Blog>Planning Guides>Updating interior doors: Planning your project

Last updated: 6 August 2024

Updating interior doors: Planning your project

Whether it's for practical reasons or aesthetic reasons, updating your interior doors can really spruce up your home. Read on to find out the best way to plan your project.

Updating interior doors: Planning your project
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If your internal doors are looking a bit tired, it could be time to upgrade them with new doors.

In this guide, we look at how to plan for updating your interior doors, how much they cost, and when to upgrade. So, let's get started.

Step 1: Assess your current doors

When deciding whether to update your interior doors or which doors to upgrade, you’ll want to evaluate the condition and style of your existing doors.

Take time to look at all the interior doors in your home. And make sure you check both sides and the frame of each door. Here are some of our top tips to get you started:

  1. Check for visible wear and tear – Look out for noticeable damage, such as scratches, dents, or peeling paint that can make your home look tired

  2. Test if the door works properly – If you struggle to open or close the door because it’s warped, swollen or has excessive damage, then you may need to replace it

  3. Look out for outdated styles – An old door may be perfectly functional, but a modern home with an old-fashioned door (or vice versa) can feel disjointed

  4. Pay attention to draughts and noise - Noticing a draught or lots of noise from the other side of the door might mean the door isn’t sealing properly, so it could be time to upgrade the door(s)

  5. Check if they can be refurbished – Updating your doors doesn’t always mean replacing them. Your tired, old doors might be good enough to refurbish

If you need help assessing your existing doors, speak to experienced local door specialists for their professional advice and guidance.

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Benefits of updating interior doors

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to update your internal doors at home:

  • Enhance the look and feel of your home

  • Add value to your property and make it more desirable to potential buyers

  • Improve the energy efficiency of your home

  • Reduce noise issues within your home

Step 2: Choose the right door style

If you’re going to the trouble and expense of updating your interior doors, you want to make sure you choose a style (or styles) that suit your home.

There’s a wide range of door styles available, such as panel doors, flush doors, and pocket doors. And there are brands to suit all budgets.

Explore different interior door styles available and think about which one(s) might work well in your home.

Updating interior doors

How to match door style to your home

Here are a few tips for choosing the right door style to match your home’s decor:

  • Consider the era of your home – Classic panelled doors with detailed mouldings are a great fit for period properties, whilst sleek, minimalist doors suit more modern homes

  • Match the finishes to existing features – Do you already have wood in your home? Go for wooden doors in a similar tone for a cohesive look. If your home features contemporary whites and greys, a painted door in a complementary colour can work well

  • Think about your home’s overall style – For a rustic cottage, you might want to go for doors with a distressed finish or charming barn-style sliders. A slick urban apartment would suit smooth, flush doors

  • Coordinate with architectural details – Pay attention to any architectural details in your home, such as skirting boards or cornices and choose doors that echo those features

Interior design ideas to live by

Interior design ideas to live by

Create your dream home with our stunning interior design ideas and expert tips.

Learn more

Step 3: Measure up

Now it’s time to measure and size your new doors. It’s essential to accurately measure all door frames to ensure a proper fit.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for measuring new internal doors:

  1. Measure the width of the door frame – Take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame and use the smallest measurement for your door width

  2. Measure the height of the door frame – Measure from the floor to the top of the frame on both sides and use the smallest measurement for your door height

  3. Check the depth – Measure the thickness of your existing door or the door frame to ensure your new door will fit snugly

  4. Allow for door fittings – Make a note of the positions of any hinges, locks, and handles to ensure the new door matches up

  5. Double-check everything! – Whenever measuring up for any home improvements, always double-check your measurements before ordering your new doors

If in doubt, ask your new interior door suppliers if they offer a measuring service – many of them will do.

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Step 4: Plan your budget

Before you start ordering doors, you’ll want to do your homework to find out all the costs involved in updating interior doors.

As a rough guide, here are some of the average costs for replacing internal doors in the UK:

  • Cost of an internal door – £25 – £150 per door

  • Labour cost for internal door fitting – £100 - £350

  • Cost of replacing an internal door (removal and fitting) – £120 - £400

For accurate costs, speak to your local door suppliers and installers. They can explain the options and related prices.

To find out more, check out our guide on internal door costs.

Installer updating interior doors

Step 5: DIY vs professional door installation

Many homeowners debate whether to install new interior doors themselves or hire a professional to do the job.

You may want to try the DIY route if you’re a confident and experienced DIY enthusiast. But make sure you have someone to help, as doors are heavy to lift and manoeuvre.

Take a look at our guide on how to hang a door for more information.

However, we recommend hiring a local internal door installer for the best results.

Hanging a new door DIY vs professional installation

Hanging a new door DIY vs professional installation

Moved in to your new home or renovating your current home? The list of home improvements and interior decor tasks are endless, but one that should be at the top of your list is to make sure all your doors are in place, not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for privacy and energy-saving benefits.

Learn more

Find the best interior door installers near you

When it comes to finding the best interior door installers in your area, we’re here to help.

At Checkatrade, we have two simple ways to find the best tradespeople near you…

Option 1: Use our request a quote feature

If you're short on time and want to find local interior door installation services, this is the option for you.

  1. Add your details to the form

  2. Let us know what work you need

  3. We'll search our leading directory for you

  4. Approved door installers in your area will contact you directly to discuss your project

Option 2: Browse our online trade directory

If you have a little more time and want to browse the approved internal door installers near you, use the box below.

Enter your postcode and hit search to see who comes highly rated in your area:

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