At their core, doors serve one vital functionbut that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish.
The right types of doors can make or break a space.
So we’ve broken them down into two categories: interior and exterior.
Types of Doors for Interiors
The single-hinged door is the most common key in ofinterior door.
Room design must allow space for hinged doors to swing.
Interior doors typically are lightweight andhave two hinges; exterior doors are heavy and often use three hinges.
Interior doors are usually 1-3/8 inches thick, and exterior doors are commonly 1-3/4 inches thick.
Panel Doors
A panel door is a classic style.
It usually has three or four horizontal rails and three vertical stiles.
The spaces between them are filled with thinner panels.
Decorative molding (or some representation) called “sticking” surrounds each panel.
The result is a richly textured look at home in traditional and modern configs.
Flush Doors
A flush door is a simple flat slab.
It’s usually the least expensive of all types of doors.
Flush doors blend well with contemporary configs but may look out of place in a traditional home.
Interior flush doors are often hollow core, while exterior flush doors have a solid core.
Exterior doors may have a metal or fiberglass face rather than wood veneer.
French Doors
A pair of French doors add a charming touch, and an extra-wide doorway opening.
These types of doors are almost always traditional in design.
Often, they have glass panels.
They’re commonly used as exterior patio doors, butinterior French doorscan make a stunning passageway between rooms.
They allow you to completely bring up the doorway without taking up any floor space.
Pocket doors are now found in many newer homes; single and double styles are available.
A pocket door requires wall space that doesn’t have electrical or plumbing lines running through it.
Bypass Doors
Bypass doors are less common.
These doors operate much like slidingpatio doorsbut are far lighter in weight.
They are generally flush doors.
Types of Doors for Exteriors
Entry doorscan be made of wood, metal, or fiberglass.
Increasingly, you’re free to find decorative carved wood doors.
These types of doors often have rails and stiles with a carved section in the middle.
They’re expensive but make a memorable impression.
They’re the ideal bang out of door to maximize your view of the yard.
Compared withFrench doors, they take up no floor space when open.
A possible disadvantage is that they only open half as wide as the doorway.
These are usually metal or vinyl, but wood models are also available.
A security storm door can be locked to keep out intruders and may be heavier than a standard door.
Self-storing storm doors have awindow and screen.
Inexpensive storm doors are often plain in design and can detract from the appearance of an entry door.
Most doors are rectangular.
Steel, fiberglass, and vinyl doors are the most durable types of doors.
