Interior Doors

A Comprehensive Guide to Interior Doors When Building a House

Interior doors play a vital role in the functionality, style, and overall flow of a home. Beyond their practical purpose of providing privacy and sound separation, they also contribute significantly to the design aesthetic of your living space. When building a house, selecting the right interior doors can enhance your home’s ambiance, elevate the overall design, and meet your lifestyle needs. This comprehensive guide will cover all aspects of choosing, installing, and maintaining interior doors.

1. Types of Interior Doors

Understanding the various types of interior doors is essential to making informed decisions for different spaces in your home.

1. Hinged Doors

  • Description: The most common type of door, attached to a frame with hinges.
  • Applications: Used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets.
  • Design Options: Available in solid or hollow cores, paneled designs, and a wide variety of finishes.

2. Pocket Doors

  • Description: Slide into a wall cavity when opened, saving floor space.
  • Applications: Ideal for small rooms, bathrooms, or areas with limited swing space.
  • Design Considerations: Requires planning during the framing stage, as a wall cavity must be built.

3. Barn Doors

  • Description: Slide on a track mounted above the doorway. They add rustic or industrial charm.
  • Applications: Popular for living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, or pantry doors.
  • Design Options: Available in a variety of materials, from reclaimed wood to sleek modern designs.

4. French Doors

  • Description: Double doors with glass panes, typically hinged and swinging inward or outward.
  • Applications: Used for dining rooms, home offices, or entryways between living spaces.
  • Design Options: Can feature full or partial glass panes for varying degrees of privacy.

5. Bifold Doors

  • Description: Fold in the middle and stack to one side when opened.
  • Applications: Common for closets, laundry rooms, or pantries.
  • Design Considerations: Not ideal for high-traffic areas, but great for saving space.

6. Sliding Doors

  • Description: Slide along a track parallel to the wall.
  • Applications: Often used for closets or connecting rooms.
  • Design Options: Available in modern glass or traditional wood styles.

7. Louvered Doors

  • Description: Feature slatted panels for ventilation while still offering privacy.
  • Applications: Often used for closets, laundry areas, or utility rooms.

2. Door Materials

The material of your interior doors affects not only their appearance but also durability, soundproofing, and cost.

1. Solid Wood

  • Pros: Durable, natural appearance, excellent sound insulation.
  • Cons: Expensive and can be prone to warping or swelling in humid conditions.
  • Best For: High-traffic areas like bedrooms and hallways.

2. Solid Core

  • Description: Made of a wood composite or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) with a solid interior.
  • Pros: More affordable than solid wood, good soundproofing, and durable.
  • Cons: Heavier than hollow-core doors.
  • Best For: Bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces where soundproofing is important.

3. Hollow Core

  • Description: Lightweight doors with a frame and hollow center.
  • Pros: Inexpensive and easy to install.
  • Cons: Less durable and poor sound insulation.
  • Best For: Closets or areas where sound control isn’t a priority.

4. Glass

  • Pros: Provides an open, airy feel and allows light to pass through.
  • Cons: Can be expensive and lacks privacy unless frosted or textured.
  • Best For: French doors or modern sliding doors.

5. Metal

  • Pros: Modern, industrial look with high durability.
  • Cons: Can be heavy and expensive.
  • Best For: Modern or industrial-style homes.

3. Design and Style Options

Interior doors come in a variety of styles to suit different aesthetics and functional needs:

  • Panel Doors: Feature raised or recessed panels for a classic look.
  • Flush Doors: Smooth, flat surfaces with a sleek, minimalist appearance.
  • Glass Paneled: Incorporate glass panels for light and openness.
  • Shaker Style: Clean, simple lines with a timeless, versatile look.

Consider the overall style of your home when selecting doors to ensure consistency and flow throughout the space.

4. Door Hardware

Choosing the right hardware is just as important as selecting the door itself. Key hardware considerations include:

  • Hinges: Available in finishes like brass, black, nickel, and chrome to match your door style.
  • Doorknobs/Handles: Choose from traditional knobs or modern lever handles. Pay attention to finishes and ergonomic preferences.
  • Locks: Bedrooms and bathrooms may require privacy locks, while passage doors typically don’t need locking mechanisms.
  • Closures: For sliding and pocket doors, ensure smooth operation with quality track systems.

5. Door Sizing and Measurements

Standard interior door sizes are typically 80 inches in height and 24 to 36 inches in width. However, custom sizing may be necessary for specific spaces or designs. When measuring for doors:

  • Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the door frame.
  • Width: Measure the inside of the frame from one side to the other.
  • Depth: Ensure the door thickness matches the frame for a snug fit.

6. Installation Considerations

Proper installation is crucial for smooth operation and long-lasting performance:

  1. Pre-Hung vs. Slab Doors: Pre-hung doors come with a frame and are easier to install, while slab doors require an existing frame.
  2. Alignment: Ensure the door is level and aligned with the frame to avoid sticking or gaps.
  3. Clearances: Leave enough clearance at the bottom to accommodate flooring and door swings.
  4. Hardware Installation: Carefully install hinges and handles for smooth operation.

7. Soundproofing and Insulation

For added comfort and privacy, consider soundproofing options:

  • Weatherstripping: Adds a seal around the door frame to block sound and drafts.
  • Door Sweeps: Installed at the bottom of the door to close the gap with the floor.
  • Acoustic Panels: Attach panels to the door’s surface to reduce sound transmission.

8. Maintenance and Care

To keep interior doors looking and functioning their best:

  • Cleaning: Wipe down doors regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
  • Hinges: Lubricate hinges to prevent squeaking.
  • Paint or Stain Touch-Ups: Keep extra paint or stain on hand for minor repairs.
  • Alignment Checks: Periodically check for door alignment issues and adjust hinges as needed.

Conclusion

Interior doors are an essential part of any home’s design and functionality. By understanding the different types, materials, styles, and installation considerations, you can make informed decisions that enhance the beauty and comfort of your custom-built house. With thoughtful choices and proper care, your interior doors will provide both style and practicality for years to come.