Understanding the Differences Between Interior and Exterior Doors

Doors play a significant role in home design, and various types of doors serve specific purposes. In order to serve these diverse purposes, doors will differ in their construction. One example is interior vs exterior doors. There are many differences between how these types of doors are designed and the roles they serve in a home. Here are some of the ways interior and exterior doors differ:

Appearance

Interior Doors

Although interior doors can have some decorative flair, they are more likely to be relatively unobtrusive. This provides consistency with other doors inside the home and allows other elements to stand out. Since they visually separate different rooms and provide privacy, interior doors are usually solid and do not have windows or other openings.

Exterior Doors

The appearance of an exterior door depends on whether it is a patio door or a front door. Patio doors often let in natural light and provide a view of the outdoors, although some may be opaque. Front doors are one of the first things a person sees when visiting your home, so they are designed to provide aesthetic value and improve curb appeal.

Security & Durability

Interior Doors

Although some interior doors have locking mechanisms, security is usually not as much of a concern as it is for exterior doors. Likewise, interior doors need to be durable enough to withstand daily use, but they don't need to hold up against exposure to the elements in the same way exterior doors do.

Exterior Doors

Exterior doors need to be secure enough to keep unwanted visitors out, and the locking mechanisms are usually more robust. These doors also are exposed to the elements daily, and likely endure more severe conditions such as storms at various points in their lifespan.

Material

Interior Doors

Most interior doors have a hollow core and are typically made of wood or fiberboard. The material is strong enough to serve its intended purpose, but it does not need to be as fortified as an exterior door. Interior doors also don't need to be energy-efficient in the same way an exterior door does, so the material does not need to be optimized to prevent heat loss and gain.

Exterior Doors

There are multiple materials for exterior doors. While some are made of wood, this can have lower energy efficiency and needs to be treated in order to function properly. Fiberglass is a popular choice for modern front doors. For patio doors, aluminum and vinyl are both common and energy-efficient options.

Replace Your Doors

Whether you need to replace an interior or exterior door, The Window Depot has options to fit your needs. We stock a variety of high-quality doors that are energy-efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. We work with homeowners and contractors alike, and our friendly team can help you find what you are looking for. In addition to doors, we also have skylights, cabinets, countertops, and, of course, windows. Visit us today to browse our interior and exterior doors.