A door is often one of the most visible parts of any household, and one you and your guests see and interact with a lot. Because of their high level of visibility, a quality, well-fitting door is an essential part of any remodel and can bring a whole house concept together. If you are remodeling your home, building a new home or thinking about either, read on to learn about the different types of doors and what are the best options for your house so you can make an informed decision and love your home for years to come.
Types Of Interior Doors
While outside doors are usually limited with constraints because they have to hold up under the elements and other harsh conditions, interior doors come in many varying shapes, sizes and styles to best tie in with the overall concept of the surrounding rooms. Therefore, it is essential to know the different doors so you can understand and design rooms which flow together.
Panel Doors
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The first types of doors we will discuss are panel doors most commonly used for the interior of residential buildings. These panel doors have square or rectangular patterns. These patterns can range anywhere from a single large panel to eight or more small panels. The designs can also include rounded tops and decorative finishes and glass inserts to add extra glamor. Several panel interior door styles are trending in new homes, including the three-panel mission, five-panel equal and standard whole panel door. If you are looking for a versatile and straightforward design, then panel doors may be for you.
Flush Doors
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Our second concept is rather simple as flush types of doors offer a clean and classic option for your home. The door is entirely flat and provides an affordable price tag for most homeowners. It is most popular among modern style houses or even open concept rooms where the door is meant to be a non-focal point, so when it is open it doesn’t detract from the place, and when it is closed, it seamlessly flows with the wall beside it.
Bifold Doors
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The next concept is bifold doors, which are a set of interior doors hinged together. The hinges fold into each other and are mounted and hung from a track. You can commonly find Bifold interior types of doors in smaller places. You will find them in areas like bedroom closets, laundry rooms, and the kitchen pantry. However, these doors can be used anywhere a large space may need to be cordoned off without the room for regular double doors.
We recommend using this entry in small spaces, or in areas where you’re hesitant to dedicate a full swinging door footprint not only to save you space but also give you more versatility with your rooms.
French Doors
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French doors add a dramatic touch to any entryway. This door configuration contains two hinge-hung doors. These hinges are mounted on either side of the opening that swings towards one another. You may often see french doors use glass inserts or decorative panels to add glamor to your space. Which make these interior doors awesome in areas meant to put a room of your home on display, like music rooms, home offices, living rooms, master bedrooms, and dining rooms.
We recommend anyone who has the budget and wants to show off a place to use these as they will undoubtedly hold the attention of all your guests or potential clients.
Sliding Doors
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Sliding types of doors are configured by hanging two or more interior doors mounted to a track. Because they do not swing, they are useful in areas with no open floor space. However, these doors still require space to either the right or left of each door. This will ensure the doors can slide freely back and forth to provide a full enough entry into the door’s room.
These interior doors can be used to provide a unique option for rooms. Especially for rooms that may originally have been constructed for a French door opening that either can’t fit or does not fit the style of the room. We would recommend these doors to anyone with an open concept house who may look to connect rooms on some days and segment them on different days.
Pocket Doors
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One of the oldest concepts on our list, pocket doors are an “old school” style that has recently come back into fashion. These interior types of doors act similarly to a sliding door but are usually just a single door mounted to a rolling overhead track. You can expect this track to slide into a prepared space within the wall. Newer versions of the pocket door allow double doors to be stored in areas on either side of the doorway.
An added benefit to the pocket door is that the wall hides all parts of the door. This benefit means these doors are an excellent option for rooms where the door rarely needs to be closed. Pocket doors work quite well in small spaces like toilet rooms, passages, closets, and music rooms. As with the sliding doors above, we would recommend this style of a door for anyone with an open concept house, and their rise in popularity has mirrored that of the open concept.
Interior Door Material
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Next, we will discuss three different materials for your types of doors, so you have the information to pick the best option for your home. A more expensive material will usually mean a thicker and sturdier door, which we would recommend for anyone who is looking to protect a room from an unwanted guest or who wants to make a grand impression. Otherwise, any of the materials on our list should get the job done.
Solid Wood Doors
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The first option is solid wood doors that naturally have the most heft and weight to their feel. They are sturdy, offering resistance to cracking or chipping, and have a pleasing aesthetic appeal. While the most expensive option, many buyers consider solid wood to be a good value due to their long-lasting composition. Solid wood interior types of doors also offer excellent insulation and provide a natural sound barrier.
Solid Core Doors
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The second option on our list is solid core doors. Made from plywood or a molded composite exterior and filled-wood-fiber interior, solid core doors look and feel similar to that of a solid wood door. They do this while effectively maintaining the same quality feel. Again, they offer excellent insulation and provide a quality sound barrier between rooms. These doors are also heavy and may contract with heat and moisture levels.
Hollow Core Doors
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Usually the least expensive of the three materials are hollow core doors. They are constructed from a wood frame, plywood or hardwood surface. These doors are filled with rigid cardboard to maintain their shape. This makes hollow-core doors the least expensive on our list but they are not as durable or fire-resistant. The sound barrier is also weaker because of the door’s composition. If you are struggling with heat and humidity fluctuating in your home, hollow-core types of doors are a great option.
Finishing The Types Of Doors
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The last step for remodeling or installing your door is the finish. The finish is that final touch that makes any door either blend seamlessly into the background or become an impressive talking point for any room. We analyzed the two main types of finishes, so you have all the information you need to pick the one that is best for you.
Stain Finishes
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The first option is a wood stain, which is the most popular way to finish new interior doors. You can expect a stain to give the doors a warm, classic look that adds to a traditional atmosphere. Stains are most popular for solid wood doors as they emphasize the wood grain and bring out the features and texture of your door. Stains are also available in a variety of colors so you can match the style of the rest of the room.
Depending on the door material you have selected, you’ll want to ask your door manufacturer or salesman to offer recommendations on stains suitable for that material as choosing an incompatible stain may ruin your door. It is also vital your trim colors match or work with the rest of the door if those are also being stained.
Paint Finishes
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The second options is a simple paint finish. Paint finishes are a great way to add color to existing or new interior doors lacking much-needed charm. Many hollow core doors often come primed with a white base coat, requiring the owner to paint that interior door. Check with your door manufacturer or salesman to see what finishing options they suggest for the specific door you have selected.
Types Of Doors | Conclusion
In conclusion, when remodeling or building your new home, doors will be a prominent feature, and it is essential they are up to your standards. We gave you all the information you need so you can find the perfect types of doors for your remodeling today.
