When it comes to home improvement projects, upgrading your internal doors can make a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your space.
Not only do they add aesthetic value, but they also play an important role in creating privacy and separation between rooms.
But with so many excellent options currently available on the market, buying internal doors can be overwhelming.
You’re probably wondering:
How do I choose an interior door?
No need to stress!
At Good Build Superstore, we’ll guide you through the important factors to consider when selecting an internal door for your home.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Table of contents:
Material
The material of your internal door will play a significant role in its durability, appearance and maintenance. Common materials for internal doors include wood, composite, glass, and metal.
Wooden doors
Wooden doors are a popular option due to their classic and natural look. They come in different types of wood, such as oak, pine and walnut, each with its unique characteristics. Wooden doors are durable and offer good insulation, but they may require regular maintenance to prevent warping and cracking.
Composite doors
Composite doors are made from a combination of wood fibres and synthetic materials. They are affordable, low-maintenance and offer good insulation. Composite doors can mimic the look of wood or have a smooth surface.
Glass doors
Glass doors allow light to flow between rooms and create an open and airy feel. They come in different designs, from clear to frosted, and can also be stained or etched. Glass doors are fragile, so they may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas.
Metal doors
Metal doors are sturdy and offer excellent security. They are often used in commercial buildings but can also be used in homes. Metal doors can be painted to match the decor and are low maintenance.
Style
There are multiple internal door types or styles, including panel doors, flush doors, French doors, sliding doors and pocket doors. Each style has its own unique features and functions.
Let’s take a closer look.
Panel doors
Panel doors are the most common type of internal door. Highly versatile, they have multiple panels that can be raised or recessed, giving them a traditional or contemporary look.
Flush doors
Flush doors have a flat surface and are often used in modern homes. They blend seamlessly with the wall and create a clean and minimalistic look.
French doors
French doors consist of two doors that open outward or inward. They are often used to connect two rooms or as an entrance to a patio or garden.
Sliding doors
Sliding doors slide along a track and are a good option for small spaces where swing doors would take up too much space.
Pocket doors
Pocket doors are similar to sliding doors but slide into a recess in the wall. They are a good option for rooms where space is at a premium.
Finish
Internal doors can come in different finishes, including unfinished, primed and fully-finished. These finishes can affect the appearance and durability of the door, as well as the level of maintenance required.
Unfinished doors
Unfinished doors are bare timber doors that have not been treated with any finish, such as paint or varnish. They are the most basic type of door and require some level of sanding, filling and staining before they can be used.
Unfinished doors allow you to customise the door to your specific needs and preferences, such as staining to match the existing woodwork or painting to match the decor. They are a good choice for those who want complete control over the final appearance of the door, but they do require some effort to prepare and finish properly.
Primed doors
Primed doors have a base coat of primer applied to the wood, providing a smooth and consistent surface for painting. This base coat makes it easier to apply a final coat of paint and ensures better adhesion of the paint to the wood.
Primed doors are a good choice for those who want a door that is ready to paint and requires less preparation work than unfinished doors. They can also help to protect the wood from moisture, which can cause warping or splitting.
Fully-finished doors
Fully-finished doors are doors that have been treated with a complete finish, such as varnish or paint. This means they are ready to be hung straight away and require no further preparation work.
Fully-finished doors come in a range of finishes, including gloss, satin, and matte. They are the most convenient option for those who want a door that is ready to be used straight away.
Size
The size of your internal door will depend on the size of the doorway. The most common size in the UK is 1981mm x 762mm x 35mm, but internal doors can also come in different sizes. You should measure the height, width and thickness of the doorway to ensure that the door fits properly.
Soundproofing
Internal doors can also help to reduce noise levels between rooms. If you live in a noisy area or have a home theatre, you may want to consider a door with soundproofing features. For instance, doors with a solid core or insulated glass can help to reduce noise levels.
Hardware
The hardware of your internal door includes the handles, hinges and locks. They can add a decorative element to the door and should be chosen to match the style of the door. Handles can be made from various materials, including metal, wood or glass. Hinges and locks should be durable and functional.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right internal door requires careful consideration of several factors, including the material, style, finish, size, soundproofing and hardware.
By taking these factors into account, you can find the best internal doors that fit your needs perfectly and enhance the overall look and feel of your home.