Essential Interior Doors Buying Guide: What to Consider Before You Buy

Interior doors might look like a tiny part of a house but they have an important job in how things work and how they look. They not just give privacy and safety, but they also help with the style and looks o͏f a room. With many choices out there, picking the best interior doors for your home can feel hard. A guide to buy inside doors will help you make a smart choice when choosing inside doors.

In this piece, we will talk about the kinds of interior doors, stuff used, and things to think about before making a buy. We will also mention common styles and shapes and give hints for care and setup. So if you’re fixing up or building a new home; read on to find all what you need to learn about getting inside doors.

Introducing Interior Doors

Interior doors are functional and aesthetic elements that separate rooms within a home. They provide privacy, reduce noise, and add to the overall design of a space. Interior doors come in various types, sizes, and styles to suit different needs and preferences. These doors can be made from different materials such as wood, glass, or composite, each with its unique characteristics and benefits.

When choosing interior doors for your home, it's essential to consider factors such as durability, style, and cost. With the right knowledge and understanding of these factors, you can make an informed decision that will enhance the functionality and beauty of your home.

Types of Interior Doors

Let's explore the different types of interior doors available on the market:

Panel Doors

Panel doors are a popular kind of inside door, showing a old design with panels that can be flat or up. These doors are liked for their use and come in different forms, like two, four or six panels.

Panel doors may be made of wood, MDF, or some other stuff and they can be painted or stained to fit your home’s style. Their classic look makes them good for both old and new houses.

French Doors

French doors are a nice choice that brings grace and space to a room. They have two doors with glass sheets that go most of the way down, leting light come in while keeping rooms apart.

French doors are great for spaces like living rooms or home work areas, where making a feel of link and light is key. These doors come in many styles, from fancy and detailed to simple and smooth.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are a great pick for places with little space for a normal swing door. These doors run on tracks and move to the side, making them perfect for closets, pantries, and even as room divider's.

Sliding doors got many kinds, like ones with shiny sides, cloudy glass, or hard boards. They are useful and save room, giving a fresh feel to your rooms.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are a smart and space-saving choice, since they slide into a wall hole when opened, vanishing from sight. These doors work well for places where a normal swinging door may use up too much room, like small bath rooms utility rooms or closets.

pocket doors move can be made to match smooth with nearby walls or pop out as a style piece. Their covered way adds a bit of class and use to any house.

Barn Doors

Barn gates have become liked in late years for their old-timey appeal and strong style mark. These gates move along a rail set above the door space, making them useful and eye-catching.

Barn doors come in different stuff, like old wood or fresh materials made to look like a cozy style. They fit nice in places like bedrooms, baths, or also as a odd room part to add charm and warmth in your house

Materials Used for Interior Doors

Inside doors can be made from many types of stuff, each with its own traits and good points. Some usual materials used are:

Wood

Wood is a never-ending and old material used for inside doors, giving both look and strength. It has lots of choices in types, looks, and styles to match any taste or choice. Wood doors are famous for their warm feel and neatness adding style to any area.

They can be colored or marked to go with your inside style and can even be changed with special parts like carved sides or fancy bits. While wood might need more care than other stuff its lasting quality and look make it a common pick for the inside doors.

Glass

Glass doors are a new and chic choice that can boost the natural light and view of a home. They give a smooth and fresh look, making them great for modern or simple rooms. Glass doors come in many sorts, like clear, foggy, carved, or colored glass.

They do good in places where being alone may not be a worry, like living spaces or eating rooms. But they might not be right for busy spots or homes with kids cause of their weakness.

Composite

Some doors are built from different stuff like man-made wood, MDF, or glass fiber. They look like old wooden doors but give a cheaper and simpler choice.

Composite doors are more tough to bending or shrink, which makes them good for places with lots of dampness or heat shifts. They also have many styles and looks to match any house's style.

How to Understand Door Measurements and Rough Openings 

Understanding new door measurements and rough openings is crucial when it comes to choosing the right interior doors for your home. Door measurements refer to the specific dimensions of a door, including its width, height, and thickness. These measurements are essential in ensuring that the door fits correctly into the designated space.

Rough openings, on the other hand, refer to the opening in a wall where a door will be installed. It's important to have accurate rough opening measurements to ensure that there is enough space for the door and proper installation. Taking precise measurements and understanding these terms will help you choose interior doors that fit perfectly and function effectively in your home.

Factors to Consider When Buying Interior Doors

When choosing interior doors for your home, here are some factors to keep in mind:

Style- Consider the overall style of your home and choose interior doors that complement it. For example, if you have a modern home, opt for sleek and minimalistic door designs, while traditional homes may benefit from classic panel doors.

Durability and Maintenance- Consider the material of the door and its durability against factors such as humidity, temperature changes, and wear-and-tear. Wood may require more maintenance than other materials, while composite oors may be more resistant to such factors.

Cost- Interior doors can vary greatly in cost, depending on the material and design. Consider your budget and choose a door that offers the best value for its price.

Functionality- Think about how you will use the door and select one that is functional and suits your needs. For example, sliding doors are great space-savers, while French doors add an elegant touch to a room.

Energy Efficiency- Doors can also play a role in energy efficiency by insulating rooms or preventing drafts. Consider choosing insulated or weather-stripped doors for better energy efficiency.

Soundproofing- If privacy or noise control is a concern, look for materials with sound-absorbing properties such as solid wood or composite doors.

Does the Size of an Interior Door Matter

The size of an interior door can impact both its functionality and aesthetics in a space. Standard sizes for interior doors are typically 80 inches in height and 24-36 inches in width. However, custom sizes are also available to fit specific needs or design preferences.

When choosing the size of your interior door, consider factors such as the purpose of the room, the layout of furniture, and any potential obstructions. For example, if you have large pieces of furniture near a doorway, it may be best to choose a wider door to ensure ease of movement.

Door Maintenance and Installation Tips

To keep your interior doors looking and functioning their best, here are some maintenance and installation tips to consider:

• Regularly clean your doors with a soft cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and grime.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the door's finish.

• Lubricate hinges, tracks, and locks regularly for smooth operation.

• Repair any cracks, scratches, or chips in the door's finish immediately to prevent further damage.

• Install weather stripping to seal gaps and improve energy efficiency.

• Use doorstops to prevent doors from slamming into walls or furniture.

• Avoid hanging heavy objects on the back of doors, which can cause them to warp or malfunction.

• Install a peephole for added security on exterior doors.

• Consider hiring a professional installer for more complicated door installations.

• When painting or staining interior doors, make sure to properly prepare the surface and use high-quality materials for best results.

• Regularly check and tighten screws and hardware to ensure proper operation of the door.

• If you experience any issues with your interior doors, seek professional help to avoid causing further damage.

Interior doors play a significant role in adding functionality, style, and character to your home.

Choose My City Doors For All Your Interior Door Needs

For all your interior door needs, choose My City Doors! With a wide variety of styles and collections to choose from, we have the perfect doors to enhance any space in your home. Our showroom is conveniently located in Staten Island, NY and our call center is available to assist you Monday through Sunday. We offer swing doors, pocket doors, barn doors, bypass doors, bi-fold doors, and more.

Our high-quality custom order options allow you to create a unique look for your home and our fire rated modern interior doors provide added safety and style. Plus, with our competitive pricing and excellent customer service, you can trust us to deliver the best value for your money. Shop our catalog online, visit our showroom, or contact us for more information.

We also offer installation help and have partnerships with trusted manufacturers to ensure the best quality products. Trust My City Doors for all your interior door needs!  

FAQs

What is the difference between solid core and hollow core interior doors?

Solid core doors are made with a solid material inside, providing better sound insulation and durability. Hollow core doors, on the other hand, are lighter and more affordable but don’t offer the same level of soundproofing or strength as solid core doors.

How do I choose the right door hardware for my interior doors?

When selecting door hardware for your beautiful interior doors, consider the door style, material, and the desired aesthetic. Look for hardware that complements your door’s design, such as knobs, handles, and hinges that match the overall interior decor.

What is the difference between slab doors and pre-hung doors?

A slab door is just the door itself without a frame or hardware, which requires you to install the frame and hinges separately. Pre-hung doors come with the frame, hinges, and sometimes hardware, making them easier to install.

What is the best type of door for hallway doors or areas with limited space?

Pocket doors are a great option for hallway doors or areas where space is limited. These doors slide into the wall, saving room and eliminating the need for a door swing.

How do I determine the right door swing for my interior doors?

The door swing refers to the direction the door opens. To determine the correct swing, consider the layout of the room and the door’s placement. A hinged door usually swings inward or outward, while the direction will depend on which side the hinges are placed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right interior doors for your home involves considering a variety of factors such as style, durability, functionality, and size. Understanding door measurements and rough openings is essential in ensuring a proper fit and installation.

By following maintenance and installation tips, you can keep your interior doors looking and functioning their best for years to come. So next time you're looking to update or replace your interior doors, remember to carefully consider all these aspects to find the perfect fit for your home.

And for the best quality and service, trust My City Doors to provide you with top-notch interior doors. So, go ahead and start browsing our collections to find the perfect door for your space today!