Letterbox in Composite Doors Guide
Composite doors are secure, durable, and come in a great range of designs, which is why they're so popular.
But can you put a letterbox on one of these doors? The short answer is yes; you can put a letter box in a composite door. But how do you go about doing this?
In this article, we'll explore this topic, offering helpful suggestions and advice on how to add a letterbox to your composite door.
Before You Begin
Although you should be able to fit a letterbox to your made-to-measure door, always check with your door manufacturer first.
You don't want to void your warranty accidentally. Once you've established this fact, you can get to work.
The DIY Way
If you're already a big DIYer, this should come naturally. Although, even if you're not, these easy-to-follow instructions will help you quickly set up a letterbox on your new composite door and with minimal hassle.
Typically, a letterbox will already be installed on your front door; however, in some cases, the only way to install one is to do it yourself (or hire a professional). This process shouldn't take you more than a couple of hours (even just one hour if you're efficient!).
What you'll need
Installing a letterbox on a composite door may prove challenging, even more so than uPVC doors. Fortunately, it doesn't require specialist equipment though. You'll need the following essential tools:
- A pencil and a ruler
- A drill (and an extension if your plug point is located far away)
- A jigsaw
- File
- And a letterbox to install.
Step 1: Mark it out
Of course, you can't just start cutting away at your door without knowing where and how much you need to cut. Usually, letterboxes are in the middle of the door and are level with the door handle.
However, specific composite door designs may prove challenging, and if your front door has a side panel with obscured glass, your mailbox should be installed there.
Begin by marking the area where you want your letterbox to be. Start measuring this with your ruler by going across the door to determine where the centre is (or equivalent if meant to be installed elsewhere).
Draw a rectangle around the location you've marked, such as at the side panel, again using your ruler to ensure it's completely straight.
Step 2: Drill holes
Drilling into a Composite Door may seem difficult due to the materials they are made from, but it can be done by adding accessories or adjusting them when needed.
Next, ensure that all edges and angles of your rectangle are perfect before proceeding with this step. Get your drill and start drilling holes into each corner of the rectangle. This will make it easier for you when you're working on the following step.
Step 3: Start sawing
It may prove challenging because of how strong composite doors are, but, similarly to cutting down a composite door, it should be possible to cut through the material.
Get your jigsaw and start cutting, staying between the lines the entire time. Use your file to fix any imperfections after the fact, and make sure to be thorough.
Step 4: Installation
Now that you've gone through all this trouble, it's time to check if your letterbox fits. If it's okay, you can now start drilling in the studs. Hold your letterbox over the front door, cover it with a cloth, and tap each corner with your mallet.
This will make it easy for you to see the locations of the studs on the front door.
Drill the study holes, attach the nuts, and voila, you've successfully fitted in your letterbox and letter plate. Find more advice on composite doors here if you're ready for your next challenge!
When in Doubt, Get Help
If the above sounds a bit too challenging, or you're simply not comfortable drilling and sawing away, you can always hire a professional to do the job.
There are many handypersons out there that can have this done quickly. But if you've learnt anything from this article, don't let them tell you that this is a big job; it isn't!
And If You Need a New Door...
Contact us at Value Doors for professional help buying excellent composite doors that are not only strong but also incredibly durable.
We're passionate about ensuring that everyone gets a door that suits their home and is of high quality.
Final thoughts
Installing a letterbox in your composite door is a fairly straightforward DIY task. However, hiring a professional could be the wisest move if you're uncertain. After all, any cutting or drilling mistakes could be expensive!
