Deciding upon doors for your home? There are many different types of doors for different occasions. In this post, we’ll take a brief walk through 20 different door styles and when to choose them.
Types of door mechanism
- Folding doors
Also known as bifold doors or concertina doors, these doors consist of multiple panels that fold up, saving space and allowing customizable configurations.
- French doors
French doors consist of a pair of hinged doors typically containing glass panes. They’re often used as internal doors or exterior doors leading out onto a patio.
- Hinge doors
Your standard door operates using hinges on one side. These are the most popular doors within homes.
- Pocket doors
These doors slide into a slot in the wall. Whereas regular doors require room for the door to swing, these doors don’t.
- Roller doors
When it comes to garage doors, roller doors are the most space-efficient style, rolling up vertically into a compact coil.
- Sliding doors
Sliding doors are typically glass and used as back doors on patios and gardens. Like pocket doors, they don’t require a swing radius.
- Up-and-over doors
The traditional type of garage door, these doors swing up and over. They are less complex than roller doors and can be easier to repair.
Types of door material
- Aluminium doors
Aluminium doors are incredibly durable and robust. Compared to steel doors, they can be built to be quite slim and light, while still offering decent strength.
- Composite doors
Composite doors contain a combination of materials including timber, GRP and polyurethane to provide some of the best insulation. They’re also very secure and long-lasting.
- Fibreglass doors
Fibreglass doors also offer excellent insulation and are very low maintenance, providing superior resistance against dents and scratches.
- Glass doors
If you want to let more light into your home, choose glass doors. Such doors can be transparent to capture views, or you can look into frosted and distorted glass to retain privacy.
- Steel doors
Steel doors are known for being some of the most robust options. They’re often used for security and can withstand strong winds.
- Timber doors
Timber doors offer a traditional aesthetic combined with good insulation. Ornate wooden doors can often boost a home’s value.
- uPVC doors
One of the most cost-effective options, uPVC doors are low maintenance and offer relatively good durability.
Specialist types of door
- Fire doors
Made from thick steel with a mineral core and containing intumescent seals, fire doors are designed to help stop the spread of fire and smoke.
- Flood doors
These doors are great for high-risk flood zones – they have reinforced frames and watertight seals to prevent floodwater getting in.
- Security doors
Usually made from steel or aluminium, these doors are very difficult to break into due to advanced locks and reinforced frames. A good choice in areas with a high burglary rate.
- Smart doors
Smart doors can be locked and unlocked using an app on a phone. This prevents the need for keys, but requires you to always have your phone handy.
- Soundproof doors
Designed for keeping out noise, soundproof doors are typically made from thick steel or timber and have acoustic seals.
- Storm doors
These doors offer protection against strong winds and rain. They’re often installed in front of an exterior door as a second protective layer.
Selecting the right door
When choosing a door, identify your main needs. Different areas of the home may benefit from different styles of mechanisms and materials. Try to choose doors that match the character of your home and always measure the space thoroughly first.
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