Found the perfect door style? Now it’s time to decide on the finish — and it’s more important than you might think.
At DoorsDelivered, we offer a wide range of internal doors to suit every home and every project — and they come in three main finishes: Unfinished, Primed, and Pre-finished. Each offers its own benefits depending on your style, timeline, budget, and whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or looking for a quick install.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between door finishes so you can make the best decision for your home.
🔎 What Is a Door Finish?
A door finish refers to the stage of treatment a door has received before it reaches your home. Finishes affect appearance, durability, and the amount of work needed before installation. Choosing the right one ensures your door looks great and performs well over time.
🛠️ 1. Unfinished Doors – Best for Customisation & DIY Projects
Ideal for: Homeowners who want total control over the final look.
What is it?
An unfinished door is sanded and ready for treatment but has not been primed, painted, or stained. It’s essentially a blank canvas.
Pros:
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✅ Freedom to customise with any paint, stain, or wax
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✅ Great for achieving a perfect colour match or bespoke style
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✅ Ideal for DIY enthusiasts who enjoy a hands-on project
Cons:
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❌ Requires additional finishing work before installation
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❌ More maintenance over time if not sealed properly
At DoorsDelivered, we offer a selection of beautiful unfinished oak doors like the Oak Shaker, perfect for a natural or rustic finish.
🎨 2. Primed Doors – Ready for Your Colour Choice
Ideal for: Homeowners who want to paint their doors but skip the prep.
What is it?
A primed door has been pre-coated with a primer — a special undercoat that seals the surface and ensures smooth, durable paint application.
Pros:
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✅ Saves time on prep work
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✅ Allows you to paint the door in any colour you choose
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✅ Reduces long-term maintenance thanks to proper wood sealing
Cons:
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❌ Still needs a top coat of paint
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❌ Edges may require additional priming after trimming
Whether you’re going for classic white or a bold statement colour, primed internal doors are a reliable and flexible middle ground.
🚪 3. Pre-finished Doors – Quick, Easy, and Hassle-Free
Ideal for: Busy homeowners or projects on tight deadlines.
What is it?
Pre-finished doors (also called factory-finished) are fully treated, painted, and ready to hang — no extra work needed.
Pros:
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✅ Saves time — no painting or finishing required
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✅ Professional-grade, factory-applied finish
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✅ Perfect for quick installations or minimal-maintenance homes
Cons:
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❌ Edges may still need sealing if trimmed
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❌ Less customisation – you’re limited to the colours available
Our best-selling Pre-finished Black Soho Glazed door offers a sleek, modern look without any extra effort — perfect for contemporary interiors.
✅ Quick Comparison: Which Door Finish Should You Choose?
| Finish Type | Ready to Paint? | Customisable? | Ready to Install? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unfinished | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | DIY & Bespoke Projects |
| Primed | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Colour Matching with Less Prep |
| Pre-finished | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Fast & Easy Installations |
🛒 Explore Our Full Range of Internal Door Finishes
At DoorsDelivered, we stock an extensive selection of Unfinished, Primed, and Pre-finished internal doors from trusted brands like LPD, and XL Joinery all with nationwide delivery and clear pricing (VAT included).
Whether you’re renovating a single room or fitting out an entire home, you’ll find the right door to suit your style and schedule.
👉 Browse Internal Doors by Finish
📞 Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which door finish is right for your project? Our team is happy to help. Contact us for expert advice or to request touch-up paint for edge trimming.