Ultimate Guide to Door Types
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Doors come in a vast array of types, each designed to meet specific needs in both residential and commercial settings. When selecting a door, it’s crucial to consider three main factors: function, aesthetics, and material. These elements will guide you towards the perfect door for your space, whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal or improve your business’s security.
At Online Door Store, we know how many options are out there. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about door types, materials, and trends. Whether you’re renovating, building from scratch, or simply curious, we’ve got you covered.
· Internal and external doors serve different purposes and require different materials.
· Panel doors offer versatility for both traditional and modern homes.
· Fire doors are crucial for commercial spaces and must comply with UK building regulations.
· Material choice affects durability, maintenance, and energy efficiency.
· Custom and made-to-measure doors provide solutions for unique spaces and period properties.
The primary difference between internal and external doors lies in their purpose and construction. Internal doors are designed to separate rooms and create privacy within a building, while external doors provide security and protection from the elements.
Internal doors are typically lighter and focus more on aesthetics than heavy-duty functionality. They’re the unsung heroes of your home’s interior design, quietly complementing your decor while providing privacy when needed. Common types include:
· Hollow core doors: Lightweight and budget-friendly, perfect for closets or areas where soundproofing isn’t a priority.
· Solid core doors: Heavier and better at blocking sound, ideal for bedrooms or home offices.
· Panel doors: Versatile in style, these can range from traditional raised-panel designs to sleek, modern interpretations.
When choosing internal doors, consider how they’ll fit with your overall interior design. Do you want them to stand out as a feature or blend seamlessly with your walls? The choice is yours!
External doors are your home’s first line of defence against intruders, harsh weather, and energy loss. They need to be tough, durable, and secure. Some popular external door types include:
· Solid wood doors: Classic and beautiful, but requiring regular maintenance to prevent warping or rotting.
· Composite doors: Combining the best of various materials for strength, energy efficiency, and low maintenance.
· uPVC doors: Affordable and low-maintenance, though less durable than other options.
· Fibreglass doors: Excellent insulators that can mimic the look of wood without the upkeep.
When selecting an external door, think about the climate you live in, the direction your door faces, and your home’s architectural style. A well-chosen front door can boost your curb appeal and even increase your property value!
Residential doors come in a wide variety of styles, each bringing its own character to your home.
Our panel doors feature raised or recessed panels that add depth and interest to their design. You’ll find them in both internal and external applications, with styles ranging from classic six-panel designs to modern two-panel variations.
We love recommending panel doors for their versatility. Whether you’re outfitting a cosy cottage or a sleek city apartment, there’s a panel door design that will complement your space perfectly. Plus, they’re available in various materials, including wood, MDF, and even fibreglass for exterior use.
Our flush doors feature a smooth, flat surface without any raised or recessed panels, making them ideal for contemporary interiors. Their simplicity allows other design elements in your room to shine while still providing essential functionality.
Flush doors are particularly popular in modern homes and apartments where clean lines and uncluttered spaces are prized. They’re also a great choice for smaller spaces, as their simple design can help a room feel more open and spacious.
Typically featuring large glass panels, french doors are hinged on both sides and open outwards, creating a wide opening that beautifully connects indoor and outdoor areas. They’re not just pretty faces, though – French doors are also practical, allowing ample natural light into your home and providing easy access to patios, gardens, or balconies.
We often suggest French doors for homeowners looking to create a seamless transition between their living spaces and the outdoors. They’re perfect for dining rooms leading to a patio, or living rooms opening onto a garden. Just imagine enjoying a summer breeze while sipping your morning coffee – that’s the magic of French doors!
Sliding and bi-fold doors are the space-saving superstars of the door world. These innovative designs are perfect for maximising your living space and creating a seamless flow between rooms or indoor and outdoor areas.
Sliding doors glide along a track, overlapping when open. They’re ideal for tight spaces where a swinging door might be impractical. Imagine replacing a cramped doorway between your kitchen and dining room with a sleek sliding door – suddenly, you’ve got an open-plan feel without any major renovations!
Bi-fold doors, on the other hand, fold back on themselves like an accordion. They’re fantastic for creating wide openings, making them popular choices for patio doors or room dividers. Picture a wall of bi-fold doors opening up your living room to your garden – it’s like bringing the outdoors in!
Both styles come in various materials and finishes, so you can easily find an option that matches your home’s aesthetic. Plus, they’re great for letting in natural light and enhancing your view of the outdoors.
Commercial doors need to balance functionality, durability, and compliance with building regulations.
These specialised fire doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building, giving people more time to evacuate safely. In the UK, fire doors are a legal requirement for many commercial and public buildings.
A proper fire door is made of fire-resistant materials and includes intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat, sealing off the gaps around the door. They’re rated based on how long they can withstand fire – typically 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60).
When we’re kitting out a commercial space, we always stress the importance of choosing the right fire doors and ensuring they’re correctly installed and maintained. Remember, a fire door is only effective if it’s closed, so automatic closing mechanisms are often a wise addition.
Made from a composite material that combines plastic with glass fibres, GRP doors offer exceptional strength and durability without the weight of traditional materials.
We often recommend GRP doors for high-traffic areas or environments where doors take a beating. They’re resistant to dents, scratches, and corrosion, making them ideal for industrial settings, schools, or public buildings. Plus, they’re low maintenance – a quick wipe-down is usually all they need to keep looking good.
Another bonus? GRP doors are excellent insulators, helping to keep energy costs down. They can be moulded to mimic the appearance of wood or other materials, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality.
Choosing the right material for your door is crucial for its longevity and performance.
Wooden doors are a classic choice that are versatile enough to suit any style, from rustic country homes to sleek modern apartments. However, they do require some TLC to keep them looking their best.
In terms of durability, wooden doors can last for decades if properly maintained. The key is regular upkeep – think periodic sanding, repainting or re-staining, and protecting from moisture. In humid climates, wooden doors can be prone to warping or swelling, so it’s important to choose a wood species that’s suitable for your environment.
We often recommend engineered wood doors as a happy medium. These doors have a solid wood veneer over a stable core, offering the beauty of real wood with improved stability and resistance to warping.
Typically made with a solid timber core surrounded by Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), composite doors offer excellent security, energy efficiency, and weather resistance.
One of the biggest advantages of composite doors is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike wooden doors, they won’t rot, warp, or need regular repainting. They’re also highly resistant to denting and scratching, making them a great choice for busy households or front doors that see a lot of action.
Composite doors come in a wide range of styles and colours, and can even mimic the look of traditional wooden doors without the associated upkeep. If you’re looking for a door that combines durability with good looks and energy efficiency, a composite door might be just the ticket.
Aluminium Doors
Aluminium doors are the sleek, modern option that’s gaining popularity in both residential and commercial settings. These doors are lightweight yet incredibly strong, making them perfect for large glass panels or sliding doors.
One of the biggest advantages of aluminium doors is their resistance to corrosion. Unlike steel, aluminium won’t rust, even in coastal areas with high salt content in the air. They’re also virtually maintenance-free – a quick wipe down now and then is all they need to keep looking great.
While aluminium doors have a higher initial cost than some other materials, they more than make up for it in longevity and energy efficiency. They’re excellent insulators when fitted with thermal breaks, helping to keep your energy bills down.
From a design perspective, aluminium doors offer clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic that’s hard to beat. They’re available in a wide range of powder-coated colours, allowing you to match them perfectly to your home’s style.
Sometimes, standard doors just won’t cut it. That’s where our custom and made-to-measure doors come in.
Custom doors are the perfect solution for unique spaces or specific design preferences. Whether you’re dealing with an unusually sized doorway in a period property or you want a statement piece for your home’s entrance, custom doors can be tailored to your exact specifications.
We love working with customers on custom door projects. It’s amazing to see how a perfectly fitted door can transform a space. Custom doors allow you to choose everything from the size and material to the style of panels, type of glass (if any), and even the direction of wood grain.
When it comes to finishes, the sky’s the limit with custom doors. Want a vibrant colour that matches your brand for your shop front? No problem. Dreaming of a hand-carved wooden door for your period home? We can make it happen. We also offer a variety of door furniture and accessories to go along with your custom order.
Owning a period property comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to doors. Original features are often protected, and finding off-the-shelf doors that match can be nearly impossible. That’s where custom-made period doors come in.
We specialise in creating period doors that seamlessly blend with the character of older homes. This could mean crafting a replica of an original Victorian four-panel door, or designing a stable door for a quaint country cottage.
Some popular period door styles include:
· Stable doors: These split doors, traditionally used in farmhouses, add charm to country-style homes.
· Ledged and braced doors: Simple in design, these doors feature vertical planks reinforced with horizontal and diagonal braces.
· Georgian and Victorian panel doors: Typically featuring four or six panels, these doors are a hallmark of period properties.
With so many options available, choosing the right door can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’re here to help you navigate the world of doors and find the perfect fit for your space.
When selecting a door, consider these key factors:
The company is the world’s best carved wooden door manufacturers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
1. Purpose: Is it an external door that needs to withstand the elements, or an internal door primarily for privacy?
2. Style: Does it complement your home’s architecture and interior design?
3. Material: Consider durability, maintenance requirements, and insulation properties.
4. Security: Especially important for external doors.
5. Budget: Remember to factor in long-term costs like maintenance, not just the initial price.
6. Energy efficiency: Look for doors with good insulation to help reduce energy bills.
7. Light: Do you want to let more natural light in with glass panels?
For specific rooms, there are additional considerations. For example, bathroom doors should be moisture-resistant, while bedroom doors might prioritise soundproofing.
Accurate measurements are crucial when ordering a new door. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Measure the height of the door frame from the floor to the head (top of the frame).
2. Measure the width of the frame between the two side jambs.
3. Measure the thickness of the door.
Take each measurement twice to ensure accuracy. Remember, it’s always better to measure twice and order once!
Whether you’re looking for a sturdy fire door for your business, a stylish front door to boost your home’s curb appeal, or a space-saving sliding door for your patio, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to start shopping? Browse our extensive range of doors, or get in touch with our team for personalised advice. We’re here to help you find the perfect door for your needs.
Contact Us
At Online Door Store, we’re passionate about doors and we’re always happy to chat about the latest trends, materials, or custom options. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Our standard delivery charges are £39 for the first door plus £6 for each extra door. Express is a one-off surcharge of £54 on top of the standard charges. You can get FREE shipping from just £750!
If you order doors from more than one brand manufacturer there will be a £20 fee added to your delivery charges for each different brand you add.
To help you make the best decision for your door needs, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive:
Fire doors are specially constructed to slow the spread of fire and smoke in a building. They’re made of fire-resistant materials and have intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat. Regular doors don’t have these safety features. In the UK, fire doors are required in many commercial buildings and some residential settings, particularly in flats and houses with multiple stories.
While it’s possible to install some internal doors yourself if you’re handy with tools, we generally recommend professional installation, especially for external doors, fire doors, or any door where security and proper fitting are crucial. A professional can ensure the door is hung correctly, functions properly, and meets any relevant building regulations.
The lifespan of a door depends on its material, quality, usage, and maintenance. Here’s a general guideline:
· Wooden doors: 20-40 years with proper maintenance
· Composite doors: 30+ years
· Aluminium doors: 45+ years
Remember, these are estimates. With good care, many doors can last even longer.
Composite doors are generally considered the most energy-efficient due to their insulating core and tight seals. However, any well-fitted door made of insulating materials (like wood or fibreglass) with proper weatherstripping can be energy-efficient. For maximum efficiency, look for doors with a low U-value, which indicates better insulation.
Yes, you can paint uPVC doors, but it requires special preparation and paint. The surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned and lightly sanded, and you’ll need to use a paint specifically designed for uPVC. However, painting may void any existing warranty, so check this first.
Interior doors provide privacy, reduce noise transmission, and contribute to the overall design of your living spaces. Whether you’re building or renovating a home, understanding the various types, materials, and styles can help you pick the best doors for your project. This guide will explore everything you need to know about interior doors, from construction methods to installation tips.
Interior doors come in several types, each with unique characteristics and benefits. Let’s explore the most common options for homeowners.
Solid core doors (#1) are durable insulators. They typically consist of a wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) frame filled with a solid core material made of particleboard, wood fiber, or other composite materials.
Molded MDF skins cover the front and back of the glued-together frame, creating a smooth surface. The solid core provides sound absorption and density, making these doors ideal for areas where privacy and noise reduction are important, like your bedrooms or home office.
Hollow core doors (#1) are a lightweight and affordable option. Similar to solid core doors, hollow core doors have a frame covered by MDF or wood veneer skins. However, the interior is either empty or filled with a cardboard honeycomb structure to prevent flexing, so they aren’t as useful for sound reduction. Still, they are easier to handle and install. They’re most suitable for closets, pantries, or areas where sound insulation is less critical.
Solid stile and rail doors (#2) offer a traditional look and superior strength. These doors are made with vertical stiles and horizontal rails made of engineered or solid wood, occasionally MDF. The components are held together with glue and dowels, creating a sturdy frame.
Panels, usually made of MDF, fit within this frame and often feature better milled details than molded doors. The door’s face can be finished with wood veneer or a smooth layer of MDF. While more expensive than others, these doors have a classic appearance and long lifespan.
Here are the most common materials used in interior door construction:
MDF is popular due to its affordability and versatility. It’s made from wood fibers compressed with resin, which makes a smooth, uniform surface ideal for painting. MDF is also resistant to warping and shrinking.
Carved MDF doors (#3) offer an inexpensive way to achieve the look of traditional raised panel doors. Two solid slabs of MDF are glued together, and the faces are detailed with a router bit. This method creates the appearance of separate panels, rails, and stiles in one piece, reducing costs compared to solid wood versions with applied molding.
Engineered wood comprises multiple layers of bonded wood veneers or fibers, combining the benefits of solid wood and manufactured materials. It is also less prone to warping or cracking than solid wood, making it a good choice for areas with fluctuating humidity levels.
Solid wood doors are timeless and resistant to wear and tear. They can be made from various wood species with unique grain patterns and characteristics. While more expensive than other options, solid wood doors provide excellent sound insulation and can last decades with proper care. It’s often used in high-end stile and rail doors, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood grain. These doors can be stained or painted to match your home’s decor.
Interior doors come in many styles to suit different architectural designs and personal preferences. Here are some popular options:
Panel doors feature raised or lowered panels surrounded by stiles and rails. They can have anywhere from one to eight panels, with six-panel doors being a classic choice. Panel doors add visual interest and depth to a room, making them popular for traditional and contemporary homes.
Flush doors have a smooth, flat surface on both sides, giving them a modern look and making them easy to maintain. Flush doors can be made from various materials, including MDF, plywood, or hardboard, and are often used in contemporary or minimalist interiors.
French doors consist of multiple glass panes set within a frame. They allow light to flow between rooms while still providing separation. French doors are often used for entryways to large family rooms or outdoor spaces, adding elegance to your home’s design.
Barn doors have gained popularity recently for their rustic charm and space-saving design. These doors slide along a track mounted above the doorway, making them ideal for areas where swing space is limited. Barn doors can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or glass.
Keep these factors in mind when picking the perfect door for your home:
Bedrooms and bathrooms may benefit from solid core doors for increased privacy and sound insulation. Lighter hollow-core doors are better for closets and pantries.
Your interior doors should complement your home’s overall style. Traditional homes could benefit from panel or French doors, while modern interiors are better suited to flush or barn doors. When making your choice, consider the existing trim, flooring, and furniture.
Interior door prices vary widely depending on the material, style, and quality. Set a realistic budget for your project, keeping in mind that investing in higher-quality doors can pay off in terms of lifespan and looks in the long run.
Properly install and maintain your interior doors to make them last longer.
If you’re handy and have some DIY experience, consider hanging interior doors yourself to save some money. Make sure you have the right tools and carefully follow installation instructions. Pay special attention to leveling and properly securing the door frame.
Hire a professional to hang and align your doors properly for complex installations or if you’re not confident in your DIY skills.
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your interior doors. Clean them with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, and avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. Lubricate hinges and hardware as needed and address any issues immediately to prevent further damage.
Choose the right door size for your home to avoid expensive custom orders.
Most interior doors come in standard widths of 24, 28, 30, 32, and 36 inches. The most common height is 80 inches, although taller options are available. The standard thickness for interior doors is typically 1⅜ inches.
You might need custom-sized doors if you have an older home or unique architectural features. Many manufacturers offer made-to-order doors to fit non-standard openings, though these will cost more than standard sizes.
The cost of interior doors can vary significantly based on several factors:
Material choice significantly impacts door cost. Hollow core doors are typically the most affordable, while solid wood doors are often the most expensive. MDF and engineered wood options usually fall in the middle range.
Professional installation costs can vary depending on your location and the job’s complexity. Simple replacements will cost less than installing new door frames or modifying existing openings.
Features like decorative glass inserts, high-end hardware, or custom finishes can increase the overall cost of your interior doors. Consider which upgrades are most important to you and budget accordingly.
Whether you prefer classic solid wood panel doors or more modern flush MDF doors, consider factors like room function, overall style, and long-term care to pick the best interior doors for your needs. With proper installation and maintenance, your interior doors will last for years.
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