Doors

Many West End houses have the traditional pattern of outer panelled storm doors with an inner glazed door (with stained or etched glass). Wherever possible, both sets of original doors should be retained and repaired. If you must replace a door, a competent joiner can copy the original. It will cost more than an "off-the-peg" door, but will be a more sturdy, attractive and valuable feature.

West End tenements were usually built with open close mouths. Recently people have been installing doors and entry systems to improve the security of their building and to keep the close warmer and drier.

To retain the tenement's character, it is important that a new door is in an appropriate style. In most parts of the West End, there are examples of old close doors (panelled or part-glazed) which can be useful models for a joiner to copy.

  • Avoid flush panelled plywood doors or modern glazed doors with vertical slit windows; inevitably, they look out of place in an old tenement.

  • Fit the door where the stone meets the tiles, not deeply recessed in the close.

  • The door should be wide enough to fit neatly across the close without excessive framing out.

  • The transom area above the new door should be fitted with a glass panel to light the close.

  • Ensure that the architraves (door frame) are fitted with traditional mouldings.

  • Fit a brass kick plate to protect the door and a cabin hook to hold it open. All ironmongery should be brass.

  • When painting your front door, always choose a dark gloss colour to match others in the street. Dark painted doors always retain their appearance best and are easier to maintain than varnished doors.



    The Glasgow Conservation Trust West has published a detailed guide to traditional doors, windows and woodwork as part of the West End Conservation Manual. Please see Historic Woodwork for further information.


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    This is the official website of the

    Glasgow Conservation Trust West
    30 Cranworth Street
    Glasgow G12 8AG
    (0141) 339 0092

    updated September 2000.

    Comments or queries are welcome. Please eMail to: GLASGOWWEST@cqm.co.uk