A simple yet sturdy staple of the British home - both indoors and out. A framed, ledged and braced door has a highly functional construction and an appealing look that is rich, textured and undeniably traditional. If you're not familiar with the name, you'll certainly be aware of the stable and distinctive beam arrangements that make up a framed, ledged and braced door. So why has this classic door style endured and what makes it so uniquely special?
FL&B doors have been incredibly popular for hundreds of years owing to a basic yet brilliant construction that really doesn't need to be improved upon. You may have seen them in the cosy aesthetic of a country cottage, rustic barn conversion and vintage-style interior or in purely practical applications such as shed doors, garages, garden gates and storage spaces. It's this perfect melding of charm, character and no-nonsense functionality that makes a framed, ledged and braced door or wooden gate so desirable to any homeowner, professional or DIY enthusiast.
So, What Does Framed, Ledged & Braced Actually Mean?
Framed, ledged and braced is the name given to a wooden door or gate made up of vertical, horizontal and diagonal wooden elements to create the door's sturdy, traditional and attractive structure. A number of key construction techniques are used in the making of an FL&B door, including tongue and groove to interlock each wooden board. Various other wooden stiles, rails and bars are also positioned across the door to protect against warping and loss of shape over time. Here's what each component of the term actually means:
Framed:
The "framed" part of an FL&B door specifically refers to the arrangement of wooden stiles (vertical) and rails (horizontal) that make up a border that frames the door. This creates the robust and rigid structure of your framed, ledged and braced door. You'll discover that some doors are fully framed, ledged and braced - or just ledged and braced - depending on their specific application.
Some doors will require this additional outer frame to create a more sturdy structure while other doors will only need to be ledged and braced in applications where something less heavy duty yet more cost-effective and easy to use is required. For example, an internal door may not need to be "framed" as the interior of your home is a less demanding, hazardous or harsh environment and you'll want something instead that is much more lightweight when moving from room to room.
Ledged:
Ledges are the horizontal wooden planks secured at the top, middle and bottom sections of the door that will support the structure of your FL&B door and provide stability. Whereas the framed structure may only be found on certain types of this door style, the top, middle and bottom ledges are vital in ensuring that your traditional wooden door holds its shape and doesn't warp, twist, sag or fall apart.
Braced:
Finally, the braces are those diagonally arranged wooden planks that run from the top ledge to the middle ledge and from the middle to the bottom ledge. The braced elements not only create a rigidity to prevent warping, they also provide protection against impacts, evenly distribute the weight of the door and help hold up against the frequent opening, closing and even accidental slamming of your door.
What We Offer...
At Door Giant, we offer a wide range of high quality, hardwearing and visually stunning framed, ledged and braced doors to perfectly suit all aspects of your latest project. Browse some of the most trusted brands in the industry, including JB Kind, LPD Doors and XL Joinery with us today...
JB Kind Framed, Ledged & Braced Shed Door/Wooden Gate
Ideal as a shed, summerhouse, garden office, studio shed and cabin door, or simply as a wooden gate in your garden. This incredibly popular Framed, Ledged & Braced Shed Door/Wooden Gate from JB Kind has a solid construction and an appealingly knotty appearance that will fit seamlessly into any rustic structure or back garden setting. Available in a range of sizes and can be hung to either hand.
XL Joinery Unfinished Pine Ledged & Braced Arched Top Wooden Gate
Featuring an attractive arched design, this smart, traditional, natural pine external gate is simply ideal for any garden or side gate project. Manufactured using a tongue and groove method with the braces fixed with staples, this ledged and braced gate is sure to be an attractive and long-lasting choice anywhere you hang it. Available unfinished and ready to paint or stain to perfectly complement your home or garden.
LPD Unfinished Redwood Ledged & Braced Shed Door/Wooden Gate
A striking, unique, LB redwood door that is filled with rich, knotty details and a classic double z-braced back to suit any shed, summerhouse or cabin door project. Available unfinished and ready to paint or stain, this wooden door is a great choice for anyone who loves to make the most of the eye-catching, organic textures of natural wood.
