How often do you find yourself thinking about your front door types? We bet it’s not very often… and that’s quite unfortunate, don’t you think?
Because first impressions matter. And needless to say, it is your front door that gives the first and last impression.
But that’s not all a front door does.
When thinking about a door, you need to focus on specific objectives, which include – protection from the weather, security (both real and perceived), and warm, and inviting reception points. These obvious objectives should not be ignored to find the best choice for your door.
So what do you do to make the ideal choice? Well, we will make your life a little simpler by giving you all the possible options. Now, it is your job to find out what works best for you.
Let’s get started then, shall we?
The door is defined as an openable barrier or a Framework which is made up of steel, aluminum, wood, or a combination of these materials.
In this article, we are discussing the various types of doors based on their materials, location, operation of the door, method of construction, and arrangement of doors.
Functions of Doors
The doors have various functions which are as follows.
- The doors are provided in the structure to give access to the room of the building.
- It will also provide ventilation and lighting to the room.
- It will help to maintain the privacy of the rooms.
- The doors in the buildings serve as a connecting link between the various internal portion of the building.
Location of the Doors in the Building
While Planning the location of the doors the following points should be considered
- Doors should be located on opposite walls facing each other to provide good ventilation and lighting in the room.
- While locating doors the privacy and the utility of the room should be considered and the door should be located near the corner of the room.
- The door in the room should be located about 0.2m away from the corner.
- The location and size of the door should meet the functional requirements of the room.
Types of Doors
There are various types of doors are available in the market and classified according to their Material, location, operation of door shutter, method of construction, and arrangement of the doors.
#1. Door Types Based on Material Used
- Metal Doors
Steel has been a favorite for several years because they are useful and an excellent alternative for both interior and exterior doors alike. You can find them in strong and hollow options. Metal is considered to be a great alternative to wooden doors and is mostly utilized for making frames.
These frames can be designed out of channels, angles, tee, or even pushed steel plates. But in case you’re opting for steel frames, you should be aware that hinges and hold-fast are usually bonded firmly to the frame. And the best part, you can even have a regular shutter constructed out of any material (wood, aluminum, etc.) to have it fixed on the steel frames.
Steel is a more economical option compared to the other materials and is being utilized thoroughly for homes. The doors that are constructed out of steel are made with a high-quality cold-rolled Mild Steel (MS) sheet, which is later accurately crafted.
They are available in beautiful tones with a range of wood grain texturing and require minimal maintenance. Plus, the durability is on point and provides excellent security.
- Wood/ Timber Doors
The most common material that has been used for constructing doors and windows is wood or timber. It‘s said to be one of the oldest and primary pillars of the manufacturing industry. People have generally opted for wooden doors because it is widely available.
Plus, it is quite a simple material to work on. In fact, with the right tools, you can do it too.
As mentioned above, you can find a variety of wood in the market, but before selecting a particular type, you need to consider certain factors like budget and durability.
It also depends on whether you’re purchasing wood for commercial or residential properties because the longevity and regular usage patterns will differ. Even though you can use wood or timber for all doors around the house, it’s best suited for the front doors because of its high durability.
- Glass Doors
When glass is used for doors and windows, the main purpose is generally for paneling. But you can have it designed the way you prefer depending on the location where you want to have it installed. Typically glass doors are used for the backside of a house or balcony to provide an obstructed view of the garden or your backyard.
The front doors that are made using glass are equally gorgeous. However, you need to ensure that durability and privacy are considered beforehand. One of the common styles is cut glass panels, which are later set into wooden frames. This design is frequently used and makes for a great alternative when it’s being used for front doors.
On the other hand, they are pretty heavy, and it comes with a higher price tag that is mainly for their overall luxurious appearance. However, it also requires regular upkeep to maintain its shine.
- Fiberglass Doors
What is fiberglass? It’s a fibrous form of glass that is woven into cloth. This material is not just known for its high tensile strength, but it’s also pretty durable, lightweight, and non-inflammable. When glass fibers are bonded with resin, they can be used for constructing a range of products such as doors, bathtubs, windows, and so on.
Moreover, fiberglass is included in the list of the most solidified materials that require relatively low maintenance when compared to steel and wood.
Since it doesn’t bow, warp, or twist, fiberglass is considered to be very stable. These doors also consist of high insulation properties because of the underlying foam layer in between the different surfaces. Plus, doors that are made with fiberglass can be carefully designed with wood panels for better aesthetics.
You can use fiberglass doors for both interior and exterior locations. Further, you can also find designer options such as door stiles and beveled glass for the outside doors. Some of these doors are crafted in a manner that looks straight out of an architectural digest magazine.
- Aluminum Doors
Aluminum is known for its lightweight design and has been widely used in the market for the construction of windows, doors, curtain walls, partitions, etc. Most people generally prefer aluminum frames for doors because it has the distinct benefit of being able to withstand the onslaughts of regular usage.
These frames have high durability, and they are not easily affected by termites, which makes them a great investment. Windows and doors that are made from aluminum can be slid or side-hung, making them suitable for interior and exterior locations. Best of all, they are high on the aesthetic factor and turn out to be a pretty good investment in the long run.
- PVC Door
PVC or Poly Vinyl Chloride is a plastic component that is frequently used for making a range of products for the house, including- pipes, water tanks, fittings, and so on.
The use of PVC for making doors is getting common, and it’s available in a range of different colors and styles. This gives the customers a lot of options to choose from, especially when they have narrowed it down to this material type.
Plus, one of the main advantages of using PVC doors is its properties such as high resilience, anti-destructive, termite-proof, moisture-resistant, lightweight, and so on. These doors also have a simple manufacturing and installation process.
However, they are not suited for entry doors because of their lightweight construction, lack of weatherproof properties, and inability to resist harsh environmental conditions. Such doors are readily available in the market and are relatively cost-effective when compared to other wood or metal doors.
- Bamboo-Jute Composite Doors
When you look for renewable options for a door, you’ll find a host of bamboo laminates that also includes a frame. Bamboo has a maturity cycle of 3-4 years, which makes it a great natural resource when compared to other forest hardwoods.
One of the valid options for a wood product is the jute-coir composite board that can be used for manufacturing doors. Natural hard fibers like jute and coir are infused with phenolic resins for manufacturing these boards.
The demand for this product is on the rise because it offers some good benefits- rust-resistant, water-resistant, environment-friendly, termite-resistant, and biodegradable. And since it’s a substitute for wood, it comes with great potential for gradually processing it into composites.
Such doors are cost-efficient, and it’s being produced mainly by entrepreneurs who are focusing on sustainability.
- Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Door
Fiber Reinforced Plastic is a general term that is used for referring to the fibrous reinforcement of glass with plastics. It’s a durable material because of which it’s used for manufacturing a large number of products, including doors. The tensile strength of FRP is considered to be more than ten times that of PVC.
The FRP molded doors are easily available in several colors and finishes, such as natural wood finish, which has been the trend of the season. The standard door thickness is about 30/35 mm, and it can also have two leaves with around 1.5 mm thickness.
These leaves are carefully molded over a core material to form a sandwich panel that offers excellent fire-retardant properties. You’ll also find a few wooden supports for fixing locks, stopper handles, and other accessories, all of which help to improve the overall aesthetics.
#2. Door Types Based on the Design
- Hinged Door
The single-hinged door is one of the most frequently utilized doors for home interiors. Since one end of the door will be installed on the hinges, the other end tends to swing open from one space to another. Thus, you need to ensure that the room has sufficient space for opening the hinged door; otherwise, it will end up blocking your limited space.
You can get hinged doors just as a single piece and have them professionally installed, or you can choose the pre-hung door system with a hassle-free installation procedure.
The exterior doors come with three hinges, and they are pretty heavy. But the interior doors are relatively lightweight and have two hinges. When it comes to thickness, the exterior doors are about 1-¾ inches, and the interior ones are commonly 1-⅜ inches thick.
- Pocket Doors
Many older homes come with interior pocket doors that gradually slide into the wall when it’s fully opened. Pocket doors have been around for many decades; however, they have recently been upgraded with some brilliant aesthetics.
By the way, the operation of this door is not very complicated. You have to move the door in and out of the section that is carefully provisioned inside the wall. The wall space in which you plan to have the door installed should not be featuring any plumbing or electrical lines that run through it.
On top of that, you can get pocket doors with both single as well as double doors. Moreover, it allows you to open the doorway without blocking any extra floor space. This makes it convenient, especially when you have limited space in a particular area inside the house.
- French Doors
If you’re looking for something unique and significant, then French doors will most likely fit your needs. These doors are held on with three to four hinges, which are set up carefully on both sides of the opening. To get an unblocked view and an extra-wide opening, you can open both sides of the door.
These doors add a charming touch to the house, and they always tend to have a traditional design. Many a time, people opt for glass panels when selecting French doors because that makes them look even better and highlights the design. They are most commonly used to create a passageway between rooms, but French doors also look stunning as exterior patio doors.
- Bifold Door
Bifold doors are pretty versatile, it comes with a set of doors that are hinged together, and you can fold the panels to have a great view. The doors are installed on a metal track that hangs from the head or the top of the opening. It helps to open up the room to the outdoors and is ideal for filling the home interiors with natural light.
- Dutch Doors
The Dutch doors have a distinct design with panels that divide the top and bottom sections. They are divided horizontally, which makes them suitable for homes that have pets and children. Because you can open the top half for some fresh air while the bottom section stays shut.
To use it like a regular door, you can secure both sections by bolting the two halves together. Dutch doors can be used for the cooking area and even for the front door, considering it has a strong build. This door is still popular for its old-world feel as well as its practicality.
- Barn Doors
While barn doors give the perfect country vibe, they’ve become a trendy mainstay in modern homes and farmhouses alike. It has a vintage charm that helps in adding separation and style to closets, bathrooms, bedrooms, and more.
You can pair it with high-quality machined hardware and amazing architectural decorative glass to make a completely stunning package. The door material can be selected based on the functionality that you want from the door. For instance, wooden doors are most common; it blocks light and reduces sightlines, and also help to close off space more efficiently. The forecast of substantial drinking from fake ID 2022 proprietorship, while controlling for these realized danger factors for hefty drinking, recommends that undergrads, especially Greek individuals, who own a phony ID are in significantly high danger for weighty drinking. Besides, the paces of those in danger consistently increment with time in school.
#3. Door Types Based on the Operation of Door Shutter
- Sliding Doors
The sliding doors are the type of growers which consist of the fixed panel which is attached to the two hangers-on rollers that slide along the particular track. The sliding door works by sliding a panel of the door along a set of horizontal rails.
Sliding doors are suitable for spaces that are more congested. Sliding door helps to save space and increase the efficiency of usage.
- Pivot Doors
Pivot Doors are the type of doors that are designed to rotate on the vertical axis. The pivot doors open and close by rotating on the spindle. This type of door is generally used at an entry level which is very good-looking and enhances the beauty of the Building.
- Revolving Door
Revolving Doors are generally provided at the front of the building in which the entrance is on one side and the exit is on another side simultaneously. Revolving Doors are mostly suitable for places where there is regular foot traffic of people entering and going out of the building.
Revolving doors and widely used in banks, hospitals, theatres, offices, etc. In the revolving door, the arrangements are made in such a way that it will rotate the door about the central pivot.
The revolving door consists of four leaves which are attached to a centrally placed mullion in a circular opening. The mullion of the central member is provided with the ball bearing at the bottom and bush bearing at the top which allows the door to revolve smoothly.
- Swinging Doors
Swinging types of doors are hinged in one place so that they can rotate about a vertical axis. Swinging Doors are also known as hinged doors.
There are two types of swinging doors available which are single-acting doors that swing only in one direction and double-acting doors that can swing in both directions.
- Rolling Shutter Doors
Rolling Shutter Doors are the Type of Doors that are commonly used for the main entrance of garage shops, showrooms, godowns, etc.
The rolling shutter door acts like a steel curtain and mainly provides adequate protection and safety against fire and buglers. The Rolling shutter doors consist of a Frame, drum, and a shutter of thin steel plates.
- Folding Doors
The Folding doors are mainly comprised of a number of panels that can fold or unfold to open or close the door. Folding Doors are also known as Bi-fold doors.
- Collapsible Doors
The collapsible door is the type of door which are generally used in areas where the width of the opening is very large. Collapsible doors are mainly used at the main entrance of Residential buildings or Public buildings.
Collapsible doors are fabricated from mild steel. The collapsible doors are installed in such a way that when you open the doors all the strips are folded together and when you close the doors all the strips are stretched.
The collapsible door provided extra safety and protection for the property. Depending upon the size of the opening the collapsible doors may have single or double shutters.
#4. Door Types Based on the Location
- External Doors
External Doors are the Front doors of the building which you see first when you entered the building. These doors are exposed to aggressive climates so it is necessary that they are waterproof and have corrosion resistance. The External Doors should be painted and polished properly.
- Internal Doors
Internal doors are used in the Interior of the buildings which are available in different types of materials. Internal doors are only used for the purpose of separation. Internal Doors do not undergo or are exposed to aggressive climate conditions.
#5. Door Types Based on the Method of Construction
- Flush Doors
The Flush doors are widely used in public buildings as well as in residential buildings. The Flush doors mainly consist of a skeleton or a hollow framework of rails and stiles.
The thickness of the flush doors varies from 25 mm to 40 mm which mainly depends upon the type of Flush doors.
- Panel Doors
Panel doors are very strong and durable that’s why it is widely used on the exterior of buildings. Panel doors are available in various types such as single-panel doors, double-panel doors, three-panel doors, etc.
Panel doors are weatherproof and required very little maintenance. They are very easy to install.
- Louvered Doors
Louvered Doors are one of the best options when there is privacy and ventilation both are required. These types of doors allow air ventilation into the room even when the doors are closed. These doors are suitable for latrines and Bathrooms.
#6. Door Types Based on the components of the Doors
- Battened & Ledged Doors
If you’re looking for a basic door type that has been used for ages, you’ll find battened and ledged doors topping the list. These doors have wood battens with height like the door itself that comes in at 35 mm densities, which are groove and tongue jointed. Generally, the doors are provided with three ledges (horizontal members) for the top, center, and bottom. For better design and more rigidity, the battened and ledged doors can be either normally braced or braced and framed, which depends on your requirements. These doors are typically used for baths, toilets, and other such rooms. However, battened and ledged doors are commonly used in homes where the economy plays an important role.
- Battened, Ledged & Braced Doors
This type of door is an improved form of the Battened and Ledged door. The braces are provided in these doors to improve the rigidity of these types of doors.
- Battened, Ledged, and Framed Doors
This type of door consists of two vertical styles. The width of the styles is 10 cm and the thickness is 4 cm. These doors have good strength and appearance.
- Battened, Ledged, Framed, and Braced Doors
This type of door is a modification over Battened, Ledged, and framed doors. Additional braces are provided in this type of door to increase its strength and durability.
Final words
We are quite certain that by now you understand what your ideal choice of the door should be.
And always remember to have a good balance between form and function.
We hope this article helped you learn about Door Types for Your Modern Home. You may also want to learn about Construction Terminologies You Should Know, What is Mortar? | Uses and Tests, Brick Masonry | Advantages and Disadvantages, and Structural Design Basis | General Guidelines.
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