How To Choose The Right Door For Your Home
When choosing the right door for your home, finding one that transforms your space while meeting practical needs is important.
For example, interior doors should set the tone for each room while successfully controlling sound, light and airflow between spaces. Similarly, exterior doors should make lasting first impressions while guarding against weather and keeping your home secure.
Before making your selection, consider how the door will be used, where it will be installed and what qualities matter most for that particular space. Understanding these factors can help you find the perfect door for every room in your home.
Types of Interior Doors
Interior doors go beyond basic room dividers, setting the stage for your home's interior design while serving essential functions like privacy and sound control. Industry leaders like JELD-WEN, Masonite and Simpson offer a range of options to match every home's needs, each bringing unique expertise to door manufacturing.
Common interior door types include:
Solid Core Molded Doors: These are perfect for spaces where sound control matters, like bedrooms and home offices. JELD-WEN and Masonite craft these with superior sound dampening and a substantial feel.
Hollow Core Molded Doors: These are ideal for closets and pantries. JELD-WEN offers composite and real wood options while Masonite's pre-primed selections allow for easy customization.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) Doors: Excellent for painted applications and moisture-prone areas, these doors offer smooth surfaces that resist warping.
Wooden Doors: Simpson, JELD-WEN and Masonite provide options from traditional to contemporary, with various wood species and optional glass inserts.
Specialty Doors: Sliding barn doors save space while making a statement while glass pantry doors and decorative arch-top designs add unique architectural interest.
Solid Core Doors vs. Hollow Core Doors
When it comes to hollow and solid core doors, understanding their differences will help homeowners determine which is better for their project.
According to Today's Homeowner, while hollow core doors feature a lightweight honeycomb interior structure, solid core doors are built with an engineered wood core that provides superior sound dampening and durability.
This difference in construction directly impacts where each door performs best — solid core doors excel in bedrooms and offices where sound control matters. In contrast, hollow core doors are perfect for low-traffic areas like closets and pantries.
Types of Exterior Doors
Your home's exterior doors serve as a welcoming entrance and a protective barrier against the elements. Your front door, in particular, makes the first statement about your home's character and sets expectations for what lies beyond.
Leading manufacturers like JELD-WEN, Therma-Tru, Simpson and Andersen each bring distinctive features to their exterior door collections, offering options that combine security with style.
Common exterior door types include:
Fiberglass Doors: These are excellent for durability in any climate. JELD-WEN's high-definition panels offer paint-ready surfaces while Therma-Tru's designs convincingly mimic natural wood with added weather resistance.
Wooden Doors: Simpson's exterior wooden doors create timeless, elegant entrances with unique design options. These doors offer unmatched natural beauty and can be customized to any architectural style.
Steel Doors: Therma-Tru's steel options provide maximum security and insulation. These low-maintenance doors resist warping and cracking while maintaining their appearance over time.
Entry Door Systems: Complete solutions from Therma-Tru and Andersen include pre-assembled frames and components. Andersen's designs emphasize energy efficiency while incorporating decorative glass elements.
The perfect exterior door balances curb appeal with long-term performance. Smart material selection ensures your front entry door remains beautiful and functional through years of daily use and weather exposure.
Key Factors in Door Selection
Several practical considerations help narrow your choices beyond pure aesthetics when selecting a door. Understanding these factors ensures your door performs effectively for years to come.
For exterior doors, key considerations include:
Climate Considerations: Different materials respond uniquely to temperature changes and weather conditions. Consider your local climate when choosing between wood, fiberglass or steel options. According to Fine Homebuilding, doors facing south, west and east receive the harshest sunlight, making UV resistance essential. For optimal protection, doors should ideally be installed under an overhang that extends at least half the distance between the door's sill and the eave.
Energy Efficiency: Look for doors with proper weatherstripping and insulation values. Glass elements should feature double or triple-pane construction for better temperature control.
Security Features: Entry doors should include solid locking mechanisms and reinforced frames. Steel and fiberglass options typically offer enhanced security benefits.
For all doors throughout your home, key considerations include:
Sound Control: For spaces requiring peace and quiet, solid-core doors provide superior sound dampening compared to hollow-core alternatives.
Durability Needs: High-traffic areas demand more durable materials and construction. When selecting materials, consider how often the door will be used.
Maintenance Requirements: Some materials require regular upkeep to maintain their appearance and function. Factor in long-term care when making your selection.
Think of these factors as your door's job description — each space in your home has unique demands, and choosing the right door means finding one that excels at its specific tasks while looking beautiful.
Matching Doors to Your Home's Style
Your doors should harmonize with your home's architectural character while meeting your personal design preferences. Consistency creates a polished look, whether you're updating a single door or replacing several throughout your home.
Consider these style elements when making your selection:
Architectural Compatibility: Choose doors that complement your home's era and architecture. Colonial homes often suit panel doors while modern homes may call for clean-lined designs.
Color and Finish Options: Door colors can either create contrast or blend seamlessly with your décor. Natural wood finishes offer timeless appeal while painted doors provide opportunities for personality.
Hardware Selection: Door handles, hinges and accessories should coordinate in both style and finish. Sleek hardware suit contemporary spaces while traditional homes often call for more ornate options.
Size and Scale: Ensure your door's proportions match your space. Oversized doors can make a dramatic statement while standard sizes maintain classic appeal.
Your door selection creates a visual flow throughout your home. Let your home's existing elements guide your choices while incorporating your personal style preferences.
Measuring and Installation Guidelines
Proper measurements and installation are essential for your door's performance and longevity. Taking time to understand these basics helps ensure success, whether you're working with a professional or considering DIY installation.
Important considerations include:
Size Specifications: Standard door sizes fit most openings, but older homes may require custom solutions. Measure width, height and thickness at multiple points.
Installation Methods: Pre-hung doors include frames and hardware, while slab doors require more extensive installation work. Consider your expertise level when choosing between options.
Common Challenges: Uneven floors, out-of-square openings and proper shimming all affect installation success. Professional installation often provides peace of mind for complex situations.
Accurate Measurements: Allow for flooring, thresholds and door swing clearance in your measurements. Double-check all numbers before ordering.
Professional guidance ensures your measurements are accurate and your installation goes smoothly. Page Lumber's experienced team can help verify your measurements and connect you with skilled installers who understand the unique challenges of door installation.
Building Your Vision, One Door at a Time
For nearly a century, Page Lumber has helped Hudson Valley homeowners and contractors create spaces that inspire. Our comprehensive door selection features the industry's most trusted names, including JELD-WEN, Masonite, Simpson, Therma-Tru and Andersen.
Whether you're seeking an elegant front entrance, space-saving barn doors or glass pantry doors that add character, our extensive showroom showcases options for every style and budget.
Interior Solutions
Our complete interior door collection includes:
Solid core molded doors for superior sound control
Hollow core molded doors for versatile applications
MDF doors with customizable finishes
Traditional wood doors in various species
Specialty options like barn doors and arched designs
Exterior Options
Our complete exterior door collection includes:
Fiberglass entry systems
All-wood exterior doors
Steel security doors
Double door entrances
Pivot doors
Fire-rated options
Our commitment to being your single source for every home improvement project sets us apart from our competitors. From windows and kitchens to decking and paint, our experts guide you through each project with comprehensive support.
When you partner with Page Lumber, you gain access to our entire team's expertise, product knowledge and design insights. We understand that each element of your home should work in harmony, creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Transform your home's entrances with expert guidance from the team that's been trusted in the Hudson Valley since 1924. Connect with us today to explore the possibilities for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between hollow core and solid core doors?
Hollow core doors have an engineered hollow interior perfect for closets and low-traffic areas. Solid core doors feature a full-material interior for better sound control and durability.
Can I install a door myself?
While basic interior door installation is possible for experienced DIYers, exterior doors and pre-hung units often benefit from professional installation.