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The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Doors for Your Home

Posted on October 10, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Doors for Your Home

As homeowners, there are several ways to keep our homes up to date. One way to do this is by installing new doors. Gone are the days when most homes had doors that simply hinged outwards.

Today, there are a variety of options that are sure to improve the aesthetics of your property. Plus, many of these doors offer functional benefits too. They can help enhance energy efficiency and keep your home warmer in the winter. 

In this blog post, we’ll take you through different types of doors and how they can upgrade your home. We’ll explore each option in detail, providing the information you need to select the perfect doors for your living spaces.

#1 Hinged Doors 

Hinged Doors

Hinged doors are the most common and recognizable door type in residential homes. They have been in use for over 50 years and are still popular today. These doors are attached to the door frame by hinges on one side, allowing them to swing open and close.

Pros 

  • Versatility: Hinged doors can be used in virtually any room of the house, from bedrooms to bathrooms, and are suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
  • Wide Range of Styles: These doors come in countless designs, from simple flat panels to ornate carved options, allowing you to match any architectural style or personal preference.
  • Excellent Insulation: When properly installed, hinged doors create a tight seal against the door frame, providing effective insulation and soundproofing.
  • Easy Customization: It’s relatively simple to add or change hardware, such as doorknobs, locks, or knockers, to update the door’s appearance or functionality.
  • Durability: With proper maintenance, hinged doors can last for decades, especially when constructed from high-quality materials.

Cons

  • Space Requirements: Hinged doors need clearance to swing open, which can limit furniture placement and may not be ideal for smaller spaces.
  • Potential for Drafts: Over time, hinges may loosen or the door may warp slightly, potentially leading to drafts if not addressed promptly.

#2 Sliding Doors

Sliding Doors

Another commonly used door in WNY is sliding doors. Sliding doors operate by gliding horizontally along a track, making them an excellent choice for areas where space is at a premium. Though their use is limited when it comes to front doors, these are widely used for closets, patio entrances, or as room dividers in open-plan layouts.

Pros

  • Space Efficiency: Sliding doors don’t require swing space, allowing for more flexible furniture placement and use in tighter areas.
  • Enhanced Natural Light: When used as patio doors or room dividers, sliding doors often feature large glass panels that maximize natural light
  • Smooth Operation: Well-maintained sliding doors offer quiet and effortless operation, which can be particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas.

Cons

  • Potential for Air Leaks: Sliding doors may not seal as tightly as hinged doors, which could lead to reduced energy efficiency if not properly installed or maintained.
  • Track Maintenance: The tracks require regular cleaning to prevent debris accumulation, which could impede smooth operation over time.

#3 Pocket Doors

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are a clever space-saving solution. Instead of hinging outwards, the pocket door slides into a compartment in the adjacent wall when you open it. So in a way, they completely disappear from view. These are great for areas where swinging doors would be inconvenient, such as small bathrooms or closets. Pocket doors can be single or double, depending on the opening size.

Pros

  • Maximizes Space: No swinging action means you can utilize the space right next to the door more efficiently.
  • Sleek and Discreet: The door slides out of sight, offering a clean look when open.
  • Versatile: Pocked doors are pretty versatile, you can use them in several areas of your home and they work especially well with smaller homes. 

Cons

  • Complicated Installation: Installing or fitting a pocket door into an existing wall can be quite intricate, expensive, and labor-intensive. 
  • Maintenance Issues: If the door comes off its track, repairs can be tricky since the mechanism is hidden inside the wall.
  • Noise Transmission: One limitation of pocket doors is unlike other types of doors, they have a hard time keeping noise out. 

#4 French Doors

French Doors

Next, we will talk about French doors. These door types get their name from the popular doors with windows that originated in 17th-century France. These doors come in pairs, i.e., one French door is actually two that mirror each other and hinge outwards.  

Another feature that distinguishes these doors is that they have glass panels that run along the length of the door. These can either be clear or divided into smaller sections. French doors are designed to let in natural light and create a sense of openness, making them popular for connecting indoor spaces with outdoor areas, like patios or gardens.

Pros

  • Aesthetic Appeal: French doors instantly add elegance and charm to any space, enhancing the overall decor.
  • Natural Light: Their large glass panes let in plenty of natural light, brightening your home and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Outdoor Connection: They create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for entertaining and enjoying nature.

Cons

  • Privacy Concerns: The panes don’t offer much privacy unless you choose frosted glass or cover them with curtains or shades.
  • Energy Efficiency: Single-pane French doors are less energy-efficient, although you can choose double-glazed options to improve insulation and potentially reduce energy costs.

#5 Dutch Doors

Dutch doors, also called stable doors, are split in the middle so you can open the top and bottom parts separately. They’re commonly found in farmhouses or old-style homes, but they’re becoming more popular in modern homes for backdoors or kitchens where you want to let in air without opening the entire door.

Pros

  • Great for Ventilation: Allows airflow through the top half while keeping the bottom half closed for safety.
  • Charming Aesthetic: These are not as popular in cities but might be perfect if you want to add a rustic, farmhouse charm to your home.  
  • Practical for Pet Owners: You can open the top to let air in while keeping pets inside.

Cons

  • Limited Privacy: Since the top half can be opened, privacy might be compromised.
  • Can Be Drafty: If not properly sealed, they might let in drafts through the split.

#6 Barn Doors

Barn Doors

Barn doors are not limited to barns. These doors have become a stylish way to separate rooms or create statement pieces indoors. They’re often used for bathrooms, bedrooms, or home offices. This trendy option slides along a track mounted above the door opening. They are popular in both rustic and modern homes. 

Pros

  • Visually Striking: These doors are a statement piece that adds character to any room.
  • Space-Saving: They slide along the wall, making them a good alternative to swing doors.
  • Easy to Customize: Barn doors are available in a range of materials and styles, from rustic wood to sleek, modern designs.

Cons

  • Limited Sound and Privacy Control: They don’t seal as tightly as traditional doors, which means noise and privacy might be an issue.
  • Limited Insulation: These types of doors do not provide as much insulation as other doors.  

#7 Bi-Fold Doors 

Bi-fold doors are made up of two or more panels that can fold together when you open them.

For larger applications, such as patios, bi-fold doors can consist of several panels, creating a folding wall that opens up your entire space to the outdoors. These doors are fantastic for rooms that need flexible openings.

Pros

  • Maximizes Open Space: They provide a wide opening, perfect for large spaces like patios or living rooms.
  • Compact: When opened, the panels stack neatly, saving space.
  • Great for Closets: Ideal for areas where you want to minimize door interference, like in closets or laundry rooms.

Cons

  • Can Be Difficult to Operate: If not installed correctly, bi-fold doors can be difficult to open or close smoothly.
  • Takes Up Space: While they fold, the stacked panels still take up some space, so they may not work well in very tight areas.

Types Of Doors (Materials) 

When choosing doors for your home, it’s not just about the style – the material plays a huge role in how the door looks, feels, and functions. Different materials offer varying levels of durability, security, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Here are some of the most common door materials available:

  • Wood 
  • Steel 
  • Glass 
  • Fiberglass 

Before choosing a door material, ensure that it matches your budget and preferences. If you aren’t sure which type of door is right for you, our team can help. 

Get Help From Premier Door Installers In Buffalo

With this, we end our list of the best types of doors available. If you have found one that you want to install, look no further than the team at Buffalo’s Best Roofing Company. We are the go-to professionals for door installation and repair in Buffalo and the surrounding areas of WNY. 

Whether you want to go for stylish sliding doors or something different like a barn door, we are here to help. Contact us today at (716) 276-3673 to learn more.