The Complete Guide to Interior, Exterior and Patio Doors For Your Home
The Importance of Choosing the Right Doors for Your Home
Doors are one component of your home that you probably don't put a lot of thought into. However, your home's doors play a major role not only in the security of your space, but in your home's appearance and curb appeal as well. If you're thinking of replacing or installing new exterior doors on your home, then you may be wondering where to begin. At The Window Depot, we offer so much more than just windows! From interior and exterior doors to patio doors and everything in between, we've got you covered with quality doors from top-rated brands. For your reference, we've also put together this useful guide on selecting the right doors for your home and finding a professional to install them.
Times When We Really Consider Our Doors
If you're like most homeowners, you don't really take the time to think about the doors on your home until you have a need to replace them. Perhaps you just bought a home, for example, and the existing doors are outdated. Updating the interior and/or exterior doors could breathe new life into an older home while helping you achieve your ideal style. Likewise, you may be looking at doors if you're building a new home from scratch. When going this route, you'll be able to hand-select every door that goes into your home. This includes interior doors and exterior doors alike. Finally, you may need replacement doors on an existing home if they have been damaged. Interior doors, for example, can be damaged by children roughhousing. An exterior door could be damaged by debris from a storm, an attempted break-in, or any number of other factors. Regardless of your reasoning for needing to choose new doors for your home, The Window Depot has doors in the style and size you're looking for.
The Three Most Common Door Uses
Doors are found all throughout the home, inside and out. Generally, residential doors can be placed into one of three categories as follows:
-
Interior Doors - these are the doors you'll find inside your home, such as those in-between rooms. Bedroom doors, bathroom doors, and office doors are some common examples. Interior doors provide privacy and separation between your living spaces while adding visual appeal to your home.
-
Exterior Doors - exterior doors serve as entryways to your home. Front doors can make a statement and enhance your home's curb appeal. Likewise, side entry doors can provide convenient access to a garage or other area of your home.
-
Patio Doors - if your property has a deck or patio space, then a great patio door can provide an extension between your indoor living space and your outdoor entertainment space. Patio doors come in a wide range of styles to suit your needs, including French-style doors and sliding glass patio doors.
Common Door Styles in the Southwest & Western United States
So, what are some of the most popular door styles throughout the western United States? This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it does cover some of the more common styles you'll see in homes throughout the area. Perhaps this will give you some inspiration as you prepare to replace or install doors at your home.
-
Shaker - shaker doors are a simple yet popular style. Typically, this type of door is beveled along all four sides for a traditional look that can suit any home. Shaker doors come in a wide range of sizes to suit your needs and are primed for painting.
-
Santa Fe - Santa Fe doors have a little more character, with beveling and vertical lines throughout. These doors typically feature a two-panel style that is a great choice for craftsman-style homes and those looking to achieve that popular "farmhouse" look. The Window Depot offers a large selection of Santa Fe doors, including single-bore and bifold options to suit your needs.
-
Barn Door - barn doors have become extremely popular within the past several years, and are ideal for achieving that coveted farmhouse look inside your home. Unlike a traditional hinged door, a barn door rests on a track above the door opening and slides freely open and shut. The Window Depot carries several styles of barn doors, including rustic wooden options and more modern frosted glass barn doors.
-
Pocket Door - pocket doors are an excellent option for saving space while adding character to a home. Specifically, a pocket door is nested inside a wall, allowing it to be opened and closed without taking up additional square footage. Pocket doors slide along a track and are available in an array of sizes/styles.
The Many Different Materials Doors Are Made Of
In addition to different styles and types of doors, there are many different door materials to consider as you shop as well. Some are more suitable for interior applications, whereas others may be ideal choices for an exterior door.
-
Fiberglass - fiberglass doors are a popular choice among homeowners who want something relatively lightweight yet durable. Most often used for exterior doors, fiberglass can be easily painted any color and is tough enough to withstand harsh outdoor elements.
-
Glass - doors with glass panels are excellent for adding curb appeal and natural light to a home. Many styles of doors are designed with glass panels, with exterior front doors being the most popular. However, some homeowners will also opt for doors with glass inside their homes, such as in-office and even pantry spaces.
-
Vinyl - vinyl doors are another popular option for both interior and exterior doors. This material is lightweight yet durable; plus, it is easy to paint and can be made in a variety of styles.
-
Iron - those looking for a heavier and even more durable door option should consider iron. This material is most often used on exterior doors for its added security and protection.
-
Steel - like iron, a steel door offers unrivaled durability and will withstand harsh climates with very little need for care or maintenance. Steel doors are a common choice for front doors and side doors.
-
Wood - looking to make a statement? A wooden door may be a great choice for your exterior or interior. A wood exterior door can add a lot of charm to your home. Meanwhile, interior wooden doors add character that simply cannot be achieved with other materials.
All the Components Your Door May Need
When shopping for new doors for your home, don't forget to purchase the accessories and other components your doors may need to be properly installed. Check out our list of common door components below to get a better feel for what you may need. Remember, you can always reach out to our knowledgeable team at The Window Depot for help with door hardware and more.
-
Barn door hardware - barn doors require a lot of special hardware to properly hang and mount. This includes sliding door tracks, which may be specific to your barn door manufacturer.
-
Bypass hardware - for sliding doors, bypass hardware may also be needed. Specifically, bypass door hardware makes it possible for one door to slide in front of another, such as with a set of sliding closet doors.
-
Door accessories - in addition to purchasing a door, you may also need to install accessories, such as doorknobs and handles. Choosing accessories with the right color/finish can really complement the existing decor and style of your home.
-
Door thresholds/sweeps - when installing an exterior door, it may be necessary to add a door threshold or a door sweep. These small pieces of hardware can be attached to the bottom of a door to prevent drafts. When properly installed, a door threshold or sweep can help to prevent energy loss, which can improve your home's efficiency and save you money on your energy bills.
-
Hinges - the right hinges can make all the difference. If you're replacing existing doors throughout your home, don't assume that your old hinges will be compatible with your new doors. Even if they are, the style and/or color may not match your new doors and hardware. For this reason, many homeowners opt to completely replace their hinges at the same time that they replace their doors.
-
Pocket door locks - if you want your home's pocket doors to be able to lock, then you'll need to purchase and install a specialized lock for this unique type of door. These locks can be used to secure a pocket door in its open or closed configuration, depending on your needs.
-
Pocket/bifold hardware - bi-fold and pocket doors alike may need special hardware for proper installation. This can include anything from mounting screws and spring-loaded stops to pivot brackets and door tracks.
-
Shims - wooden shims are often used when installing doors (both interior and exterior) to ensure that they are plumb and level.
The Complete Guide to Interior, Exterior and Patio Doors For Your Home
The Importance of Choosing the Right Doors for Your Home
Doors are one component of your home that you probably don't put a lot of thought into. However, your home's doors play a major role not only in the security of your space, but in your home's appearance and curb appeal as well. If you're thinking of replacing or installing new exterior doors on your home, then you may be wondering where to begin. At The Window Depot, we offer so much more than just windows! From interior and exterior doors to patio doors and everything in between, we've got you covered with quality doors from top-rated brands. For your reference, we've also put together this useful guide on selecting the right doors for your home and finding a professional to install them.
Times When We Really Consider Our Doors
If you're like most homeowners, you don't really take the time to think about the doors on your home until you have a need to replace them. Perhaps you just bought a home, for example, and the existing doors are outdated. Updating the interior and/or exterior doors could breathe new life into an older home while helping you achieve your ideal style. Likewise, you may be looking at doors if you're building a new home from scratch. When going this route, you'll be able to hand-select every door that goes into your home. This includes interior doors and exterior doors alike. Finally, you may need replacement doors on an existing home if they have been damaged. Interior doors, for example, can be damaged by children roughhousing. An exterior door could be damaged by debris from a storm, an attempted break-in, or any number of other factors. Regardless of your reasoning for needing to choose new doors for your home, The Window Depot has doors in the style and size you're looking for.
The Three Most Common Door Uses
Doors are found all throughout the home, inside and out. Generally, residential doors can be placed into one of three categories as follows:
-
Interior Doors - these are the doors you'll find inside your home, such as those in-between rooms. Bedroom doors, bathroom doors, and office doors are some common examples. Interior doors provide privacy and separation between your living spaces while adding visual appeal to your home.
-
Exterior Doors - exterior doors serve as entryways to your home. Front doors can make a statement and enhance your home's curb appeal. Likewise, side entry doors can provide convenient access to a garage or other area of your home.
-
Patio Doors - if your property has a deck or patio space, then a great patio door can provide an extension between your indoor living space and your outdoor entertainment space. Patio doors come in a wide range of styles to suit your needs, including French-style doors and sliding glass patio doors.
Common Door Styles in the Southwest & Western United States
So, what are some of the most popular door styles throughout the western United States? This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it does cover some of the more common styles you'll see in homes throughout the area. Perhaps this will give you some inspiration as you prepare to replace or install doors at your home.
-
Shaker - shaker doors are a simple yet popular style. Typically, this type of door is beveled along all four sides for a traditional look that can suit any home. Shaker doors come in a wide range of sizes to suit your needs and are primed for painting.
-
Santa Fe - Santa Fe doors have a little more character, with beveling and vertical lines throughout. These doors typically feature a two-panel style that is a great choice for craftsman-style homes and those looking to achieve that popular "farmhouse" look. The Window Depot offers a large selection of Santa Fe doors, including single-bore and bifold options to suit your needs.
-
Barn Door - barn doors have become extremely popular within the past several years, and are ideal for achieving that coveted farmhouse look inside your home. Unlike a traditional hinged door, a barn door rests on a track above the door opening and slides freely open and shut. The Window Depot carries several styles of barn doors, including rustic wooden options and more modern frosted glass barn doors.
-
Pocket Door - pocket doors are an excellent option for saving space while adding character to a home. Specifically, a pocket door is nested inside a wall, allowing it to be opened and closed without taking up additional square footage. Pocket doors slide along a track and are available in an array of sizes/styles.
The Many Different Materials Doors Are Made Of
In addition to different styles and types of doors, there are many different door materials to consider as you shop as well. Some are more suitable for interior applications, whereas others may be ideal choices for an exterior door.
-
Fiberglass - fiberglass doors are a popular choice among homeowners who want something relatively lightweight yet durable. Most often used for exterior doors, fiberglass can be easily painted any color and is tough enough to withstand harsh outdoor elements.
-
Glass - doors with glass panels are excellent for adding curb appeal and natural light to a home. Many styles of doors are designed with glass panels, with exterior front doors being the most popular. However, some homeowners will also opt for doors with glass inside their homes, such as in-office and even pantry spaces.
-
Vinyl - vinyl doors are another popular option for both interior and exterior doors. This material is lightweight yet durable; plus, it is easy to paint and can be made in a variety of styles.
-
Iron - those looking for a heavier and even more durable door option should consider iron. This material is most often used on exterior doors for its added security and protection.
-
Steel - like iron, a steel door offers unrivaled durability and will withstand harsh climates with very little need for care or maintenance. Steel doors are a common choice for front doors and side doors.
-
Wood - looking to make a statement? A wooden door may be a great choice for your exterior or interior. A wood exterior door can add a lot of charm to your home. Meanwhile, interior wooden doors add character that simply cannot be achieved with other materials.
All the Components Your Door May Need
When shopping for new doors for your home, don't forget to purchase the accessories and other components your doors may need to be properly installed. Check out our list of common door components below to get a better feel for what you may need. Remember, you can always reach out to our knowledgeable team at The Window Depot for help with door hardware and more.
-
Barn door hardware - barn doors require a lot of special hardware to properly hang and mount. This includes sliding door tracks, which may be specific to your barn door manufacturer.
-
Bypass hardware - for sliding doors, bypass hardware may also be needed. Specifically, bypass door hardware makes it possible for one door to slide in front of another, such as with a set of sliding closet doors.
-
Door accessories - in addition to purchasing a door, you may also need to install accessories, such as doorknobs and handles. Choosing accessories with the right color/finish can really complement the existing decor and style of your home.
-
Door thresholds/sweeps - when installing an exterior door, it may be necessary to add a door threshold or a door sweep. These small pieces of hardware can be attached to the bottom of a door to prevent drafts. When properly installed, a door threshold or sweep can help to prevent energy loss, which can improve your home's efficiency and save you money on your energy bills.
-
Hinges - the right hinges can make all the difference. If you're replacing existing doors throughout your home, don't assume that your old hinges will be compatible with your new doors. Even if they are, the style and/or color may not match your new doors and hardware. For this reason, many homeowners opt to completely replace their hinges at the same time that they replace their doors.
-
Pocket door locks - if you want your home's pocket doors to be able to lock, then you'll need to purchase and install a specialized lock for this unique type of door. These locks can be used to secure a pocket door in its open or closed configuration, depending on your needs.
-
Pocket/bifold hardware - bi-fold and pocket doors alike may need special hardware for proper installation. This can include anything from mounting screws and spring-loaded stops to pivot brackets and door tracks.
-
Shims - wooden shims are often used when installing doors (both interior and exterior) to ensure that they are plumb and level.