Choosing the front door to the apartment is not an easy task and raises many questions. You need to know what qualities the design should have, what to look for when choosing. The front door is the keeper of the hearth, preventing noise, cold and uninvited guests from entering the housing. It should also look presentable, as it acts as the hallmark of the apartment.
Requirements for the entrance door to the apartment
Any premises, residential or industrial, meet the visitor with the front door. It is not difficult to choose the front door of internal opening to the apartment now. Nevertheless, manufacturers offer a wide range of products, the difference between which is in materials, dimensions, colors and styles.
Many people are not able to make a competent choice due to the large variety. This is especially true for those who buy entrance doors to the apartment for the first time. To avoid errors, you should take into account the requirements for any input structures:
- General reliability parameter. Entrance doors perform many functions, but the main one is to ensure the protection of housing. For this reason, the design chosen must be durable and of high quality, able to protect against intruders.
- It should be possible to inspect the outer territory. It is better if the front door to the apartment is equipped with at least a small peephole. This will allow you to see the situation outside the housing or on the flight of stairs.
- Noise and heat insulation. The product prevents the penetration of noise and cold into the house, increasing the comfort of living.
- Appearance. It is better to choose a beautiful front door to the apartment so that it fits into the interior of the home with its style design.
Before you go to the store for a purchase, you need to consider other points:
- Canvas price. It all depends on the quality of the design. If you choose a door for a summer cottage or an old abandoned apartment, then it is not necessary that it be high-strength. Cheaper alternatives will work as well. But if the product is installed in a new building apartment or a residential country house, then more expensive variations can be considered.
- Opening dimensions. The canvas should easily "enter" the doorway. Therefore, before buying, you should take all measurements in advance.
- Choice of accessories. We are talking about locks, hinges, eyes, handles and so on. It takes into account the type of construction and your own preferences. Of course, it is better to choose the appropriate fittings for a good entrance door to the apartment, suitable in quality and style.
- Availability of certificates and guarantees. This is an important point at the time of purchase, ensuring that all installation and operation issues are resolved.
Types of entrance doors
A wide range of input structures is presented on the construction market; designer canvases and technical models are also produced. They are classified according to the material used in the manufacture.
metal front door
This is the most requested type. They are made using special technology from durable materials. There are models that are additionally coated with an anti-corrosion compound, which allows the blades to be used under different climatic conditions, extending their service life.
The thickness of metal sheets also matters: for European entrance doors it is 1 mm, Chinese - from 0.5 to 1 mm, domestic - from 1.5 to 3 mm. The strength characteristics of the input structure depend on the thickness of the metal. European models have standardized sizes, while our manufacturers also produce non-classical options.
The customer can choose the design and format of insulation.
Before choosing a metal door to an apartment, you need to familiarize yourself with the classification according to the level of complexity:
- Economy class. These are simple and affordable products made of single-sheet steel with a thickness of 1 mm. As a design, only painting is used, without insulation and soundproofing. A separate variety is metal sheets in an apartment, assembled from two sheets (each 1 mm thick). For such products, finishing, heat and sound insulating filler is provided.
- Middle class. These are products made from two sheets, where the thickness of each is 1.5 mm. Finishing can be any and depends on the preferences of the customer.
- Elite class. Entrance doors with a reinforced structure, with a thickness of sheets up to 2 mm. They are finished with natural or artificial materials, sheathed with wood, veneer.
As a finish, they use: thermal film, polymer or powder paint, plastic or wooden lining, vinyl leather, car enamel, varnish, MDF lining and other materials.
Important! In order for the selected metal front door to successfully fulfill its functions, it is important to install it correctly.
wooden front door
Not so long ago, wood was used as the main material for the production of entrance structures. Now the user has a choice where each product differs in its operational properties. Nevertheless, wooden canvases are classified as luxurious and practical classics. Thanks to innovative technologies, their functions and properties have been improved by an order of magnitude compared to the first models, as a result they last longer.
Wooden products are no longer as popular as they used to be, this is due to the fact that a large selection of artificial materials is offered on the market. But some customers prefer the natural solid wood. Considering the design features, three types of wooden entrance doors can be distinguished:
- Shield. To assemble these products, shields up to 4 cm thick are used. The frame is assembled from solid wood elements glued together. Some manufacturers supplement such entrance doors with an aluminum frame, which not only retains heat, but also extends the life of the product.
- Paneled. In terms of design, they are similar to shield ones. They weigh an order of magnitude less, which facilitates transportation and installation.
- Whole. This option is now the most common. For manufacturing take a solid array of wood.
What materials are wooden doors made from?
- Oak. This is a high-strength and durable breed that can last for several decades. An interesting feature is that oak hardens over time, which makes the canvas even more stable. The result is the most expensive entrance doors to the apartment.
- Ash. By analogy with oak, a durable and practical material. A popular option due to the variety of colors.
- Beech. It is better to install such a door to an apartment in a multi-storey building. Beech does not tolerate moisture, so it is not used for country houses.
- Pine. The key advantage is the affordable price. Pine is a soft material, so canvases from it are made purely for apartments.
Wooden doors to the apartment are preferred by those customers who prefer environmental friendliness and natural appearance.
Entrance door to the apartment with a mirror
This species is gradually gaining popularity. Many customers prefer just such entrance doors to the apartment, explaining the choice by the small size of the hallway. Now the mirror can be mounted in both wooden and metal products.
The front door with a mirror looks organically in any interior, often acting as a key element of decor. The design is interesting for its decorative effect, but it can also perform other functions:
- Practicality. Leaving the apartment, you can always look in the mirror, evaluating your appearance. Of course, for this you need to correctly place the light sources so that the light falls on the person.
- Visually enlarges the space. Light, reflected, creates the illusion of a large corridor.
Important! To ensure the desired effect, it is necessary to carefully choose the shape and size of the mirror to be installed. This will emphasize the style of the apartment and decorate the interior.
The mirrors themselves are practical products. Indeed, in a small hallway, it is sometimes difficult to place a separate large mirror. But the door panels are just the right size.
The width of the entrance door to the apartment
Standard dimensions are defined by GOST standards, regardless of the material of construction. The main parameters are as follows:
- Height. The standard parameter is in the range from 2070 mm to 2370 mm. To determine a specific value, the total height of the ceiling and the width of the door leaf are taken into account.
- Width. The minimum parameter is 910 mm. For single leaf - 1010 mm, one and a half - 1310, 1510 and 1550 mm, double - 1910 and 1950 mm.
- Thickness. There are no strict regulations regarding this value, since it all depends on the material of the canvas for the apartment. The thickness should be enough for the front door to perform its main functions.
Important! For entrance structures, the standard size is larger than for interior ones. They do this so that a person carrying a load can freely pass through the opening.
How to choose entrance metal doors for an apartment
The most common metal structures. Most often, a steel door to an apartment is chosen, which provides adequate protection for housing. There are both global and domestic manufacturers on the market, producing products of different styles and sizes.
Metal has long been used to make entrance doors to an apartment. This is the most durable material that provides protection against burglary. For this reason, it is popular for both residential and industrial premises. When choosing an iron door to an apartment, you should pay attention to the base material. For the manufacture of products using the following metals:
- Aluminum. Such products are different in texture and shades. Aluminum is a metal that is easy to process, so making entrance doors from it is somewhat easier.
- Steel. This metal is more reliable and durable. In addition to the main function, such entrance canvases are equipped with noise and heat insulation. At a price they are more expensive than aluminum counterparts, but the quality is better.
When choosing a product for an apartment, pay attention to the thickness of the base layer - the more, the better the design will protect the home. Only two materials are used as the basis, but the products differ from each other due to the decorative layer. As a decor used:
- PVC panels. Caring for such a coating is quite simple.
- MDF. In addition to environmental friendliness, this material provides good sound insulation. The most preferred option for office space.
- Powder coated. Budget exterior.
- Panels made from natural wood. Expensive, but environmentally friendly and visually appealing option.
To increase the mechanical characteristics of the entrance door to the apartment, manufacturers equip products with stiffeners. These elements provide protection against deformation and increase burglary resistance. The more stiffeners, the more stable the structure will be. It should be understood that due to the increase in the number of these elements, the weight increases, which means that the hinges will experience increased loads and will fail faster.
What color to choose the front door to the apartment
When choosing a color, it is necessary to take into account the general style of housing design, the color of the floor material, walls, and basic furniture. The right tips to help you choose the color of the front door to the apartment:
- The best solution is to choose a neutral shade that will go with nothing. White, black, gray or beige options look good.
- It is optimal if the color of the canvas matches the shade of the window frames.
- Doors decorated with drawings, stained-glass windows or stickers look good. The bias is made on design, so compatibility is relegated to the background.
Important! These tips are suitable for choosing the entrance canvas to the apartment, as well as for interior partitions.
Rating of entrance metal apartment doors
The most popular designs of the following brands:
- Outpost. This manufacturer produces products at a reasonable price. The company is originally from Russia, but production is organized in China, which made it possible to optimize costs. The manufacturing process is controlled, so the products are of good quality, unchanged technical parameters and appearance.
- Torex. The company has been producing entrance doors to apartments for over 25 years. Thanks to solid practical experience, the fabrics produced have good consumer properties, without overpayment. The range includes fire protection options.
- Elbor. The year the enterprise began its activity is 1976. Not so long ago, a comprehensive modernization of the company was carried out, which made it possible to increase production capacities.
- Guardian. A distinctive feature of the products of this company is the high price, but consumer properties correspond to the premium class. For the manufacture of entrance doors to the apartment, strict international and domestic standards are taken into account.
- Became. This is a group of companies that produces entrance canvases for individual orders. A feature of the products is additional concreting, thanks to which the box is attached many times more reliably, while maintaining tightness.
This is not a complete list of companies manufacturing entrance doors for apartments.
Where should the front door to the apartment open?
In this matter, there is a main requirement - in the event of an emergency, the structure should not create obstacles for the evacuation of people. If we consider the practical side, then take into account several points:
- when opening inward, you will have to stop in front of the door and step back to open it;
- the canvas that opens outwards is characterized by burglary resistance, since it is much more difficult to knock it out;
- if the product opens inward, it will not be possible to put an additional door, which will not only keep the heat in the apartment, but also reduce the noise level;
- if the room has a small entrance hall, it is better to choose the option of opening to the outside.
In the case of apartment buildings, the following points are also taken into account:
- when plowing outside, the canvas should not interfere with the opening of the neighbor's doors;
- if the apartments open to a common vestibule, then the vestibule door is opened outward, and the entrance door is opened inward;
- if during the opening the door touches something, for example, a counter, then it is supplemented with an opening limiter.
For the most part, where the canvas will open is the decision of the owner of the apartment.
Conclusion
Choosing an entrance door to an apartment is not a problem, as there are many proposals: these are metal, wooden products or structures with mirrors. The main thing is that the door provides adequate protection for the apartment and at the same time matches the interior of the room. You can take into account the rating of the entrance metal doors to the apartment, but it is equally important to properly install the canvas.
How to choose entrance doors to an apartment or? Each of us has our own idea of products. But everyone considers reliability, quality and design to be the main qualities. You can also secure the apartment from intruders with additional actions: hold, put the apartment on guard and install. These are additional costs that can be avoided. However, there are nuances that affect reliability. It is warm and burglar resistant. To select the best product, we conducted a market analysis and compiled a rating of apartment entrance doors and consumer reviews to help you make the right decision.
The first thing you should pay attention to is the door material. Most often used in the production of wood or metal. Let's take a look at the features of each. High-quality entrance wooden doors to the apartment are expensive. They are quite reliable, it is such products that create prestige for their owners. Not every wood is suitable for making a quality structure. Better to use:
- ash;
- red and black tree.
Products made from other types of wood are significantly inferior in strength and performance. In this case, it is better to purchase doors made of metal. The price range is different. How not to get confused and know what to look for when choosing, we will tell further.
Main technical parameters of entrance doors
The front door must meet two criteria - reliability and security. Therefore, when choosing, it is important to consider the thickness of the base and the outer sheet. It is important that the structure has stiffeners. It would seem that the higher these parameters, the better. Excess weight will wear the hinges due to rapid inertia when opening.
Consider the main characteristics of metal entrance doors to an apartment in more detail.
Sheet thickness
Not every metal is suitable for front doors. Medium-carbon and medium-alloyed alloys are considered optimal. You can check the thickness of the sheet in the technical passport, while you should know the main classification:
The optimal weight of the product should be within 70 kg. Structures weighing about 100 kg are installed in banks.
Web design
The canvas consists of a rectangular frame with two steel sheets. Manufacturers sometimes replace the inner panel with MDF or veneer. If, you should choose a completely metal structure, since temperature changes and humidity will quickly render the wooden panel unusable.
It is obligatory to install cashing from steel and vestibules, which will hide all areas and protect the premises from unauthorized entry.
Stiffeners are installed between the sheets. The minimum set is 2 vertical and 1 horizontal. With an increase in their number, the reliability and weight of the structure increase.
Locks
When choosing a product, it must meet the following criteria:
- The quality of the lock must match the door. A model assembled from cheap materials will not protect even the most expensive structure from hacking. And, conversely, it is useless to put a premium-class lock on Chinese products;
- a mortise lock is needed for the front door, overhead models will not work. A latch is required;
- manufacturers install 2 locks. This is necessary in order to protect against burglary, because it is much more difficult and longer to open two locks for a robber. There is another reason - it is reinsurance. In the event of a breakdown of one for the duration of the repair, you can use the second lock;
- locks need to be chosen with different designs. It is recommended to install a lever and cylinder lock.
You should choose a lock only from reliable manufacturers. They guarantee high quality and reliability of models.
Hinges and platbands
For urban conditions or private houses, it is enough to install 2-3 loops. They must be supplemented with ball bearings. This increases their service life. Elements can be hidden and external, which are attached to the rack and canvas by welding. External loops spoil the appearance of the product, besides, they can be easily cut off. Hidden ones are much safer. However, they have their drawbacks:
- the price of the door increases;
- hinges are hidden in special grooves, this reduces the opening of the structure;
- smaller opening angle.
The hinges are closed with a casing, it makes it difficult to break the door.
Design
The main choice is the design of the canvas. Finishing should be practical, resistant to mechanical damage and weather conditions. This is especially important for private houses and cottages. Anti-vandal powder coating meets these requirements.
The inner canvas should harmoniously fit into. Manufacturers offer designs with removable inner panels that can be changed if necessary.
How to choose the right front door to the apartment
Many manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of structures. How not to get confused and choose the best steel entrance doors to an apartment in the price-quality ratio? We have compiled several rules with which it will be easy to navigate in this market segment:
- The base must be made of high-strength steel, sheet thickness - 2-3 mm. In addition to reliability and durability, it has additional noise and heat insulation.
- Finishing can be done in MDF, powder coating, wood.
- When choosing, you should know in which direction the canvas will open and the location of the handle.
- Criteria for moisture and.
- You should pay attention to what materials the heat and sound insulation is made of.
- Complementing the design with locks, the degree of burglary resistance.
- Door fittings:, hinges, chains must be of good quality, otherwise they will quickly fail.
- When choosing a product, it is important to choose a model of well-known manufacturers. They will provide a long warranty period not only for the canvas, but also for accessories.
- Installation should be entrusted only to professionals.
Additional functions of entrance doors
A high-quality door must not only meet the requirements of reliability and safety, but also perform additional functions. For city apartments, it is important that third-party sounds and smells from the entrance do not penetrate into the room. Therefore, you should pay attention to these parameters.
Metal entrance doors to the apartment with sound insulation
Noise and heat insulation of the front door is carried out with mineral wool, polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene. In addition, they will protect the room from external sounds. According to professionals, the construction filled with polyurethane foam is considered the best. In addition, to ensure sound insulation, it is necessary to maintain a hermetic fit of the canvas to the frame. To do this, you need to install 2 contours of sealing gum around the perimeter of the frame. You can, if necessary, check with the seller as an additional metal front door in the apartment.
Another important parameter is the thickness of the door. It must be at least 60 ml, then the product will meet all the required characteristics.
Entrance metal doors to the apartment with a mirror
Entrance door designers have developed a completely new model with a mirrored canvas. In addition to the fact that it is convenient to have a full-length mirror, it does not take up space and visually increases the space. Such products can be divided into several types:
- with mirror panel, which is attached with a special adhesive composition;
- with built-in mirror– the mirror surface partially covers the panel.
This should be known! The only drawback of the designs is the inability to install a peephole. If necessary, a video peephole can serve as an alternative.
Rating of entrance steel doors to the apartment and customer reviews
You can't skimp on the safety of your home. The front door must fully meet all the requirements of modern life. To better navigate the models, we have compiled a rating of the best manufacturers in 2017-2018. in different price ranges.
Producer "Forpost"
The products first entered the market over 17 years ago. In addition to manufacturing steel entrance doors to the apartment, they are engaged in the production of locks. The products are in great demand due to their high quality and reasonable price.
The manufacturer offers 3 types of designs:
- standard− designed for installation in apartment buildings;
- reinforced− recommended for private houses;
- construction- for installation at the time of construction of houses or.
All models are equipped with hidden hinges, which increases their safety.
Advice! If you need to make a note of the elements, you should contact the manufacturer or the service center directly.
As proof of the above, we give consumer feedback on Forpost products.
xumuk032 Russia, Bryansk, Outpost door 228: Advantages: resistant coating, good insulation, looks decent.
Disadvantages: the keys to different locks are almost the same in shape and color.
This is a steel door with a metal thickness of 1.5 mm on the outside. Inside is also metal, but a little thinner. Filling - polyurethane foam. Also a lot of castles.
The outer side is made of steel with a thickness of 1.5 mm with a weather-resistant coating. That is, this one is suitable for installation directly on the street. The inner part of the leaf and the box is coated with polymer. Which is also very successful, because. when installed between the street and the heated room, there will be condensate, and it is not afraid of polymer coating, unlike MDF ...
More on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_2983317.html.
S-128 
128S 
A-37 Producer "Toreks"
The company has been producing metal structures for over 25 years. The product range can be divided into 3 categories:
- for private houses. Expanded polystyrene is used as a heater. You can also choose doors with a thermal break, this will help save heat;
- for apartments in high-rise buildings;
- fire fighting. They are able to hold an open fire for up to 6 hours. In addition, they are equipped with an anti-panic mechanism, with which the doors can be opened from the inside.
Here is one of the many reviews about the models:
Hela, Russia, metal entrance door "Torex": Advantages: no noise and smell.
Cons: none.
We bought the entrance door to the apartment with soundproofing by Torex. These products are not very cheap, but quite high quality. The door cost us 24,000 rubles. It has 2 locks, 1 latch. There is a peephole. True, we ordered a metal curtain for it. Love the door hardware. Everything works well and looks good...
More on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_1405347.html.
Producer "Elbor"
The history of the Elbor manufacturer begins in the 70s of the last century. The following series of doors are currently being produced:
- luxury;
- premium class;
- Standard products;
- optium with a minimum set of functions;
- economy class.
High quality distinguishes products in the market of similar products.
Producer "Guardian"
The manufacturer first began production in 1994. Products are expensive, which is not surprising. It has been awarded the highest quality and durability awards. Products have a fire safety certificate. Currently, the market offers products of various designs in a wide price range, but if funds allow, you should opt for the premium class. On the manufacturer's website you can see photos of entrance doors of different price ranges.
Producer "Condor"
This manufacturer produces doors in a good price-quality ratio. Mineral wool is used for thermal insulation. The design is resistant to external influences, the canvas is painted with a special varnish composition. Doors can be installed. No obvious shortcomings have been identified, and therefore it is worth paying attention to the products when choosing.
Producer "Stal"
Metal doors from the manufacturer "Stal" are similar to those produced by the Elbor plant. The only difference is in the lineup. The manufacturer does not produce premium models, the main production is designed for the average consumer. Products are made of a sheet with a sheet thickness of 2 mm, a profile of a complex design is used, which increases the strength of the doors.
Read in 6 min.
Listen to articleSo the moment has come when you need to choose the front door to the apartment - you have moved to a new house, you are doing repairs or you need to replace the old door. The question arises, what to look for when buying and which model to give preference to. The front door is a complex structure in which each element fulfills its mission. How to choose the right front door, taking into account all the technical features and your needs - you will learn in the article.
What is the function of the front door?
The front door must comply with GOST 31173-2013, which specifies all the requirements for a quality door. The main parameters of the front door are strength, resistance to heat transfer, air permeability, sound insulation.
Now let's decide what functions other than “open-close” a good front door should perform. Go.
The first and most important thing is to protect the apartment from burglars. An intruder should not enter the housing without hindrance. The task of the front door is to make breaking as difficult as possible, to make it long and noisy, and for inept burglars it is completely impossible.
The second and important thing is to isolate the apartment from unpleasant factors: noise, cold, drafts and dust.
The third and most pleasant thing is to successfully fit into the interior of the apartment and suit the taste and needs of the owners.
A high-quality front door will perform all these functions at a basic level, but there are conditions under which it is worth choosing a door with improved performance.
Unsafe area? Take a closer look at models with enhanced protective properties. Are the neighbors making noise and non-stop cooking fragrant borscht? Pay attention to the insulation characteristics and tightness of the door closing. Updated the interior, but the children love to draw and are not limited to a sheet of paper? Think practical design solutions.
And now let's figure out which elements in the door design are responsible for protection against burglary, insulation of the room from adverse factors and appearance.
Burglary protection
The front door in a multi-storey building should first of all protect against intruders. According to GOST, the parameter is responsible for the protective function "Strength".
Particular attention to this function of the door should be paid to residents of new buildings, since the neighbors are not yet familiar, and a lot of strangers (builders, installers) walk in the entrance. Enhanced protection is also necessary for those who do not live in the most prosperous area. Choose a door with the highest Strength M1 according to GOST.
But even in the absence of the listed risk factors, the front door should properly protect the apartment from possible threats. I want to close the door behind me and feel safe and comfortable.
How to evaluate the strength of a door structure?
There is a common myth (perhaps you have already heard it from consultants in stores or read it on the Internet) that the thickness of a steel sheet should be at least 1.5 mm, and preferably 2-3 mm. Otherwise, the door is bad. Let's dispel the myth here and now.
For the strength of the door, not one indicator of the thickness of the metal is important, but the reliability of the structure as a whole, which is ensured by:
- steel quality
- the thickness of the entire web and filling
- additional protective elements
- burglary resistance of locks.
Steel thickness is just one of many parameters. If you choose a door with a thin leaf and weak hinges, but with a 4 mm steel sheet, this does not guarantee protection.
Consider all factors when buying:
Steel quality
The door leaf must be of high quality steel. Steel is hot-rolled and cold-rolled. Cold rolled has the best performance in terms of rigidity and strength. However, it is more expensive to manufacture and therefore some manufacturers use hot rolled steel to save money. Choose cold rolled steel doors as they are harder to break than welded hot rolled steel doors.
Door leaf thickness
The door leaf must be at least 70 mm thick, which will strengthen the door with high-quality fillers. The thickness of the steel sheet in this design can be 1-1.5 mm.
A steel sheet of 3-5 mm adds extra weight to the structure, which is why it is necessary to strengthen the doorway and install massive door hinges. And this is an additional cost. A heavy metal door is difficult to use, especially for children and the elderly. And the most unpleasant thing is that such a door is traumatic. Strong draft, unsuccessful slamming and “hello bruise with a fracture”.
But a door with a thin sheet of steel 0.8-1 mm should not be considered either. But a steel sheet of 1-1.5 mm will not make the structure heavier, the door will be convenient to open and close. Competent manufacturers reinforce the structure with additional bends, reinforcing elements along the perimeter of the web, where there is an additional load on the steel sheet.
For additional protection, choose a door with reinforced thermal concrete. This is a unique technology for filling the door leaf. The filler consists of foam concrete and reinforcement, which gives the structure additional rigidity and strength.
One of the options for stiffening the structure are door stiffeners. These are steel profiles that are horizontally and vertically welded to the front sheet of metal. At least 3 stiffening ribs are required for the door to be burglar resistant
Break-in resistance is provided by insulating materials in the door leaf and decorative panels. Choose a door with several layers of high-quality filler: polyurethane foam, foam concrete, mineral slab. A door even with seven layers of thin corrugated cardboard will not give the necessary strength.
Additional protective elements
Complementary, but necessary - paradoxically, but true. Do you want to be sure of safety? Choose a door with the following design elements:
These are special devices that will not let you enter the apartment, even if the attacker cuts down the door hinges. When the door is closed, the anti-removable pins go into the special grooves of the door frame, fix the door and the canvas will remain in the opening.
Burglary resistance of door locks
Often intruders enter the apartment by breaking the door locks. Pay special attention to the quality and quantity of locks.
Locks differ in types of construction (lever, cylinder) and burglary resistance classes - from 1 to 4. But one lock, even the 4th highest class of burglary resistance, is not enough.
Choose a door that has at least 2 locks of different types, and at least one of them is class 4. It is these recommendations that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation gives in relation to the lock systems of entrance doors.
If you have a disadvantaged area, you don’t know your neighbors well or vice versa too well - think about choosing a door with locks of 3 and 4 security classes. Additional protection will be provided by an armor plate on the cylinder lock. In a guarded house with a closed yard and video surveillance, you can install a model with locks of 2 and 4 classes.
There are manufacturers who install locks that do not have fusible elements in their composition. In case of fire, such a lock will not melt and you can leave the apartment without hindrance.
Now that we have dealt with the protective properties of the door, we move on to the next important function - heat and sound insulation.
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And now to your favorite myths about doors.
How to protect an apartment from anyone barking, we understand, let's move on to the appearance of the front door.
Compliance with the interior
The appearance of the door is a matter of taste. And on it and the color - you know what. The appearance is chosen based on the design project, for interior doors or furnishings, furniture in the hallway, or just what you like.
Modern doors are varied in design and finishes. Do you like minimalism or a lot of details, hi-tech or strict classics? Metal front doors come in a wide variety of styles, colors and patterns. So we will focus on the practical side and give some advice.
Front door trim types
Metal with a polymer powder coating is a coloring of a metal sheet with a special fine powder, a versatile and wear-resistant option.
Decorative panel - a panel made of composite materials (MDF, chipboard), which is installed on the metal sheet of the door. The panel can have various patterns, and a coating is applied on top.
The entrance door is finished on the outside and inside. At the same time, the conditions in which the door is used inside and outside the apartment are different.
Summing up
There are many nuances and factors when choosing an entrance door. We will consolidate and repeat the material covered.
We choose the door in accordance with GOST and according to our needs.
For reliable protection against hacking, you need:
- web thickness not less than 70 mm
- filled with quality materials
- stiffening ribs, anti-removable crossbars, hinge covers
- different types of door locks of at least 2 and 4 burglary resistance classes.
For enhanced insulation from noise, odors and cold, choose a door:
- with multilayer filler of different materials
- 2-3 contours of seals around the perimeter, made specifically for the front door.
In the design, we take into account our wishes and the conditions for using the door inside and outside the apartment.
There is another important factor - the choice of the manufacturer. Do you want the door to serve for a long time and regularly? Choose a brand that uses only quality materials, is widely represented in the country and abroad, has product certificates. With such a manufacturer, you will have a quick and professional installation, a guarantee for the door and all components, and most importantly - confidence in the right choice of the door for many years.
Understanding the technical characteristics and all the nuances when choosing an entrance door is not easy. To make this task as easy as possible for you, we have prepared a test!
Choosing the front door to the apartment is not an easy task and raises many questions. You need to know what qualities the design should have, what to look for when choosing. The front door is the keeper of the hearth, preventing noise, cold and uninvited guests from entering the housing. It should also look presentable, as it acts as the hallmark of the apartment.
Requirements for the entrance door to the apartment
Any premises, residential or industrial, meet the visitor with the front door. It is not difficult to choose the front door of internal opening to the apartment now. Nevertheless, manufacturers offer a wide range of products, the difference between which is in materials, dimensions, colors and styles.
Many people are not able to make a competent choice due to the large variety. This is especially true for those who buy entrance doors to the apartment for the first time. To avoid errors, you should take into account the requirements for any input structures:
- General reliability parameter. Entrance doors perform many functions, but the main one is to ensure the protection of housing. For this reason, the design chosen must be durable and of high quality, able to protect against intruders.
- It should be possible to inspect the outer territory. It is better if the front door to the apartment is equipped with at least a small peephole. This will allow you to see the situation outside the housing or on the flight of stairs.
- Noise and heat insulation. The product prevents the penetration of noise and cold into the house, increasing the comfort of living.
- Appearance. It is better to choose a beautiful front door to the apartment so that it fits into the interior of the home with its style design.
Before you go to the store for a purchase, you need to consider other points:
- Canvas price. It all depends on the quality of the design. If you choose a door for a summer cottage or an old abandoned apartment, then it is not necessary that it be high-strength. Cheaper alternatives will work as well. But if the product is installed in a new building apartment or a residential country house, then more expensive variations can be considered.
- Opening dimensions. The canvas should easily "enter" the doorway. Therefore, before buying, you should take all measurements in advance.
- Choice of accessories. We are talking about locks, hinges, eyes, handles and so on. It takes into account the type of construction and your own preferences. Of course, it is better to choose the appropriate fittings for a good entrance door to the apartment, suitable in quality and style.
- Availability of certificates and guarantees. This is an important point at the time of purchase, ensuring that all installation and operation issues are resolved.
Types of entrance doors
A wide range of input structures is presented on the construction market; designer canvases and technical models are also produced. They are classified according to the material used in the manufacture.
metal front door
This is the most requested type. They are made using special technology from durable materials. There are models that are additionally coated with an anti-corrosion compound, which allows the blades to be used under different climatic conditions, extending their service life.
The thickness of metal sheets also matters: for European entrance doors it is 1 mm, Chinese - from 0.5 to 1 mm, domestic - from 1.5 to 3 mm. The strength characteristics of the input structure depend on the thickness of the metal. European models have standardized sizes, while our manufacturers also produce non-classical options.
The customer can choose the design and format of insulation.
Before choosing a metal door to an apartment, you need to familiarize yourself with the classification according to the level of complexity:
- Economy class. These are simple and affordable products made of single-sheet steel with a thickness of 1 mm. As a design, only painting is used, without insulation and soundproofing. A separate variety is metal sheets in an apartment, assembled from two sheets (each 1 mm thick). For such products, finishing, heat and sound insulating filler is provided.
- Middle class. These are products made from two sheets, where the thickness of each is 1.5 mm. Finishing can be any and depends on the preferences of the customer.
- Elite class. Entrance doors with a reinforced structure, with a thickness of sheets up to 2 mm. They are finished with natural or artificial materials, sheathed with wood, veneer.
As a finish, they use: thermal film, polymer or powder paint, plastic or wooden lining, vinyl leather, car enamel, varnish, MDF lining and other materials.
Important! In order for the selected metal front door to successfully fulfill its functions, it is important to install it correctly.
wooden front door
Not so long ago, wood was used as the main material for the production of entrance structures. Now the user has a choice where each product differs in its operational properties. Nevertheless, wooden canvases are classified as luxurious and practical classics. Thanks to innovative technologies, their functions and properties have been improved by an order of magnitude compared to the first models, as a result they last longer.
Wooden products are no longer as popular as they used to be, this is due to the fact that a large selection of artificial materials is offered on the market. But some customers prefer the natural solid wood. Considering the design features, three types of wooden entrance doors can be distinguished:
- Shield. To assemble these products, shields up to 4 cm thick are used. The frame is assembled from solid wood elements glued together. Some manufacturers supplement such entrance doors with an aluminum frame, which not only retains heat, but also extends the life of the product.
- Paneled. In terms of design, they are similar to shield ones. They weigh an order of magnitude less, which facilitates transportation and installation.
- Whole. This option is now the most common. For manufacturing take a solid array of wood.
What materials are wooden doors made from?
- Oak. This is a high-strength and durable breed that can last for several decades. An interesting feature is that oak hardens over time, which makes the canvas even more stable. The result is the most expensive entrance doors to the apartment.
- Ash. By analogy with oak, a durable and practical material. A popular option due to the variety of colors.
- Beech. It is better to install such a door to an apartment in a multi-storey building. Beech does not tolerate moisture, so it is not used for country houses.
- Pine. The key advantage is the affordable price. Pine is a soft material, so canvases from it are made purely for apartments.
Wooden doors to the apartment are preferred by those customers who prefer environmental friendliness and natural appearance.
Entrance door to the apartment with a mirror
This species is gradually gaining popularity. Many customers prefer just such entrance doors to the apartment, explaining the choice by the small size of the hallway. Now the mirror can be mounted in both wooden and metal products.
The front door with a mirror looks organically in any interior, often acting as a key element of decor. The design is interesting for its decorative effect, but it can also perform other functions:
- Practicality. Leaving the apartment, you can always look in the mirror, evaluating your appearance. Of course, for this you need to correctly place the light sources so that the light falls on the person.
- Visually enlarges the space. Light, reflected, creates the illusion of a large corridor.
Important! To ensure the desired effect, it is necessary to carefully choose the shape and size of the mirror to be installed. This will emphasize the style of the apartment and decorate the interior.
The mirrors themselves are practical products. Indeed, in a small hallway, it is sometimes difficult to place a separate large mirror. But the door panels are just the right size.
The width of the entrance door to the apartment
Standard dimensions are defined by GOST standards, regardless of the material of construction. The main parameters are as follows:
- Height. The standard parameter is in the range from 2070 mm to 2370 mm. To determine a specific value, the total height of the ceiling and the width of the door leaf are taken into account.
- Width. The minimum parameter is 910 mm. For single leaf - 1010 mm, one and a half - 1310, 1510 and 1550 mm, double - 1910 and 1950 mm.
- Thickness. There are no strict regulations regarding this value, since it all depends on the material of the canvas for the apartment. The thickness should be enough for the front door to perform its main functions.
Important! For entrance structures, the standard size is larger than for interior ones. They do this so that a person carrying a load can freely pass through the opening.
How to choose entrance metal doors for an apartment
The most common metal structures. Most often, a steel door to an apartment is chosen, which provides adequate protection for housing. There are both global and domestic manufacturers on the market, producing products of different styles and sizes.
Metal has long been used to make entrance doors to an apartment. This is the most durable material that provides protection against burglary. For this reason, it is popular for both residential and industrial premises. When choosing an iron door to an apartment, you should pay attention to the base material. For the manufacture of products using the following metals:
- Aluminum. Such products are different in texture and shades. Aluminum is a metal that is easy to process, so making entrance doors from it is somewhat easier.
- Steel. This metal is more reliable and durable. In addition to the main function, such entrance canvases are equipped with noise and heat insulation. At a price they are more expensive than aluminum counterparts, but the quality is better.
When choosing a product for an apartment, pay attention to the thickness of the base layer - the more, the better the design will protect the home. Only two materials are used as the basis, but the products differ from each other due to the decorative layer. As a decor used:
- PVC panels. Caring for such a coating is quite simple.
- MDF. In addition to environmental friendliness, this material provides good sound insulation. The most preferred option for office space.
- Powder coated. Budget exterior.
- Panels made from natural wood. Expensive, but environmentally friendly and visually appealing option.
To increase the mechanical characteristics of the entrance door to the apartment, manufacturers equip products with stiffeners. These elements provide protection against deformation and increase burglary resistance. The more stiffeners, the more stable the structure will be. It should be understood that due to the increase in the number of these elements, the weight increases, which means that the hinges will experience increased loads and will fail faster.
What color to choose the front door to the apartment
When choosing a color, it is necessary to take into account the general style of housing design, the color of the floor material, walls, and basic furniture. The right tips to help you choose the color of the front door to the apartment:
- The best solution is to choose a neutral shade that will go with nothing. White, black, gray or beige options look good.
- It is optimal if the color of the canvas matches the shade of the window frames.
- Doors decorated with drawings, stained-glass windows or stickers look good. The bias is made on design, so compatibility is relegated to the background.
Important! These tips are suitable for choosing the entrance canvas to the apartment, as well as for interior partitions.
Rating of entrance metal apartment doors
The most popular designs of the following brands:
- Outpost. This manufacturer produces products at a reasonable price. The company is originally from Russia, but production is organized in China, which made it possible to optimize costs. The manufacturing process is controlled, so the products are of good quality, unchanged technical parameters and appearance.
- Torex. The company has been producing entrance doors to apartments for over 25 years. Thanks to solid practical experience, the fabrics produced have good consumer properties, without overpayment. The range includes fire protection options.
- Elbor. The year the enterprise began its activity is 1976. Not so long ago, a comprehensive modernization of the company was carried out, which made it possible to increase production capacities.
- Guardian. A distinctive feature of the products of this company is the high price, but consumer properties correspond to the premium class. For the manufacture of entrance doors to the apartment, strict international and domestic standards are taken into account.
- Became. This is a group of companies that produces entrance canvases for individual orders. A feature of the products is additional concreting, thanks to which the box is attached many times more reliably, while maintaining tightness.
This is not a complete list of companies manufacturing entrance doors for apartments.
Where should the front door to the apartment open?
In this matter, there is a main requirement - in the event of an emergency, the structure should not create obstacles for the evacuation of people. If we consider the practical side, then take into account several points:
- when opening inward, you will have to stop in front of the door and step back to open it;
- the canvas that opens outwards is characterized by burglary resistance, since it is much more difficult to knock it out;
- if the product opens inward, it will not be possible to put an additional door, which will not only keep the heat in the apartment, but also reduce the noise level;
- if the room has a small entrance hall, it is better to choose the option of opening to the outside.
In the case of apartment buildings, the following points are also taken into account:
- when plowing outside, the canvas should not interfere with the opening of the neighbor's doors;
- if the apartments open to a common vestibule, then the vestibule door is opened outward, and the entrance door is opened inward;
- if during the opening the door touches something, for example, a counter, then it is supplemented with an opening limiter.
For the most part, where the canvas will open is the decision of the owner of the apartment.
Conclusion
Choosing an entrance door to an apartment is not a problem, as there are many proposals: these are metal, wooden products or structures with mirrors. The main thing is that the door provides adequate protection for the apartment and at the same time matches the interior of the room. You can take into account the rating of the entrance metal doors to the apartment, but it is equally important to properly install the canvas.
High-quality iron doors are the best option for both an apartment and a private house. They are durable, attractive due to different ways of finishing. But there are a lot of manufacturers, which complicates the choice for buyers. Before purchasing, you should familiarize yourself with the rating of the best manufacturers of iron doors, find out their strengths and weaknesses. We bring to your attention the top of the best steel doors on the Russian market.
Entrance doors of different brands differ in the materials used, production technology, hardware features and price. The reliability of the design directly depends on the cost. Iron doors are usually divided into products of the middle price segment, premium class, as well as budget ones. The most affordable designs are purchased infrequently. Since too thin metal is used for their production, such an entrance door cannot be reliable.
To rank the entrance metal doors in 2018, the opinions of experts and consumer reviews are taken into account. What matters is the experience and popularity of the company, the width of the product range. In the middle price segment, Outpost, Neman, Stal, Bravo are considered the best. In the premium segment, the rating of the best iron doors includes the brands Guardian, TOREX, Elbor. These are Russian manufacturers of doors, the quality of which is not inferior to imported products.
outpost
The steel door rating 2018 is headed by Forpost products. The first products were released by this company in 1998. Starting in 2009, production was moved to China to reduce manufacturing costs. This made it possible to produce annually 500 thousand units of goods. Unfortunately, low-quality fakes have also appeared since that time. Therefore, when buying an entrance system, you should always ask for a certificate, clarify about the guarantee, and purchase iron doors only through official representatives.
Forpost metal doors are included in the review due to such advantages:
- low price (even for the most elite models);
- a wide range, products can be selected for a private house and apartment with a different interior;
- a sufficient number of service centers, so if necessary, you can seek advice, call the master at home.
Forpost iron doors have their drawbacks. First of all, this applies to fittings, which are manufactured at the same factory. It is difficult to replace it with other analogues. Noise isolation is present only in some models. Also, do not forget that there are fakes.
Groff
This is one of the brands of Bravo, a well-known iron door company. It is she who continues the rating of metal doors for an apartment in 2018. The main advantage of Groff products is the use of steel of considerable thickness. In addition, the structure is reinforced with stiffeners. Non-combustible mineral wool is used as a heater.
The manufacturer pays attention to the aesthetic indicators of their products. Due to the combination of appearance and strength, Groff are considered one of the best entrance metal doors. All products are guaranteed for up to 10 years, during which the service department is obliged to maintain the structure installed in the house or apartment.
Bravo
Bravo is considered one of the leaders in the Russian market of iron entry systems. Entrance metal doors are in the top of the best, according to consumers. The company is ready to provide customers with more than 350 different models, including those made using a unique 3D technology.
The main advantages of the input structures of this brand:
- there are available models with veneer finishes;
- reliable and high-quality steel doors;
- excellent protection against drafts due to seals and high quality insulation materials.
At the same time, in the most budgetary options, sound insulation is only of an average level.
Neman
The rating of metal entrance doors is continued by the Neman brand. This is a company that produces truly reliable and safe products. The brand has a wide range of models. The products are reasonably priced. At the same time, the manufacturer pays great attention to the external characteristics of the product. Entrance systems Neman compare favorably with their decorative characteristics from competitors.
For the production of the best steel doors, alloy steel of considerable thickness is used. All models are equipped with two locks, if necessary, their number can be increased. Therefore, there are no questions about the safety of the goods.
In addition to good value for money, as well as interesting design solutions, Neman is included in the top metal doors due to compliance with all safety requirements. This is confirmed by certificates.
Of the minuses, it is worth mentioning only the insufficient strength of the most budget products from this manufacturer.
Became
The rating of steel doors also could not do without the Stal brand. Products from this manufacturer are distinguished by good reliability, a sufficient level of resistance to burglary. According to these parameters, it is a bit like Elbor. However, unlike this brand, the manufacturer Stal does not have a very expensive product. Due to this, the company's products are popular, received a lot of positive feedback from consumers.
Professionals also praise this brand, although there are not the most successful models in its lineup. But in the price segment, this is a noteworthy manufacturer, which is rightfully included in the rating of entrance metal doors to an apartment.
The main advantages of Stal products:
- wide model range;
- many options with the use of various finishing materials;
- good level of service.
The main drawback is the presence of unsuccessful models, which requires careful choice from the consumer. Before buying, you should ask managers about all the technical characteristics.
guardian
The rating of metal doors for an apartment would also not be complete without the Guardian brand. At the plant, iron structures began to be produced back in 1994. Guardian entrance designs are popular with buyers who appreciate beauty. Therefore, they will be useful to those who are looking for something original, who want everything to harmonize in a house or apartment. In terms of safety parameters, there are no complaints about the product of this brand either. Fire safety indicators, resistance to burglary, noise insulation, service life - all these characteristics are confirmed by international certificates.
Among the advantages that made it possible to include the entrance systems of this brand in the rating of steel doors by quality 2018, it is also worth noting:
- the ideal combination of leaf and door frame, the gaps between them are minimal, which guarantees a snug fit of the sash;
- in any price segment there are many models to satisfy the demanding consumer;
- products comply with Russian and international requirements;
- as a web filler, a slab of mineral wool is used - a non-combustible material with high insulating properties.
Everything is good in reliable metal doors Guardian. The only thing that customers are not happy with is the service. If even not the most complex breakdowns occur, then it will not be possible to quickly eliminate them. The service department is no different.
TOREX
A review of steel doors for an apartment would be incomplete without the TOREX brand. This is another popular Russian manufacturer, whose production is located in Saratov. The first products were produced on it during the Soviet Union in 1989. The plant is constantly developing, so the entrance systems have become popular not only in the CIS countries. The company has 8 warehouses.
- good service;
- high quality products;
- compliance with all safety standards, including heat resistance for some models up to 5-6 hours;
- wide product range, attractive product design.
The main disadvantage of the products is their considerable cost.
Elbor
The manufacturer of iron doors Elbor is also included in the rating of the best metal entrance doors. The company has an excellent reputation, on which he has worked since the founding of the plant - 1976. At first, the company produced various goods for military purposes, then retrained to protect private property. Due to such specifics of production, all Elbor products are distinguished by the highest resistance to burglary.
The company does not manufacture budget models. All products are made using a special technology to increase their reliability. Coatings are refractory, and the filler inside the sash is non-combustible mineral wool. At the same time, the product has an attractive design. An overview of steel entrance metal doors and high test scores also make it possible to include products of this brand in the ranking of the best.
Imported Fortus and DIERRE products
In addition to Russian-made products, popular brands from Germany and Italy are included in the rating of steel doors to the apartment. Fortus is fundamentally different from most manufacturers in that it specializes in the production of doors to order. A minimum of finished products and a maximum of opportunities to assemble systems at your discretion. The buyer can choose the number of doors, locks, other fittings, fabric finish, and so on. Due to this, more than 1000 combination options are available to the consumer. This approach allows you to choose the best entrance metal doors for your apartment or country house. Any of them will have high strength, sound insulation, will protect property and heat.
DIERRE is an Italian company that specializes in the production of high-quality entrance metal doors with a special design. The manufacturer follows all the newcomers on the market, introduces the most advanced technologies. In their lineup there are even "smart doors", their control is due to remote control.
High-quality metal doors from Italy are distinguished by high aesthetics, the finishing of the canvas is complemented by exquisite fittings. The cost of such an entrance structure is not available to everyone, but the DIERRE system will be the highlight of any room.
What to consider when choosing?
The brand is not the only parameter that the consumer should focus on. The choice of steel doors should be based on other parameters.
Considering your financial capabilities, you need to pay attention to the following technical characteristics:
- Locking mechanisms. One lock is good, but good steel apartment doors should have two such mechanisms. Moreover, both are required to have a high class of burglary resistance (3 or 4), and their mechanisms must be different. This approach greatly complicates the work of crackers.
- Additional protection. Such simple elements as a chain or a night valve should not be neglected either. They enhance the protective functions of the structure.
- Door hinges. When determining which entrance metal doors are better for an apartment, special attention should be paid to this parameter. Hidden loops are good because they are not visible and it is impossible to cut them off when breaking. However, this design significantly increases the cost of the product.
- insulating materials. Without filler, even good quality steel doors will let in noise and cold. Therefore, it is worth clarifying what exactly the sash is filled with inside. The best option is mineral wool, which can absorb noise and cold. It is also good for residential premises because it does not burn.
Finishing material is important not only from a purely aesthetic point of view. It must protect the surface of the metal, be resistant to external factors, especially for private houses. After all, even the best steel front doors will be exposed to sunlight, frost and precipitation. For an apartment, it is important that the coating is resistant to minor bumps and scratches.
Buying an iron door for your home is a responsible step. The product costs a lot, should last a long time. Therefore, you should carefully study the rating of iron doors to the apartment, all the parameters of the model you like, trust only well-known brands that have been on the market for many years, and are ready to provide a long-term guarantee for their products.