If there is a need to install a door that is as safe as one made from wood, as light as one made from plastic, as durable as one made from metal, and at the same time its cost should be lower than its analogues, then we advise you to pay attention to door leaves made from a new material – eco-veneer.
It is very difficult to distinguish it “by eye” from natural wood; it very accurately imitates the color and structure of such wood species as cherry, oak, rosewood .
In addition, the variety of colors allows you to install such doors in any interior . Thanks to a special adhesive composition, its strength becomes higher.
What are interior doors made of eco-veneer?
The door leaf coating, called eco-veneer, is difficult to distinguish from natural wood. The texture and pattern are very reminiscent of wood, but the method of making such a coating differs significantly from the traditional one. If veneer is a thin cut of wood, then eco-veneer consists of wood fibers bonded together with an adhesive.
Despite its similarity to wood, eco-veneer is not a natural material. Rather, this name is a marketing ploy. The wear resistance of such a coating is much better than natural wood with the same environmentally friendly properties.
With significant external similarity, interior doors covered with such material will differ favorably in their resistance to external influences. They are not afraid of wet rooms and temperature changes. Pet owners will especially appreciate the practicality of eco-veneer doors: the material will not deteriorate from their claws.
A large selection of models allows you to choose the option that most successfully fits into the interior of your apartment or house. Doors can be made solid or with glass inserts.
Models
How to choose suitable ElPorta doors? Customer reviews of products from this brand note a large number of models with different styles and technical characteristics. Among the product lines of this manufacturer there are models with additional fittings and other elements. There is also a whole series of glass doors that will help give the room originality and uniqueness.
Kinds
There are three types of eco-veneer:
- Nanoflex is a multilayer coating based on high-strength paper. Strength and water resistance are provided by a special varnish applied on top.
- CPL laminate is a plastic veneer that is impact resistant but brittle.
- Polypropylene film is closest in appearance to wood. It is elastic and allows you to paste over the door leaf without joints.
Pros and cons of veneer doors
When choosing interior doors, consumers weigh all the advantages and disadvantages to choose the right option.
Let's consider the advantages of doors made of artificial eco-veneer:
- affordability is a fundamental criterion for many buyers, and such doors compare favorably with those made of solid wood or covered with natural veneer. The opportunity to save money with good quality workmanship is provided precisely in this case;
- There are no joints at the ends of the door; often it is in these places that the film begins to peel off on cheap doors. In eco-veneer this is excluded because she wraps herself inside.
- appearance reminiscent of natural wood texture. Only upon careful study can you notice that the pattern on the eco-veneer is repeated;
- resistance to external environmental factors: high humidity, temperature changes. They are practical in terms of care - any contamination can be cleaned using detergents;
- wear resistance and maintaining good appearance throughout the entire service life. And it is up to 10 years;
- environmental safety of the material; no harmful impurities or additives are used in its production.
Among the negative aspects of such interior doors are:
- significant damage will only lead to replacement, since they cannot be repaired;
- lack of sound insulation due to design features: the canvas is hollow inside; in some models, cardboard can be used for filling.
Note that the disadvantages are not significant. And speaking in general, the purchase of eco-veneer doors can be called profitable if they have a sufficiently long period of use.
BELWOODDOORS
The company, originally from Belarus, is confidently conquering the market throughout the post-Soviet space. One of the features of the products is concern for noise insulation, which is combined with a laconic design and wear resistance. The popularity of the factory has become so high that they even started making fakes, so it is better to deal only with official dealers. And then there will be no questions about durability.
Solid pine and MDF, enamel. ARVIKA Solid pine with honeycomb filling. PALLADIO
From 5,000 rub. from 6,900 rub.
What is better eco-veneer or veneer?
Natural wood is “more capricious”, therefore natural veneer is inferior to eco-veneer in its quality characteristics. Resistance to wet environments and durability are their big advantages.
Factories produce eco-veneer with such high quality that it is difficult to distinguish it from natural veneer in appearance. Plastic is more durable than wood and more practical. Therefore, consumers increasingly prefer interior doors coated with eco-veneer.
Production
Where are el'Porta brand products produced? The doors of this manufacturer are manufactured in our country using foreign equipment. Thanks to well-thought-out production technology, it is possible to comply with all quality standards. Expensive materials make the brand’s products more popular and durable.
The workshop for the production of ElPorta doors is located at the Ryazan factory. From there the goods are distributed throughout the country. The use of various technological operations helps to achieve unique characteristics of the door leaf. It becomes similar to natural wood. The use of an edgeless system guarantees resistance to abrasions, long service life of the doors, as well as excellent performance characteristics of the product. Japanese polypropylene coating provides ElPorta doors with additional protection.
Doors made of PVC or eco-veneer, which is better?
PVC doors - consist of plates covered with polyvinyl chloride film. At an inexpensive cost, they are practical and look aesthetically pleasing. However, a number of restrictions should be taken into account for their installation. PVC is negatively affected by exposure to direct sunlight, as well as a high risk of mechanical damage.
If we talk about choosing between PVC and eco-veneer, then you should look at the comparison table. In it we will present only those properties in which they differ significantly:
Criterion | Eco-veneer doors | PVC doors |
Wear resistance | In terms of strength, they occupy a leading position among interior doors. | Durability is average, it is not recommended to install in rooms where the likelihood of mechanical damage is high. |
Noise insulation | Bad | good |
Reaction to direct sunlight, safety and environmental friendliness | Do not fade and do not emit toxic substances: chlorine compounds, phenol and formaldehyde | With prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, they are capable of releasing toxic substances, are safe and environmentally friendly |
Appearance | Some models are second only to natural solid wood, so they can be installed even in expensive interiors | Looks simple |
Their eco-veneer doors have a more presentable appearance and are safe. In this they are significantly superior to PVC models. Therefore, when choosing, it is necessary to rely on the quality of the products, their compliance with safety and environmental standards.
el'PORTA
The manufacturer promises European quality at the prices we are accustomed to. The range includes euro veneer, eco veneer, 3d-graf and enamel. Let's figure out what is what. The essence of euro veneer and eco veneer is the same: these are environmentally friendly materials, which in texture repeat the type of natural wood. At the same time, they are protected from the damage that is characteristic of it, but by less “innocent” substances.
Euro veneer. Legno-38 Eco veneer. Porta-50A-6
from 2,812 rub. from RUR 2,812
3d-graf is not called an environmentally friendly material, but it is awarded the epithet “innovative”. Its main advantage is that it is resistant to mechanical damage, but within reasonable limits. And, of course, very inexpensive. A coating similar to enamel - enamel, is a little more expensive. But in addition to dirt and scratches, it will even repel handprints.
3d-graf. Porta-22 Emalit. Porta-62
from RUR 1,764 from RUR 2,983
According to the manufacturer, the average budget for their company’s doors for a 2-3-room apartment is 25-30 thousand. Agree, there is a noticeable difference with Italian brands. And with the money saved, representatives of el'PORTA offer to go to this sunny country.
Colors
Eco-veneer is made in a variety of shades: from natural wood to unusual color schemes. The structure of any tree can be transferred to the door leaf.
The most popular are shades of the brown spectrum with a distinct pattern of wood structure.
In addition to natural tones, the following colors can be used for painting eco-veneer: white, gray, pearl, any pastel, beige.
Door Eco-veneer, Cappuccino Oak
Door Eco-veneer, Cappuccino Veralinga
For each interior you can choose the right shade.
Classic style, as well as Provence, prefer doors of classic wooden color. This can be veneer of any wood, depending on the consumer’s preferences: bleached oak, ash, mahogany, etc.
Door Eco-veneer, dark oak
Interior door, Wenge Veralinga
The Scandinavian style, popular in recent years, is characterized by a white base, so doors in white or smoky gray would be a suitable option.
Manufacturers
Almost all Russian factories of interior doors have eco-veneer sheets in their assortment. This is due to the great demand and attention to such products.
Among the popular manufacturers, we will designate several brands:
- Volkhovets . A large enterprise engaged in the manufacture of doors and accessories of any type. Veneered doors are made of such high quality that it makes them stylish and difficult to distinguish from those made of solid wood. An innovative approach to the production of eco-veneer allows you to get excellent results at an inexpensive price.
- Matadoor . The company is a door manufacturer that has been operating on the market for more than 10 years and offers consumers a wide range of doors of varying levels of complexity. It offers high-quality eco-veneer doors in different design options: solid, in combination with glass or frosted inserts. Large selection of colors.
- Factory Profilo Porte . A joint Russian-Italian project that has announced itself in our market under the MariaM brand. A large selection of interior door models produced by this factory allows you to choose the option of the desired size, color and product quality (confirmed by relevant certificates).
- Bravo . Modern and classic doors made in Russia are presented by the Bravo factory. More than 100 models can satisfy the taste of any consumer. There is a wide selection of interior doors coated with eco-veneer in various configuration options.
"Alvero"
The brand, originally from Maykop, is a continuation of Leader LLC and specializes in a different segment. These are doors made of solid oak and beech. The most durable types of wood, but the price, as you might guess, is appropriate. By the way, this is one of the few factories that provides a 5-year guarantee on its products, most others - only a couple of years.
Oak door Elizabeth 4 Beech door Rome
31,000 rub. RUR 33,400
By the way, doors from the premium collection are produced under the VIPORE , which boasts its own production in the foothills of the Caucasus and the largest showroom in Russia.
Options for interior doors made of eco-veneer in the interior
It is necessary to select interior doors according to the interior style of the apartment. There are several types of doors and each of them can be in harmony with the rest of the space. For example, the classic style of the room will be complemented by a blank, laconic canvas or with frosted glass panels of smooth shapes. Modern interiors require clearer lines. Universal doors in a standard color will perfectly match any style of home.
Let us note several color schemes for eco-veneer door panels used as interior additions:
- brown wood shades are the best option for houses in which among the finishing materials there is natural wood or other materials that look like wood;
- light shades look elegant and stylish. The wood pattern gives the impression that the doors are made of solid oak;
- the dark shade of Wenge stands out well against the white background of the rest of the room’s decoration.
"Sofia"
This factory supplies its products not only throughout Russia, but also abroad - why not guarantee quality? In addition, the company is distinguished by a truly stylish design. If many competitors are stuck in the classic style, adapted in the 90s, then this factory will give a head start to leading European manufacturers in the style of its models. The downside is the long wait for an order (and time to save up for it).
Cedar, cortex 93.94 Opal matte, varnish 74.94 ML
from RUR 29,209 from RUR 32,726
How to care?
Although eco-veneer film is quite practical to care for, you should know that it can be damaged by using cleaning products with a rough abrasive composition. To clean light dirt, you can use a damp soft cloth. It is permissible to use non-aggressive liquid detergents.
Persistent stains from natural veneer and eco-veneer can be removed using means that can be found in the arsenal of any housewife. Prepare a water-soap or alcohol solution in a ratio of 10:1 and clean the stains with a soft cloth.
If greasy stains appear on a veneered door, you can deal with them using half a potato. Thoroughly wipe the area where the potatoes are contaminated and, after the juice has dried, clean with a dry soft cloth. The fat will be removed along with the starch.
Eco-veneer is not afraid of moisture, so there is no need to worry if it was not removed dry. It does not require additional protection. Glass inserts are cleaned with special products designed for this purpose.
Installation of a plastic entrance door structure
Installing a plastic door is not an easy task, it will be difficult for one person to do it, so at least two people are needed.
Door frame installation
The box can be installed in several ways:
- 1st method. You can insert the box and secure it with wedges around the perimeter;
- 2nd method. It is necessary to drive two nails into the base of the end so that their heads protrude a few millimeters, after which the box is inserted into the opening under the “limiters” and wedges are also used to securely fasten it.
When driving in wedges, it is important to be careful not to damage the fasteners or deform the box itself.
Now you need to take a drill and use it to drill a hole in the profile in the wall with an 11 mm drill. The distance between the holes should be 150 mm from the corners and 300 mm at the remaining distance. Next, the created voids must be expanded using a 10 mm drill to the required depth. Using a hammer, a dowel is driven into the prepared hole and the hardware is screwed in. It is worth applying sealant under its cap before screwing it in. If the wedges protrude a little, they will definitely need to be cut off with a circular saw to level them with the surface of the box.
Filling gaps
All gaps formed between the wall and the frame must be completely filled with polyurethane foam. If the gap is large, then first install an additional wire base, after which the foam is blown in.
After the foam has completely dried (24 hours), you need to cut off all excess with a mounting knife.
Installation of slopes
If, when installing wooden doors, the slopes are foamed with a liquid mixture, then with plastic doors everything is much simpler. The slope elements can be either metal or wood and are attached to the wall using self-tapping screws and dowels. And the space between the wall and the panel is filled with mineral wool. Next, using polymer glue, universal corners are attached to the finishing panels.
Hanging the canvas
The process of installing a plastic door is almost over; all that remains is to hang the panel and check how the door opens and closes and whether the structure fits tightly. If it is discovered that the canvas is skewed or does not open (close) well, then it will need to be adjusted. There are special bolts at the bottom, top and side that allow you to change the pressure of the door leaf.
Installation of closer
A door closer is not a mandatory element of installing a plastic door, but it can be installed at the request of the owners. It is especially useful in families with children and who do not always close the doors behind them: in this case, the door closer will be an excellent assistant.
It can be installed either outside the door or from the inside. Each door closer comes with instructions for use, which should be carefully studied.
Installing a locking system
The plastic door can be equipped with standard single-point locks. But there are several other types of locks with multiple locks:
- Multi-clamp;
- Multi-point.
Multi-pressure ones are good because they press well against the frame, while not allowing cold into the house, which ensures heat retention. This lock is perfect for an entrance door that separates a cold street from a warm room.
A multi-point lock is reliable in that it increases resistance to burglary
It has several longer tongues, which, when trying to break in, are much more difficult to squeeze out than a regular single-point lock. But if you want to install a lock so that it is impossible to break into it, and so that the door retains heat, you should pay attention to a multi-clamp anti-burglary mechanism. This type of lock has cap-shaped reeds and it will be very difficult to break them
Customer Reviews
The opinions of those who purchased and installed eco-veneer doors in their homes were divided into positive and negative. Supporters recommend them, noting their affordable cost and stylish appearance. Opponents say that the stated service life does not correspond to reality.
Maria : “At first we installed an eco-veneer door only in the bathroom. Then we gradually changed all the interior doors. I really liked the appearance, they look quite stylish and beautiful. In addition, their cost played a decisive role.”
Dmitry : “The consultant praised me, but in the end they were dissatisfied with the fact that the quality of the material left much to be desired. A small scratch became critical for the veneer film. The savings resulted in additional costs for us. It’s possible that we got a low-quality model.”
Advantages
Market research shows that door products covered with PVC film are in the middle and low price segment. Therefore, people with average incomes are mainly interested in such designs, who have a desire to purchase interior doors at an affordable price with the following properties:
- quality;
- wear-resistant;
- durable;
- attractive.
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It must be said that, judging by the reviews, most buyers are satisfied with the purchase. They only note that often the door structure is completed only with the frame, but trims and other additional elements must be purchased separately.
The low weight of this design allows the door frame to be fastened only with polyurethane foam, as shown in the photo. This greatly simplifies and reduces the cost of the installation process, and also saves time.