The Varied Looks of Panel Doors

While the term has been used to refer to different things over the years, in modern UK terms a panel door is one with square or rectangular sections that are thinner than the rest of the door. This is considered a traditional look, compared to modern flush doors which will have a flat surface. When choosing the best doors for a project a range of panelled designs is available, including models featuring glass elements.

Are Panel Doors Right For You?

Choosing the ideal door for a project will mean weighing up several criteria, such as appearance, strength, and cost. 

• Appearance: Panel doors will come in a wide range of designs, compared to what is essentially a single design of flush doors. This choice comes from the varying sizes, shapes, and types of panels, alongside the inclusion of glass panels. Panel doors will look right at home within an older building, but unless you are choosing a sleeker modern design, they could jar when installed in a contemporary house or commercial property compared to the more common flush look. Panel doors can have a very pleasing look, whether painted or finished with a veneer. The panelled look will be available in both exterior and interior doors.
• Strength: When it comes to strength, you will be looking far more at the build of the door than whether is it flush or panelled. Solid core internal doors are available in both designs and will offer superior performance to hollow core models. Similarly, when looking for exterior doors, solid wood or composite options will offer a great level of strength and resistance regardless of the outward appearance.
• Cost: Panel doors can attract a slightly higher price tag than flush options, due to the comparatively higher complexity of their manufacturing process.

Panel Door Designs

Panel doors come in a range of designs and are usually listed by the number of panels they contain. In addition, panelled doors featuring glass panes are a popular choice internally and externally.

2-Panel Doors

2-Panel doors, especially when external, will typically also feature a larger glass panel. This could be an external design like the LPD Chigwell, which features two longer vertical wooden panels, and 8 smaller glass panels at the top, or the LPD Bamburgh, which has two large wooden panels on the top and bottom halves, with a smaller framed glass pane in the top half.

Internal 2-panel doors can offer solid designs, such as the JB Kind Hardwick with two thinner panels, or for a different design entirely, the JB Kind Antigua is a bifold door, with a central hinge and a large panel on either side.

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4-Panel Doors

4-Panel doors offer an instantly recognisable traditional look. They can be built as solid external doors, like the LPD Colonial design or the more modern LPD DX30 with 3 thin vertical panels and a larger 4th panel at the top. They can also be built with glass panes, like the LPD Carolina, which features a semicircle of glass panels at the top.

Internally, traditional looks feature four vertical rectangles, with larger panels on the top, like the LPD Internal White London Primed. A more modern panelled look comes from the JB Kind Montserrat, with 4 wider panels arranged vertically.

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6-Panel Doors

6-panel external doors include versions of the LPD Carolina and LPD Colonial designs. Which version is best for you will be more down to taste than anything else. As internal doors, 6-panel designs can be more experimental, like the LPD Coventry with its differing vertical panels, or more traditional like the JB Kind Grizedale.

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Other Panel Door Designs

While there are standard looks for panelled doors, you’ll find a huge selection of other designs. This could be anything from a 10-panel internal door to a 3-panel external door with a curved glass pane. Those outside the 2, 4, or 6-panel range tend to offer a more striking modern look, meaning that those looking to outfit a contemporary property are not limited to flush doors.

Glass Panel Doors

As we’ve already shown, you will find both internal and external panel doors that include glass panels. Glass panelled doors are also available, where all panels will be glazed. Glass panels will allow natural light to move through a building, making these doors a great addition to the interior or exterior of a property. They can be made with frosted glass for privacy if needed.

A Huge Range of Panel Doors For Sale

Building Materials Nationwide offers a range of excellent doors delivered across the UK. Whether you’re looking for internal doors or external doors, our simple category sidebar allows you to search for doors based on the number of both solid and glazed panels. We also offer crucial accessories such as door frames and accessories. Our full range can be delivered to you, ready for a DIY installation project.

If you’re looking for professional doors supplied for your project, our dedicated account managers are here to help. Available with our trade accounts, our expert team will organise the exact products you need, delivered to you fast at a fantastic trade price. Cut down on stress and save money by signing up for a trade account today.

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