Composite Stable Doors
Also known as a Dutch door or half door, the stable door gets its name from its original use in stables, designed to keep horses inside and at the same time let in natural air and sunlight. It later became a feature in farmhouses to keep farm animals out and children indoors, as well as to allow a breeze to enter without the wind blowing in dirt.
What is a stable door?
Rather than a single slab, the composite stable has two “leaves” or sections that can open independent of each other.
It functions as two doors
Each section can operate separately, and has its own locking system. This allows for the top to remain open for sunlight or cool air, while with the bottom section locked small children and animals can’t wander out.
It also functions as one
Of course, the stable can operate as a standard front or back door. Both sections can be connected by means of a deadbolt and work as a single unit.
How does it compare to other doors?
A composite offer advantages over traditional wooden doors, and a stable a level of diversity over single slab doors.
Superior quality to wooden ones
Unlike wooden doors, a composite has a GRP skin (which stands for glass reinforced plastic). The benefit of this is that it offers better protection against the elements than wood. An unprotected wooden door can absorb moisture and warp as a result, which would thus affect its ability to lock correctly or efficiently insulate the home.
There is also no need to paint a composite, as its low maintenance finish is easy to clean and UV-resistant. A painted wooden door on the other hand can chip or peel from constant exposure to the elements.
It’s more versatile
While most doors are a single slab that opens and closes, a composite stable can work not only as one unit, but also as two separate ones, each with its own locking system. This is helpful if you want to let natural light and air through your home, without worrying about pets or children getting outside.
It’s more secure
Each of the two sections has its own multi-point locking system as standard. Multi-point locks are far less vulnerable than a single-point locking system, as they strengthen the door from top to bottom.
What styles are available?
The stable composites we offer are from our cottage range of styles, which feature a slab design of grooved large rectangle and vertical lines within.
The Norfolk Composite Stable Door
Our solid style. Good as a back entrance door, or a front for a home requiring privacy. It includes the option for a spyhole, knocker or both combined.
Perfect for rural properties to capture that cottage look, with several colours and hardware finishes available.
The Suffolk Composite Stable Door
Shown here in chartwell green, the Suffolk has a diamond-shaped glass aperture that makes it somewhat contemporary. The Suffolk is available with plain glass or Box Lead, both of which can have backing glass for added privacy or decoration.
Fitted within this example door is a Sureflap microchip pet door; the smaller cat flap, as well as manual options can be fitted within this style.
The Sutton Composite Stable Door
The Sutton offers maximum glass coverage among our stable composites, perfect for hallways that require a great deal of light.
Box Lead, along with plain 'Anice' glass and Diamond Lead are simple glass designs that fit well with the cottage feel of the Sutton.
The gold hardware and oak woodgrain finish are a good combination.
The Cumbria Composite Stable Door
A single vertical panel of glass graces the top section of the Cumbria. In addition to traditional glass designs such as Diamond or Box Lead, the Kensington (shown here) is a modern glass design of a frosted centre and clear edges.
A black finishes for the door and hardware provide a serious tone to your home's entrance.
The Cheshire Composite Stable Door
A small square of glass sits in the top section of the Cheshire style. Glass designs include a selection of traditional and modern options, with the Victoriana shown here, consisting of frosted glass and etched design with silver came lines.
The light pebble finish and black hardware can add a rustic but elegant charm to your home.
In addition to these, we also offer stable doors from the Rock Door range.
What are my options?
Just like our single-slab composite doors, there are several options available for our stable doors.
Backing glass designs
Add a decorative touch to a double-glazed style with one of our backing glass designs. These also provide different levels of privacy but still allow natural light to shine through, making them good for doors looking onto a busy street.
A range of colours
From chartwell green to poppy red, we offer a variety of colourful finishes, available for the frame, and the inside as well. If you have a specific RAL colour in mind, we can even bespoke colour your composite stable door.
Side panels and toplights
Sizes permitting, you can have a toplight, side panel or flag window with the same finish as the frame, and with the same options for backing glass, or alternatively solid panelling.
What maintenance does my composite stable door need?
It’s easy to clean your new composite stabler door, as long as you keep these things in mind.
A clean cloth and warm water
These are all you need to wipe down any dirt from your door
DO NOT use solvent-based products such as washing-up liquid or bleach, as these can discolour the finish.
DO NOT use abrasive materials like scouring pads, or power washers, as these can damage the surface.
Lubricate moving parts
You can use a little engineering oil or 3-in-1 to lubricate moving parts. You should periodically lift the door handle to check that the locking mechanisms engage correctly. There is also a powdered lubricant that can be used with Ultion barrels.
DO NOT use WD40 as it is penetrative rather than a lubricant, and can gum up moving parts over time.
Remove your jewellery when cleaning
That’s right, you should remove rings and bracelets before cleaning your door, as these can accidentally scrape against the door’s surface!
Where do I buy it?
We’re here to help you find your dream door
Calling our Sales Team
Phone us free on 0800 910 1122 and our Sales Team will be happy to assist you. They will also be in touch by phone when you place an order online.
Sending a Message Online
Send us a quick message from the blue tab on the right, or include an image when sending a message via our Contact Us page.
Ordering Online from our wide range of styles
The easiest way to see what we offer. Choose your desired door and build it online from an array of options.
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