doors from a reputable door manufacturer. That will allow you to make an informed choice.