CNC Door Strips: Modernise a Steel Door with 8″, 12″ or 16″ Strips

A single CNC strip down the middle or side of a steel door gives it a modern look for a fraction of the cost of a full panel. Here is how to choose the width, position and backing.

CNC designs By Antoh Decor Enterprises 3 min read

Key points

  • CNC door strips are narrow laser-cut panels in 8″, 12″ and 16″ widths, 16 gauge, designs 101 to 105.
  • Use 8″ for a subtle accent, 12″ for most doors, 16″ for wide doors and pedestrian gates.
  • Place the strip in the centre for symmetry or off-centre for a modern look.
  • Back the strip with sheet or glass for privacy and security.
CNC Door Strips: Modernise a Steel Door with 8″, 12″ or 16″ Strips
CNC Door Strips 8″, 12″ & 16″ (Designs 101–105) — Antoh Decor Enterprises, Nairobi

Not every door needs a full CNC panel. A CNC door strip, a narrow laser-cut band running the height of the door, gives a plain steel door a modern, designed look with less material and less cutting.

Choosing the width

WidthEffectBest for
8″Subtle accentNarrow doors, double doors (one strip per leaf)
12″BalancedMost single steel doors
16″Bold featureWide doors, pedestrian gates

All widths are cut in 16 gauge steel, in designs 101 to 105.

Where to place the strip

  • Centre: symmetrical and formal; ideal for main entrance doors.
  • Off-centre (near the hinge side): modern and architectural.
  • Two strips on a double door, mirrored, so they meet in the middle when closed.

Backing the strip

A cut-out pattern lets light, air and sight through. For an external door, back it with plain sheet or checkered plate for security and privacy, or with frosted glass if you want light. A contrasting colour behind the strip (for example gold behind a black door) makes the pattern pop.

Making the door

  1. Build the door frame and fit the main sheet with an opening for the strip.
  2. Weld the strip in with short stitches to avoid distortion.
  3. Fit hinges (our butterfly hinges are a popular choice) and a door closer if needed.
  4. Finish with powder coating.

Door strip ideas

  • Main entrance: a 12″ strip in the centre, black door with a gold backing behind the cut-outs.
  • Double doors: two 8″ strips, one on each leaf beside the meeting edge, so they form one feature when closed.
  • Pedestrian gate: a 16″ strip matching the CNC pattern on the main gate.
  • Shop or office door: a strip with frosted glass behind it for light and privacy.

Strip or full panel?

Door stripFull CNC panel
LookClean accentBold, whole-door pattern
Material and cuttingLessMore
PrivacyHigh (most of the door is solid)Depends on backing
Best forMost homes and officesFeature doors and gates

Common mistakes

  • No backing on an external door, leaving a weak, see-through panel.
  • A strip that does not line up with the handle and lock position. Plan the strip around the hardware.
  • Long welds that bow the door sheet; stitch-weld instead.

For full-panel doors see CNC gate and pedestrian door panels. Ask for a price on the CNC door strips page.

CNC Door Strips: Modernise a Steel Door with 8″, 12″ or 16″ Strips — photo 1CNC Door Strips: Modernise a Steel Door with 8″, 12″ or 16″ Strips — photo 2CNC Door Strips: Modernise a Steel Door with 8″, 12″ or 16″ Strips — photo 3

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Frequently asked questions

What widths do CNC door strips come in?

8 inch, 12 inch and 16 inch, in 16 gauge steel.

Which width is best for a standard door?

12 inch suits most single steel doors.

Do I need backing behind a CNC strip?

On external doors, yes: sheet, checkered plate or frosted glass behind the strip keeps the door secure and private.

Can the strip be a different colour from the door?

Yes, a contrasting backing colour is a popular way to make the pattern stand out.

Where to buy in Nairobi

Visit Antoh Decor Enterprises at either branch, Monday to Saturday, or order on WhatsApp for delivery anywhere in Kenya: Nairobi estates, Kiambu, Thika, Machakos, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa and every other county.

Antoh Decor Enterprises Kariobangi Branch

  • Kariobangi Rounda, Next to Cooperative Bank, Nairobi
  • +254795005096
  • Monday to Saturday

Antoh Decor Enterprises Gikomba Branch

  • Gikomba, Near Absa Bank, Nairobi
  • 0795005045
  • Monday to Saturday

Prices on request

Get a quote

Tell us what you need, the sizes and quantities, and where to deliver. We will call or WhatsApp you with the price.

  • Wholesale, fundi and retail prices
  • Delivery countrywide
  • Branches in Gikomba and Kariobangi, Nairobi

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