For centuries, the door was expected to reveal how it was created; rails, stiles, mouldings, and recessed panels were always a component of the design, giving conventional interiors their architectural identity. However, the door became quiet; instead of complicated designs, flat surfaces began replacing complicated profiles, and the flush door appeared as an alternative that eventually became directly connected to modern interiors.
The change was not merely about changing tastes; the evolution of plywood, composite cores, and factory production made the possibility of making doors with hidden inner structures and a smooth face.
Panel Doors: When Construction Was Part of the Design
Classic panel doors are made with an evident structure of vertical stiles and horizontal rails, with the light panels inside. The construction itself serves as a significant part.
This concept suited architectural styles when the quality of workmanship, ornamentation and proportion were of great importance. The panel could be designed in such a way that designers had a great opportunity to make elaborate details.
Besides, panel doors were accessible through mass production in the first part of the last century. Historical literature shows that flush doors were still very popular in the first decades of the 20th century and the inter-war period.
The Rise of Flush Doors
The point of concern was the visual complexity. Each rail, stile or moulding adds another line to the surface. As the architectural design proceeded to simple shapes, the visual language that was used in panel doors no longer suited the form.
Instead of revealing the internal structural feature of an object, it covered the frame or core under flat surfaces.
The invention of plywood proved very useful in this case. It was possible to cover a lightweight core with the help of plywood pieces that would serve as flat surfaces.
Thus, a handbook for residential construction published in 1945 already pointed out the usefulness of plywood flush doors as compared with other types of doors, which could also be applied in case they had to upgrade the existing traditional doors.
This idea was especially relevant to institutional buildings. It should be noted that the flush doors were used in hospitals after the First World War due to their ease of cleaning.
Flush Doors and Modern Architecture
The Modern movement gave rise to the use of flush surfaces in the 1920s, serving as representatives of simpler and more industrial architecture.
That is an important aspect of the history of design: the flush door became popular not only due to its modern appearance.
In the post-war period, the door industry went through a transition characterised by the introduction of new techniques.
At the same time, Plywood and hardboard external features could be used for doors, which employ lightweight core construction.
According to the building literature of the time, a flush door is nothing but a product manufactured at a factory, with its core being either plywood or wood with edges. Due to the concealed method in which a flush door is manufactured, it differs from conventional doors since frames can be seen in them.
Because of the move to factory production, the expectations regarding the manufacturing of flush doors changed. Flush doors would be made in accordance with specific sizes and measurements.
Why Flush Doors Fit Modern Interiors
Flush doors look even better than before because the flush mechanism fits perfectly into modern and minimalist design. Flush doors look less obtrusive than other doors. They can be incorporated into the wall or stand out due to a contrast between a door and a wall. Flush doors can be painted or laminated according to the buyer’s needs.
Royale Touche Plywood defines flush doors as flat doors without recessed or protruding surfaces, unlike other doors.
The flexibility of flush doors allowed them to go beyond the status of a construction element. It is possible to produce a door that goes unnoticed by common people but plays an important role in the overall design.
The Shift Was Not a Complete Rejection of Panel Doors
Although the popularity of flush doors increased, it does not mean that panel doors disappeared completely. Each door has its advantages according to the purpose they are made for.
Panel doors are still good for classical construction, while flush doors are preferred if one needs simple and clean lines in the interior.
At any rate, one cannot say that one kind of door is better than another because it should meet the particular needs of people.
Modern flush doors can be produced using various building techniques. The company Royale Touche states that its flush doors consist of two layers of wood with the help of special technology, which ensures the use of materials resistant to humidity and insects.
Conclusion
Flush doors appeared because of the changes that happened in construction products. Panel doors made craftsmanship visible, while the design of flush doors conceals the inside mechanism and makes cleaning easier.
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