I'm planning to replace the rather flimsy front door of my house (1970s, probably pine framing, with large upper and lower glass panels) with a more modern timber one that will keep the cold out better. Probably timber panels, with only a small amount of glazing in the upper half.
Looking at the popular DIY stores sites, I see many doors which are described as "oak veneer". Are they really robust enough for outdoor use, or should I stick to "hardwoord door" or other such description? Even "hardwood door" could, I suppose, be a veneer, so what are the buzzwords I need to look for please?
Secondly, many of the pictures on the web sites show the doors without any letter box or other ironmongery. Is it standard procedure to have to cut the letterbox slot yourself, or if there's no slot does that mean the door would be weakened too much if one was to put one in?
Looking at the popular DIY stores sites, I see many doors which are described as "oak veneer". Are they really robust enough for outdoor use, or should I stick to "hardwoord door" or other such description? Even "hardwood door" could, I suppose, be a veneer, so what are the buzzwords I need to look for please?
Secondly, many of the pictures on the web sites show the doors without any letter box or other ironmongery. Is it standard procedure to have to cut the letterbox slot yourself, or if there's no slot does that mean the door would be weakened too much if one was to put one in?