Selecting the right interior doors can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. Carefully chosen doors will complement your moldings, built-ins, cabinets and work in concert with your larger architectural theme. The right doors will also control sound, create privacy and take the appropriate finish, either stain or paint.
Dimensions
Doors come in a range of sizes from 24- to 36-inches wide. Bathroom doors are usually 28 inches, bedroom doors 32, and handicap accessible spaces, 36. Don’t forget to allow enough room to move furniture into and out of the room. Interior doors are typically 6 feet 8 inches high and 1 and 3/8 inches thick.
Interior doors choices range widely (image courtesy millworks.com).
StyleThe style of the door ought to be largely dependent on the overall style of the house. Modernist houses tend to use smooth, solid core doors. Pre-war and Craftsman houses usually use raised
panel doors. Ranch houses and Contemporary homes could incorporate either style. The construction of the door affects its durability, finish and ability to reduce sound transmission.
Doors are available in the following styles:
1. Solid Core Doors
These are a good choice for smooth, solid doors at a good price. Solid Core doors are flush on both sides, usually filled with fiberboard (glue and wood chips) and are quite dense. They have the sound damping qualities of solid wood at a lower cost. The exterior skin varies from a veneer of mahogany to birch and other hardwoods. Go with the hardwood for a more durable skin that will take a stain or paint better.
2. MDF: Medium Density Fiberboard
Doors made from this material look like wood panel doors but are less expensive. MDF doors are, however, only available as a paint grade product. They are made from recycled wood fibers and resin, are available in a wide variety of styles, and can be purchased pre-primed.
3. Engineered Wood Doors (also known as Veneered Stile and Wood Doors)
These doors look like solid wood doors but the stiles and rails are actually made of an engineered composite with a wood veneer. The panels are usually solid wood. These doors are more stable than solid wood doors but look identical and cost far less. These are a good choice for Traditional and Craftsman style homes that want natural looking wood doors.
4. Premium Wood Doors
For the custom home requiring authentic natural wood doors, these can be the right choice. They are only available by special order from your lumber dealer and are quite expensive. They have the advantage of the beauty of natural wood and can be stained to your taste. They are heavy and quiet but not as stable as engineered wood doors when exposed to heat and humidity.
Finishing Doors
All doors should be sealed on all six sides as well as the hinge and lock cutouts. If this is not done it often voids the warranty and the door will be subject to expansion from heat and humidity. Well selected doors can add character and charm to your interior space and offer years of trouble free service.
Dimensions
Doors come in a range of sizes from 24- to 36-inches wide. Bathroom doors are usually 28 inches, bedroom doors 32, and handicap accessible spaces, 36. Don’t forget to allow enough room to move furniture into and out of the room. Interior doors are typically 6 feet 8 inches high and 1 and 3/8 inches thick.
Interior doors choices range widely (image courtesy millworks.com).
Style
1. Solid Core Doors
These are a good choice for smooth, solid doors at a good price. Solid Core doors are flush on both sides, usually filled with fiberboard (glue and wood chips) and are quite dense. They have the sound damping qualities of solid wood at a lower cost. The exterior skin varies from a veneer of mahogany to birch and other hardwoods. Go with the hardwood for a more durable skin that will take a stain or paint better.
2. MDF: Medium Density Fiberboard
Doors made from this material look like wood panel doors but are less expensive. MDF doors are, however, only available as a paint grade product. They are made from recycled wood fibers and resin, are available in a wide variety of styles, and can be purchased pre-primed.
3. Engineered Wood Doors (also known as Veneered Stile and Wood Doors)
These doors look like solid wood doors but the stiles and rails are actually made of an engineered composite with a wood veneer. The panels are usually solid wood. These doors are more stable than solid wood doors but look identical and cost far less. These are a good choice for Traditional and Craftsman style homes that want natural looking wood doors.
4. Premium Wood Doors
For the custom home requiring authentic natural wood doors, these can be the right choice. They are only available by special order from your lumber dealer and are quite expensive. They have the advantage of the beauty of natural wood and can be stained to your taste. They are heavy and quiet but not as stable as engineered wood doors when exposed to heat and humidity.
Finishing Doors
All doors should be sealed on all six sides as well as the hinge and lock cutouts. If this is not done it often voids the warranty and the door will be subject to expansion from heat and humidity. Well selected doors can add character and charm to your interior space and offer years of trouble free service.
