Bespoke External Doors in London
Replacing an external door in a London period property is not a straightforward purchase. The opening is rarely a standard size, the planning position may restrict what you can install, and the door needs to perform well against weather, security threats and sustained use — typically for 30 to 50 years. AMB Joinery manufactures bespoke timber external doors across London, made to the exact dimensions of each opening, in the correct timber specification for the position, and FENSA-certified where the work qualifies.
What Counts as an External Door?
External doors are any door that provides the primary weather and security seal between inside and outside. For most London properties this includes:
- Front entrance doors — the principal external door; see our dedicated front door page for the specific design and planning considerations that apply
- Rear garden doors — single or paired doors opening onto a back garden or terrace
- Side access doors — timber side gates and access doors to side returns and alleys
- Cellar access doors — where accessed from outside the building
- French doors and bi-fold doors — handled separately on their own pages; French doors are paired casement doors
This page covers the general principles of external door specification and the bespoke manufacturing process that applies to all of the above.
Timber Species for External Doors
External doors face sustained exposure to weather: driving rain, frost, direct sun and high humidity. Timber species selection matters significantly.
Accoya
Our standard recommendation for all external doors, and particularly for front doors and rear doors with direct exposure to the elements. Accoya is acetylated radiata pine: a chemical modification process that makes the wood dimensionally stable, highly resistant to rot and insects, and Class 1 for above-ground durability. It carries a 50-year above-ground durability guarantee. Accoya accepts paint exceptionally well, does not swell or shrink seasonally, and eliminates the sticking that affects conventionally specified softwood doors in wet winters. The material cost is higher than redwood; the whole-life cost is lower.
European Oak
For doors where a natural hardwood grain finish is required, either oiled or stained. Oak is naturally durable (Class 2 for durability), accepts traditional oil or wax finishes well, and weathers gracefully if left uncoated. It is heavier than softwood and requires robust ironmongery and hinges.
European Redwood
A cost-effective option for sheltered positions — side access doors, rear doors under a wide overhang — where exposure is limited and a good maintenance regime can be relied upon. Select grade, kiln-dried stock. Properly primed and painted and maintained every 5–7 years, a redwood external door has a working life of 25–35 years.
Performance Requirements
Weather Tightness
A bespoke external door is manufactured to the exact dimensions of the opening, which means the gap between door and frame is controlled precisely. We fit draught seals to all four edges, a compression seal to the rebate, and a low-profile threshold bar at the bottom — important for accessibility and for weather exclusion without compromising the floor level.
Glazed panels require correct specification: toughened or laminated safety glass as standard, with appropriate edge sealing to prevent water ingress at the glass-to-frame junction.
Security
All our external doors are specified with:
- Multi-point locking — at minimum a three-point lock engaging the frame at the latch, top and bottom; five-point systems available for front doors
- Anti-pick, anti-drill cylinders — TS007 3-star rated as standard for front and rear access doors
- Hinge bolts — concealed bolts on the hinge side of the door to prevent removal if hinges are attacked
- Security hinges — stainless steel or solid brass as standard; anti-jemmy pins where required
Thermal Performance
Solid timber external doors have a naturally good U-value compared with lightweight modern doors. For glazed doors, we specify the correct sealed unit thickness and low-e coating to meet Part L requirements. All our external door installations that qualify as replacement work are FENSA-certified — find out more on our FENSA compliance page.
Performance Requirements
Replacing an external door in a conservation area is more constrained than replacing a window. External doors that are visible from the street — principally front doors — are subject to particular scrutiny from conservation officers.
Permitted development covers most like-for-like external door replacements in standard residential properties: same material, same style, same colour. You do not generally need planning permission.
Listed buildings require Listed Building Consent for any alteration to external doors. The consent application requires detailed drawings and a design and access statement. We assist with this process.
Conservation areas with Article 4 Directions may require a planning application even for replacement doors that are visible from the street. We will establish the planning position for your specific property during the survey.
Ironmongery
External door ironmongery is sourced for durability and security. We supply:
- Solid brass, stainless steel and powder-coated ironmongery in a range of period and contemporary styles
- Multi-point lock bodies from Winkhaus, Yale and Maco
- Door handles with lever or pull configurations
- Letterboxes, knockers and numerals (for front doors)
- Door closers and restrictors where required
We will not fit ironmongery that does not meet the security specification for the door's position. If you have specified your own ironmongery, we ask that it be on site before manufacture begins so that mortice positions can be confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bespoke timber external door last?
An Accoya door, properly installed and maintained, carries a 50-year above-ground durability guarantee and will perform for the life of the building with standard maintenance. A European redwood door in a sheltered position with a good maintenance regime will last 25–35 years. European oak lasts 40–50 years with appropriate finishing.
Do I need planning permission to replace my external door?
For a standard like-for-like replacement in an ordinary residential property, no. For listed buildings, yes — Listed Building Consent is always required. For properties in conservation areas with Article 4 Directions, you may need a planning application depending on whether the door is visible from the street. We will advise at survey stage.
Can you match my existing door profile?
Yes. We take measurements and photographs of the existing door and replicate the panel configuration, moulding profile and stile dimensions. Where the original door is missing, we can work from period pattern books or from surviving doors on adjacent properties.
Is a timber external door secure?
Yes. A correctly specified and installed timber door — with multi-point locking, anti-pick cylinder, hinge bolts and security hinges — meets or exceeds the security performance of composite and uPVC alternatives. The critical factor is the quality of the ironmongery and the fit of the door in the frame, not the material.
Get a Free Survey
Request a free survey and we will assess your opening, establish the planning position and provide a detailed written quote. We work across all London boroughs and respond to enquiries within 24 hours. See also our front doors and French doors pages for specific door types.
