Installation of interior doors involves several stages of various work. The first thing you need to do is buy an interior door, then install it. However, it doesn’t end there, because you need to make sure that this element fits harmoniously and decorates the interior. At this moment, platbands (slopes or cashing) come to the rescue. Now the market is represented by various types and models of such decorative elements. In today's article, I want to talk about interior telescopic trims and overhead (regular) ones. I will try to explain how they differ and what advantages they have.
Why are they needed?
Before we get into the types of platbands, or as they say in everyday life, slopes (cash-outs), let’s figure out what they are and why are they needed? Platbands are strips that are installed around the perimeter of the door frame. They are made from various materials and have different shapes. The last one is the most expensive option.
The main function of the platbands is to hide the gap between the wall and the door frame, as well as to complete the entire door structure. They resist drafts and retain heat. They perform a significant decorative function. A well-chosen shade can significantly transform the interior. According to the method of installation, the following types of platbands are distinguished:
- regular or overhead platbands;
- telescopic platbands.
How to properly install telescopic doors on interior doors
The procedure is quite simple if you carefully read the instructions and follow safety precautions. As a rule, platbands are used as a design solution when it is necessary to design an interior opening. The process occurs in accordance with the algorithm:
- The extension is cut to the required width. Measurements in this matter are extremely important, since the result directly depends on them. And just a life hack from professionals in this field: if the wall thickness is over 2.5 cm, it is advisable to use a combination of two (or more) extensions that are connected with a dowel.
- If you have to work with a wall that has roughness and abrasions, you must use an additional support element.
As you can see, the entire installation process is quite fast. The main thing is not to forget to buy the necessary set of tools: telescopic strips, dowels, extensions.
Telescopic trims
Telescopic platbands are a more complex design. Such slopes do not need to be nailed, glued, screwed or sealed. Two strips on the outer and inner sides of the interior door are perfectly fastened together using an original L-shape. One edge of the slope has a rounded shape; it fits tightly to the plane of the wall. The second one is bent, and during installation it fits tightly into the groove of the door frame, which allows it to be firmly connected to it.
Design Feature
The box for installing telescopic doors of interior type is provided with special grooves required for installing the extension and trim without the use of additional fasteners .
Door panel diagram: trim - strip - frame
Thanks to these grooves, there is no need for nails when fixing the platbands. For telescopic extensions, it is required that the wall width be greater than 14.0 cm. Installation of extensions with a thickness of 5-40 mm is allowed. Thanks to such additions, an opening of any thickness is suitable for installing doors.
For installation, most often, ready-made box kits are used, so during installation the time and effort required will be minimal.
Advantages of telescopic platbands
In addition to differences in the installation method, there are still a large number of possibilities and advantages of telescopic platbands compared to conventional (overhead) options.
- The use of telescopic platbands allows you to avoid installing extensions for interior doors. However, this is only if the thickness of the door frame does not exceed 1.5-2 cm. They will easily close the gap between it and the wall.
- Telescopic slopes can be installed not only on the door frame, but also on the extension strips.
- If the wall is crooked, then you will be able to level the interior door. However, when using overhead or regular platbands, the gap between the door frame and the wall will be simply huge. You will have to level the walls, or watch a not very pleasant picture. Otherwise, the door will be installed crookedly, and its position will be fixed, that is, it will constantly either open or close. In the case of telescopic trims, this error can be easily hidden. Thus, the interior door will be installed level, and a large gap will not be visible.
- Another advantage of telescopic platbands is that the joints between the planks are less noticeable, and the installation itself does not require any additional means.
- Telescopic trims can be dismantled without damaging them. This will be more difficult to do with regular slopes.
Types of platbands by material of manufacture
Wooden trims
One of the most common types, which is environmentally friendly, reliable, visually attractive and has a long service life. The material usually used is hardwood, such as pine. Wooden planks are perfect for any style of door leaf and will complement its appearance. A huge advantage of this material is the ability to manufacture platbands of both the most familiar and non-standard configurations. Therefore, in turn, wooden platbands are divided into:
- Smooth is the simplest, but nevertheless quite popular form. Due to this, they are distinguished by their affordable cost and versatility. We can safely say that this is a win-win option.
- Semicircular - having a characteristic rounding across the entire width. The radius of the rounding can be anything from barely noticeable to characteristically pronounced. This moment is selected purely individually, based on consumer preferences.
- The embossed version has a more interesting design. To implement the design idea and maximize the transfer of relief, valuable wood species are used, which significantly increases the cost of the finished product. The design can be made in the form of longitudinal stripes, topped at the corners with capitals or squares with a distinctive pattern. They vaguely resemble small columns. The relief is applied on specialized milling machines. This adds a little more to their cost.
- For use in rooms characterized by frequent changes in temperature and humidity, it is recommended to use platbands made of wood species such as maple or oak. For additional protection, their surface is coated with special coloring compounds or natural veneer made from valuable wood species. This type of platbands can have both a smooth and embossed surface.
- Carved platbands are the most expensive and effective option. With their help, you can radically transform even the most ordinary door leaf, which does not have even a hint of a pattern. They are perfect for decorating a doorway in a classic or antique interior, where special attention is paid to detail.
MDF platbands
MDF platbands are considered a budget option and are significantly inferior in cost to their counterparts from the point above. Despite this, their performance characteristics are in no way inferior, and in some cases even superior to wooden products. For example, this material is not subject to rotting, which significantly increases their service life. The appearance is very close to natural, especially if not only the color, but also the texture is chosen well. The disadvantage is the high coefficient of moisture absorption, which can lead to swelling. Therefore, you should not install this type of platbands in rooms with high humidity. According to their shape , MDF platbands can be either smooth and flat, or have a rounding radius.
Plastic trims
They are considered very practical due to their resistance to high humidity, ultraviolet radiation and temporary deformation. Caring for such elements is a pleasure, because you can always try to remove any dirt with a damp cloth and detergent. Another undoubted advantage of plastic is its immunity to temperature changes, which is especially important in the bathroom or dining room. A variety of colors and textures will allow you to choose an option that is as close as possible to the appearance of the door leaf. And, of course, you will be pleasantly surprised by the cost of products made from this material.
Metal platbands
Many people believe that metal trims are more suitable for decorating entrance doors, and then only on the outside. But due to the fact that interiors in high-tech, minimalism and loft styles are gaining more and more popularity, designers regularly use metal elements to frame interior doorways. Agree that it is almost impossible to imagine a room in one of the above styles without the presence of the cold shine of metal surfaces. Therefore, you should not immediately discard this option. The material most often used is stainless steel or aluminum. The undoubted advantages of these materials are their high strength and resistance to moisture. In addition, metal does not support the combustion process and it is very difficult to scratch stainless steel. But aluminum is a softer material, you need to be more careful with it. By the way, such platbands can very easily be made on your own.
Ceramic platbands
This option has little popularity due to limited use. With their help, doorways are designed in rooms whose walls are fully or partially lined with artificial stone. Ceramic platbands are elements made of ceramic tiles, which are attached to a special adhesive. This option would also be appropriate for decorating bathroom doors from the inside. You can definitely handle making such platbands yourself. You just need to carefully cut the tiles into fragments of the required sizes and sand the edges. If you show a little imagination, you can create an interesting composition from several types of tiles that are present in the interior of the room. Also, artificial stone can be used as a material for such platbands. A doorway framed in such an interesting way will harmoniously complement the decor.
Advice from me
To summarize, I would like to say that overhead platbands are very popular. This can be explained by the fact that they are not expensive and everyone is used to them. However, in my opinion, the choice of telescopic slopes will be much more relevant. The possibilities that this type of cashing brings with it are much wider than with conventional slopes. Currently, there are many different models and materials from which they are made. Anyone can choose something for their interior.
We are talking about Wooden entrance doors.
I hope my article was extremely clear and useful to you, if you have any questions or thoughts on this topic, please express them in the comments. I will be happy to answer everyone!
Manufacturing
When the material for the manufacture of door trims has been selected and the necessary tools are at hand, then you can move on to the active phase of work on the manufacture of door trims. First, the workpieces are cut to size , which must be determined in advance. Their dimensions are selected individually for each door product. Note that a high-quality result is possible only if there are cutting knives on the machines used for work.
When the door trim is ready, it is sanded. This work is carried out in two stages:
- the first is performing rough grinding using an electric machine;
- the second is manual processing, during which they resort to the use of fine-grained sandpaper.
It should be noted that at the second stage it is necessary to remove circular scratches that occurred when working with an electric machine. When the platband is ready, it is covered with a layer of protective composition.
Veneer, eco-veneer, laminate
What is veneer?
Thin layer of wood
. Typically, valuable wood veneers are used: walnut, oak, ash, mahogany, and others. Thickness 1mm. After grinding, processing, applying paintwork, thickness 0.5 - 0.7 mm.
What is eco-veneer?
Ecoveneer is a marketing name. It was invented by savvy salesmen. This is the name given to the paper and film coating
that the manufacturer applies to the doors. Eco-veneer imitates valuable types of wood, enamel, whatever.
When facing with eco-veneer there are no gaps at the ends. The side of the door is completely wrapped with film. The risk of the ends coming off is significantly reduced.
What are laminated doors?
Laminated doors are lined with paper
on which a pattern imitating wood is applied. The ends are covered with furniture edges.
The furniture edge at the ends is separate from the front part. This is the weakest point of laminated doors. The ends peel off, come off, and become damaged.
Today, laminated doors with peel-off ends are found only in the extremely economical segment. All decent factories are trying to switch to eco-veneer.
Innovation at the door
If you don't want the extra headache, avoid door innovations.
The seller says: “Innovative mechanism.” You have to understand: “We haven’t tried it ourselves. Let’s experiment on you for your money.”
The seller says: “Exclusive material.” You have to understand: “Other manufacturers don’t do this anymore, because they recognized this experience as unsuccessful. But we’re still selling it to the customer.”
The seller says: “The most modern technology.” We must understand: “No one knows how it will perform in use. You buy it, then you’ll tell me.”
Door manufacturers are constantly putting into production new opening mechanisms, new coatings, and new door fillers. Some technologies will be successful and then everyone else will have them. Most innovations will be considered unsuccessful and will remain “exclusive.”
Expectations and reality. You don't want to take part in a failed experiment at your expense, do you? When these new products are completed, everyone will have them. Everyone copies each other's best. What you may encounter:
- Haven't learned how to do it
yet . People also work in production. They are learning too. It doesn't always work out the first time. Need time. - Sold, bought. There is no one to install
. The installers also do not know how to work with the latest miracle mechanisms. Most manufacturers do not have their own service department. Step-by-step instructions are usually not included. In the end it was installed. - After some time, the system will require maintenance
/repair/adjustment. By this time, such a mechanism would either be discontinued or significantly modernized. No spare parts.
Advice
: Choose technologies that have been proven over the years.
Simple solutions are the most reliable
. The best option is regular doors with regular universal mortise hinges.
Installation algorithm
First of all, the universal slope is assembled. Installation of this part is provided around the entire perimeter of the doorway. For wear-resistant fastening, it is advisable to use a starting molding into which one end of the slope is inserted. The second is attached to the sheathing with mounting screws. Thus, in the corners the slopes meet each other, as a result of which an imaginary letter “L” appears at an angle of 45°.
The next step is to install the telescopic casing directly. Before you begin full installation, you need to cut it down with a hacksaw or electric saw. The cut should be done from the front side. This will help to avoid unevenness and the work will be done accurately. The front part (“nose”) of the extension must be on the same surface as the mounting groove. After cutting, you need to cut off part of the shelf, and be sure to treat the joints with a heat gun. If you can’t use hot glue, you can safely use any other glue. The main thing is that it is colorless. After this, the frame is ready for installation. The spout must be inserted into the mounting groove, and the other end must be secured with screws. The finishing ends with the installation of façade elements, which are attached in the same way to the sheathing or wall if the casing is installed on a window.
What tools are needed for installation?
It is impossible to cope with the installation task with bare hands. Therefore, it is worth stocking up not only with patience, but also with some equipment.
- Roulette. Thanks to it, it is easy to measure the length of the required surface.
- Square. It is a type of ruler that you cannot do without when measuring angles. You will certainly need it when you have to correctly build the letter “G”, and the question arises about 30, 60 or 45 degrees.
- Power saw. If you need to saw off an unnecessary part of a part that will interfere with free access to the opening. But there is no need to rush: this action is irrevocable, and it is better to perform it at the last stage of installation. The saying: “Measure twice, cut once” is more relevant than ever when repairing or installing something.
In addition to these tools, you can’t do without a hand saw (can be replaced with a regular metal saw with teeth), a wooden miter box, a screwdriver, a heat gun and a screwdriver. A well-assembled arsenal is the key to a successfully completed task.
In stock or to order
You plan the installation of doors in advance for specific dates. In your case, the best option is to buy doors that are in stock. Why is that?
- Manufacturing dates may be delayed and door delivery may be delayed. If deadlines are important to you, then choose doors from stock.
- Errors. A common situation is when they didn’t deliver what they ordered: They mixed up the size,
- Of the entire set, did anything turn out to be the wrong color, for example boxes or trims,
- They sent the wrong model
- Some of the ordered materials are simply missing (forgotten, lost, etc.)
The error can occur at any stage:
- During checkout,
- When transferring an order for production,
- When completing production,
- In stock
- During delivery
All these issues are resolved on the same day or in the coming days if the doors are in stock in a warehouse in your city.
If all items are made to order, the purchase or replacement may take a month or longer. A common misconception is that everything is available in Moscow
in warehouses. It may come as a surprise to you that for many models there are not even a pair of trims or a box stick available. Not to mention the doors. This is especially true for doors in the above-average price category.
