As yet another PM resigns, at least the Downing St door survives the test of time, says Green Doors founder Joseph Holman.
As the political revolving door spins once again following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, an award winning British sustainability entrepreneur has called on the country to take a vital lesson in longevity from the front door of No. 10 Downing Street.
Joseph Holman, founder of Luton-based upcycling company Green Doors, has revealed that while prime ministers come and go with increasing frequency, the threshold they cross is a masterclass in durability and resource preservation.
Holman, whose company recently received The King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, says Downing Street’s front door is one of Britain’s most sustainable entrances.
“When people think about sustainability, they usually think about buying something brand new made of eco-friendly, fast growing timber,” said Holman.
“But real sustainability is about built-to-last durability, meticulous repair and extending the life of what we’ve already produced. Prime ministers might be transient but that front door is a lesson in lifelong maintenance.”
The secret of the Downing Street door
The iconic black front door is not actually made of wood, nor is it a single asset. Following an IRA mortar attack in 1991, the original 1735 timber door was replaced by a high security, blast-proof steel composite structure.
Every few years, the door is completely removed, stripped back, repainted and refurbished by specialists while an identical twin takes its place on the hinges.
“Giving a door a full service makes a lot of sense and will a little bit of care doors can last for years and years.
“Doors are very expensive when you buy them new. So looking after your door is important, ” explains Holman, whose business has rescued over 20,000 items from landfill.
“Downing Street doesn’t throw a door away when it gets scuffed or when a new leader moves in. They invest in structural longevity, stripping it back and giving it a second life.”
Joseph Holman’s top maintenance tips to stop your door hitting the skip
To help everyday homeowners mirror the longevity of No. 10, Holman has shared five essential door maintenance practices compiled from the experts at Green Doors.
Clear the tracks and frames
Consistently clean out dirt and debris from sliding or bifold tracks, ridges, grooves and joints to prevent operational strain.
Lubricate the moving parts
Regularly oil and lubricate hinges, locking systems and tracking hardware to prevent sticking and unnatural mechanical wear.
Inspect and swap worn weather seals
Check your draught seals frequently and replace damaged weather stripping to protect against water entry and maximise home energy efficiency.
Schedule timely realignments
If a door begins to stick, catch, or create draughts, arrange a professional alignment check to stop uneven, long-term structural warping.
ABOUT JOSEPH HOLMAN AND GREEN DOORS
Joseph Holman is the CEO and founder of upcycling company Green Doors, which started with a door he found in a skip. The business now produces revenues of close to £2m and has 6 employees.
Last year the business saved over 3000 items destined for landfill and currently has over 1600 doors for sale in its 25,000 square foot warehouse. Holman is on a mission to provide every door with a second life and to stop UPVC going to landfill.
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