Comprehensive Guide to Interior Doors

The gems in your home, hidden from the outside world!

Interior doors are more than just a functional element in your house; they contribute to the overall aesthetic and privacy of your living space. As an experienced interior door installer, we’ve seen how the right door can transform a room. When we talk about interior doors, we’re referring to the doors that connect rooms inside your home, as opposed to exterior doors that serve as the main entry points.

Unlike exterior doors, they don’t add to your curb appeal, and interior doors are usually lighter and may not be weatherproof, but they play a crucial role in defining spaces within your home.

Hollow core doors are a popular and cost-effective choice for most interior doors. These doors are lightweight and easily installed, making them a great option for interior door replacement for bedroom doors and closet doors. Despite their name, they aren’t completely hollow; they contain a honeycomb-like structure inside, which provides some level of sound insulation and strength.

Solid core doors, as the name suggests, are made from solid door materials, offering more durability and soundproofing than hollow core doors. Ideal for areas where privacy is paramount, such as bedrooms or home offices, these doors are heavier, more secure, and provide a sense of solidity and quality. You typically see these used as an entry door connecting the inside of a garage to the inside of the home.

Wood is a classic choice for interior doors, known for its natural beauty and versatility. Whether you’re looking for traditional or modern designs, wooden doors can be crafted to suit any interior style. Their natural grain patterns bring warmth and character to any room.

Fiberglass doors are a durable and low-maintenance option. These doors resist warping, denting, and cracking, making them a practical choice for areas with high usage. Fiberglass can be designed to mimic the look of wood, providing the aesthetic appeal of wood without the maintenance.

Vinyl doors are known for their durability and ease of maintenance. They are resistant to moisture, making them a suitable choice for areas like bathrooms or basements. Vinyl doors come in a variety of finishes and can be a cost-effective option for interior door replacement. You typically see this material for interior sliding glass doors, a rare but wonderful choice.

Great question! Choosing the right interior door involves considering both the door’s function and its impact on your home’s aesthetics. When selecting a new door, think about the space it will occupy – is it a high-traffic area, does it require privacy, or is it more about creating an open feel? Also, consider the door’s alignment with the overall design theme of your home.

Current design trends in interior doors include minimalist designs, sleek trim, the use of bold colors, and incorporating complete glass panels for a more open and airy feel. Barn doors and sliding bypass doors are gaining popularity for their space-saving and stylish appearance, especially in smaller rooms or where a swinging door might be impractical. Contact your door consultant for recommendations based on the room where the door will be placed.

Want to incorporate your personality inside of your home? Customization options for interior doors are vast. From the type of door – be it a classic swinging door, a space-saving sliding door, or elegant French doors – to the choice of materials, colors, and hardware, there are endless ways to make your new interior doors unique. You can also choose between a prehung door or slab door options depending on whether you’re replacing old doors or installing a door in a new door frame.

The standard dimensions of most interior doors typically range from 24 to 36 inches in width and 80 to 96 inches in height. However, these dimensions can vary depending on the specific application and the structure of the building. It’s important to measure the door frame accurately before selecting a new door.

Fantastic question! Interior doors contribute significantly to soundproofing in a home. Solid doors, for instance, offer better sound insulation compared to hollow core doors. The door’s material and its core also play a crucial role in its soundproofing capabilities. Proper installation and the use of additional soundproofing materials can further enhance this feature.

While interior doors are not as crucial as exterior doors in terms of insulation and energy efficiency, they still contribute to maintaining a consistent temperature in different rooms. Doors with solid cores offer better insulation compared to hollow core doors. Additionally, the correct installation of doors ensures there are no gaps that might lead to energy loss.

It’s always recommended to hire a professional (unless you’re a door professional yourself), because incorrect interior door installation can cost you precious time, money, and sometimes it could feel like it costs you your sanity! It’s not easy to install a door that perfectly operates, just like it’s probably not easy to do the profession that you’re skilled in, so we always recommend leaving the door work to the professionals!

A trained professional can swap a door in just a few hours, or at least less than one day!

Wooden doors require regular dusting and occasional polishing to maintain their appearance. Protect them from moisture to prevent warping and apply a fresh coat of paint or varnish every few years to keep them looking new and in good shape, though most of the time this isn’t necessary since they are far from the outside elements.

Fiberglass doors are low maintenance. They can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Inspect the seal and weather stripping periodically, they may need to be replaced if necessary to ensure the doors remain energy efficient.

Glass doors, often used as patio doors or office partitions, require regular cleaning with a glass cleaner to keep them spotless and clear. Check the frames and hinges regularly for any signs of wear and address them promptly.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) doors are known for their durability. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent will keep them looking fresh. Avoid excessive moisture exposure to prevent swelling or warping. They make a great interior door because they are away from the outside elements, but a terrible exterior door, as a little bit of water inside will wreak havoc.

Common issues with interior doors include sticking, squeaking hinges, or even a misaligned strike plate. These can often be fixed with simple adjustments, such as lubricating hinges, tightening screws, or sanding down areas where the door sticks. For more significant issues, like a warped door, it may be necessary to replace the old door.

Safety standards for interior doors include fire ratings, especially for doors leading to attached garages or utility rooms. It’s also important to ensure doors are easy to open and do not pose a hazard in emergency situations. Using doors with safety glass, particularly for interior French doors, is another crucial aspect of safety.

Building codes for interior doors focus on dimensions, fire safety, and accessibility. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is essential for public buildings and advisable in homes to cater to accessibility needs. Local building codes may also dictate certain requirements based on the geographical location and specific use of the doors.

Interior doors that cater to accessibility needs feature:

• wider openings
• lower thresholds
• and lever-style handles for ease of use by individuals with mobility challenges.

Pocket doors or barn doors can be excellent choices for saving space and reducing the physical effort needed to open and close doors.

The environmental impact of different door materials varies.

• Wood, while natural, may raise concerns about deforestation unless it’s sourced sustainably.
• Fiberglass and vinyl offer durability and longevity but are not biodegradable.

Choosing eco-friendly materials and considering the entire lifecycle of the door are important factors in reducing environmental impact.

The cost of interior doors is influenced by several factors including the material, style, size, and any custom features. Solid doors tend to be more expensive than hollow core doors, and custom sizes or designs, such as sliding bypass doors or intricate glasswork, also add to the cost.

Installation service, especially for complex door types like a pre hung door or replacing an existing door, will also be a factor in the overall cost.