Are wooden doors secure? Experts say your home is only as secure as its weakest point of entry. That’s why it’s so important to have doors and windows that are as secure as possible. There are several important factors to consider which vary depending on the type of wooden door you’ve chosen.
In this guide, we reveal several security upgrades ideal for wooden doors. Giving you the peace of mind that your home is secure and any occupants are safe. So, exactly how do you increase security on a wooden door? We’ll now talk you through the various doors on your property and teach you how to secure them.
What are the benefits of wooden doors?
Just how strong are wooden doors? Wood is a naturally durable material and thick wooden doors can be very difficult to break through.
Further to this, the grain of wood can make it harder to saw or pry open than uPVC. Finally, wooden doors are compatible with a wider variety of security features. They can be fitted with things like: bolts, reinforced hinges and security bars.
How to secure a wooden front door
Nowadays, many homeowners opt for modern upvc doors or more contemporary style composite doors. However there’s still a place for solid wood or timber doors which provide a more traditional option which evokes a classic, prestigious style. But exactly, how do you increase security on a wooden door?
1: Check the Locks
The Metropolitan Police (and most insurance companies) recommend installing a multi point locking system. Specifically a five lever mortice deadlock, ideal for wooden front doors which require extra security. Your insurance policy may require you to have one too, so it’s definitely worth getting hold of one if you haven’t already.
Next, ensure the quality of your door is as good as your lock. If you have a hollow-core wooden door, it’s recommended you upgrade to a solid wooden door, at least 44mm thick. The lock sits within the door, therefore won’t stay in place if it’s fitted to a hollow door.
Recently bought a new house? We recommend changing the locks. You never know who has made copies of the keys to the existing locks. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
How to install a mortice lock tutorial
2: Install Quality Glass
Ideally it’s best to avoid having any glazing on your door (this goes for all external doors, not just your front door). However, we understand glazed panels offer tons of benefits including boosting natural light levels around your home.
Already have your heart set on a glazed front door? Add extra strength with toughened safety glass, or even better, laminated glass. Stronger glass means greater resistance to impact and attack, raising the level of security offered by your door.
Replacing weak glazing with stronger, more reliable glass is even more essential if large parts of your door feature glass panels. If the glass section is near your door handle, burglars can smash the glass and simply unlock the door from the inside.
3: Ensure the Hinges and Hardware are Secure
Even if you think you have the best front door, the hardware and handles you choose are essential for both security and functionality.
In particular, make sure that your door hinges aren’t loose and are in good condition. Use thick, long screws to ensure that the hinges are firmly embedded into the frame and won’t be forced loose under pressure or force.
Keep in mind to look for options that are made to a high quality British standard. Preferably products that are Secured by Design approved. This is the official police security initiative. They work to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit.
4: Add a Spy Hole
Although most break ins occur when the house is empty, burglaries do still occur when you’re at home. A spy hole is a simple addition to a door that gives you greater confidence when you’re in the house.
By adding a spy hole, you can see who’s at your door. This makes it easier to identify who the person is and decide whether you want to answer the door or not. If you don’t recognise the person and don’t feel confident opening the door, you don’t have to.
How to install a peephole for doors tutorial
5: Use a Door Chain
If you do decide to answer the door to someone you’re a bit wary of, keep the door chain on. The door chain allows you to answer the door partially. It also stops the door from being wrenched open if the person tries to force their way in.
If you don’t have a door chain, we recommend purchasing and installing one. You could also look at other types of locking system such as a dead bolt, which even the most sturdy and solid door can benefit from.
Remember to be vigilant about doorstep scams. Check any visitor’s I.D and confirm they are who they’re claiming to be. If you wish to call their company to confirm it’s them, phone the main company phone number and not the number on the I.D.
6: Always choose quality when you buy door hardware online
Overall, it’s essential to ensure that your new front door (or any exterior door) is secured properly. Take time to correctly fit high quality locks that don’t make it easy for intruders to get their hands on any of your possessions or get through the door.
How to keep a letterbox secure
Your letter box is another potential entry point for thieves to gain access to your home without actually taking any steps inside the property.
Common techniques used by thieves include:
- Stealing any letters that haven’t fallen from the other side, which could include any money, personal/bank details and other confidential information.
- Using hooks and poles to get hold of keys left near the door or in the inside of the lock.
- Unlocking doors from the inside via the letter box.
How can you secure your letterbox and make your door secure?
- Make sure that the letter box plate is up to safety standards, isn’t faulty and can’t easily be pulled off, leaving a gaping hole in your door.
- Never install a letterbox closer than 40 cm to the door lock or to the bottom rail of the door.
Install a letter basket, but remove the bottom so the letters can fall. This stops anyone from moving their hands or any tools around the inside of the letter box.
How to secure a back door
Back doors are a key area when looking to improve the security of your home as it’s often out of sight and can’t be seen by neighbours or from the road. This is an ideal situation for burglars, as they too can then stay out of sight and away from attention.
As with front doors, replace any glazing with strong glass that won’t easily break. Again, following the advice of the Metropolitan Police, use a 5 lever 2 bolt sash lock on the door which conforms to British and EU regulations.
Make sure to also add rack bolts at the top and bottom of the door that are internally operated. These are ideal for enhancing wooden door security. They allow the door to remain locked from the inside even if somebody manages to unlock your main door lock from the outside.
How to secure French doors
French doors, also referred to as French windows are sometimes considered to be less secure. This is partly because they have much more window space and less panelling. But mainly because most external French doors open outwardly, therefore the hinges are on the outside and exposed to anyone that sees them.
Improve the security of your French timber door frame system with features such as:
- Surface mounted locking bolts or rack bolts
- Hinge bolts (essential for outward opening doors)
- Mortice sash locks
- Multi point locks
More on hinge bolts
Hinge bolts are an essential addition to outward opening doors because the hinges are on the outside of the home, but how do they work? Hinge bolts secure the doors in place when they’re closed, meaning that the door can’t be lifted or prised out of the hinge; keeping the hinges in place and the door secure. Nice and simple, yet very effective.
How to install hinge bolts tutorial
How to secure patio doors
If your patio doors aren’t fitted with a multi-lock system, the first thing recommended is to install additional locks for added security. Like French doors, patio doors are a common weak point of houses for burglars because of their increased vulnerability.
A problem with sliding patio doors is that they can sometimes be lifted from their tracks. If you’re not sure that your locking system prevents this, then you can purchase anti-lift locks that prevent the doors from being taken off the tracks.
Extra home security tips
Whether you need to secure wooden doors, windows or you’re just generally looking to keep your house safer, these low maintenance tips will help you improved home security and prevent a break in:
- Don’t leave keys in the back of the door, even when you’re in. Thieves can quietly open the door, take your keys and come back later and just let themselves in.
- Set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself to check all alarm systems are on and bolts are drawn shut before you head up to bed each evening.
- Don’t keep keys hidden outside for friends or family members. If you need to leave keys with somebody, give them to them directly or leave them with a neighbour, don’t leave them under plant pots or a mat. You never know who may come across your keys.
- Check to make sure your doors and door frames are in good condition and free from rot. Locks or a bolt won’t help if your door and frames aren’t up to scratch.
Common questions
Are wooden doors more secure than a uPVC door?
It really depends on the specific door and the level of security you need. If you are looking for the most secure door possible, a thick, solid wooden door with a variety of security features is the best option. However, if you are on a budget or you live in a low-crime area, a well-made uPVC door may be sufficient.
What are the disadvantages of wooden doors?
In some cases, wood is more susceptible to rot, warping, and cracking than uPVC, which can weaken the door and make it easier to break into. Wood and timber doors also require a little more maintenance. They need to be regularly painted or stained to protect them from the elements and maintain their security.
Is a composite door a good alternative to a wooden door?
A composite door is a modern innovation made from a combination of different materials, combining the best aspects of each to create a strong, durable, and weather-resistant entrance solution for your home.
Featuring a reinforced steel frame, as well as a solid hardwood internal frame and a glass-reinforced plastic outer layer, composite doors are able to withstand huge amounts of force. When fitted with a high-quality and well-fitted lock, this type of door could work as an alternative to a wood door.
Now explore our collection
Hardwood front doors
Our range of hardwood external doors is manufactured from the finest dense red hardwoods. Engineered for maximum stability and benefitting from a versatile design, they work as both back doors and front doors. Available in a range of colours and styles, our hardwood doors introduce a sense of timeless elegance to any property.
Oak front doors
Add warmth and texture with external oak doors. Our designs have been developed to elevate any home entrance. Oak is a popular choice when it comes to external door materials. It can withstand the elements. It’s sturdy for optimum security. It’s a great insulator, so it helps keep heat inside where it belongs. It’s also a great way to infuse a sense of character and craftsmanship.
Redwood external doors
Need a door for a shed? Looking for best value garden gates? Our European redwood external doors, gates and garage doors are a budget-friendly solution. Low cost but definitely not low quality, these doors are offered with sturdy 22mm boarding and 22mm ledge and bracing.
If you’ve been wondering “are wooden doors secure?” we hope we’ve answered any questions or misconceptions you may have had. Now you’re confident, buy wooden doors online from Vibrant Doors. Stylish, sturdy and made to last. Shop securely and order in just a few clicks or contact our team for a quote.
