Residential Doors: Different Types and What to Know About Them

April 16, 2022

Doors are everywhere – your home, your car, your workplace. As frequently as we open doors, we often disregard the details. You may be surprised to learn about the various material and style options available for residential doors.

Some are best designed for durability, others mainly for style. Regardless, the right kind of door is out there for you. Keep reading to learn about the different types of residential doors and what you should know about them.

Residential Door Materials

There are a variety of different materials to use for residential doors. Among the most common are wood, steel, and fiberglass.

Wood

is the most traditional material for a residential door whether it’s a front door or inside the home. It is highly customizable and comes in a variety of finishes – from custom paint colors to varnishes that enhance the wood's natural beauty. Wood can also be easily cut to fit a custom frame. Wood is fairly durable but requires periodic maintenance because the finish can easily fade, peel, or warp when exposed to the elements.

Solid-core wood

doors are the most durable and are less likely to warp over time.

Hollow wood doors

should only be used inside the home as they can be easily kicked in.

Metal door

s can be made of steel, aluminum, and iron. Hollow metal doors can come in varying degrees of thickness or gages. Solid metal doors have a range of options for the door core such as honeycomb or insulated cores.

Steel

doors often have a

polyurethane core

as solid steel would be too heavy for the hinges of a door. Steel doors are the most common type of metal door because they are very secure and durable. However, metal doors can dent and rust, unlike wood doors. Steel doors are also not as versatile as wood doors because it is harder to cut.

Fiberglass doors

are strong and durable and require little maintenance. Some fiberglass doors come with

wood grain-mimicking finishes

that are beautiful and realistic. They work well in almost any climate, even in extremely cold and damp conditions. Unlike wood, fiberglass doors do not warp, crack, or rot. And unlike steel, the doors don't rust, scratch, or corrode.

Styles of Residential Doors

You've probably seen more hinge doors than you can count.

Hinge doors

are also known as passage doors and these are, by far, the

most common residential doors

. However, there are also a lot of additional styles you may not be familiar with.

Dutch doors

are rare but offer a very unique feature. These doors are split in half so the top and bottom open separately. These doors are very convenient for letting fresh air into the home without fully opening the door. The top half, more or less, acts as a window. This type of door goes great in the kitchen to air out after cooking.

French doors

are double doors that open inward. They appear luxurious and spacious and can be designed for interior use or as a front door.

Sliding doors

roll along a track and typically open from one side or the other. Sliding doors may be wood or glass. They are most often found as an exit to a patio or the entrance to a closet.

Pocket doors

also slide on a rail but they disappear into the wall when opened. The name comes from the fact that they hide in the “pocket “ of the wall. These types of doors are commonly used for powder rooms, bathrooms, closets, and pantries. They’re a great space saver and offer a sleek design.

Barn doors

have a lot of character and have acquired increasing popularity over the years. This type of door slides on a track on the outside of the room. Unlike the sliding door or pocket door, a barn door hangs from the track and glides freely at the bottom. Barn doors are common for bedrooms, bathrooms, or just about anywhere inside the home.

Which Door is Best for You?

Deciding which door is best for you depends on what you value most in a door –

safety

style

, or

longevity

If you’re opting for safety,

steel doors will prevent any unwanted visitors

from entering your home. A steel door is virtually impossible to kick in. For ultimate safety, opt for a steel door with a polyeurtheane core as hollow doors are not as secure.

If you’re searching for something

affordable and durabl

e, a

fiberglass door

will be your best option. The material is resistant to dents, warping, rusting, and corroding. With realistic wood-grain finishing, a fiberglass door is beautiful and does not sacrifice longevity.

Whether you prefer a sleek design or something a bit more worn on the edges, there are stylistic choices for everyone.

French doors

may be the best choice for you if you’re looking for something

luxurious

with a classic feel.

Barn doors

will suit you better if you prefer a

rustic

, down-to-earth feel, but are primarily used for the interior of your home.

Dutch doors

take the cake in terms of

uniqueness

. They offer functional and stylistic benefits. If you have young children or pets, opening the top half of a dutch door can let fresh air and sunshine in without your little ones running away from you.

If you upgrade your front door and need new locks installed, your local Brothers Locksmith will be happy to help. Our expert technicians can