Do you know the difference between interior and exterior doors? Finding the right doors for your home is important. They impact your space’s look and how it works. Security, style, strength, and customization matter a lot when picking doors.
This guide will show you what makes each door type unique. It will help you choose the best doors for your place. Let’s dive into the details to match your needs, budget, and tastes. Ready to find the perfect doors for you?
Key Takeaways
- Interiors doors are usually light and thin, but exteriors are thicker for insulation and to keep out bad weather.
- Exterior doors can be in a pair, but interior doors are often a single door.
- Exterior doors are bigger and heavier for safety and ease of use.
- Exterior doors protect your home, while interior doors add to its style.
- Exterior and interior doors use different materials and hardware; exteriors have tougher parts like stainless steel hinges.
Understanding Interior and Exterior Doors
Doors come in two main types: interior doors and exterior doors. Interior doors are for inside rooms, while exterior doors are the front and back doors. They have different uses, are built from different materials, and serve different purposes.
Internal vs External Doors
Interior doors are lighter and thinner than exterior ones. They use materials like glass, timber, metal, or PVC. Some might have a hollow core to make them lighter and cheaper. Exterior doors, on the other hand, are stronger and meant to protect against weather and security risks. They are made with fiberglass, steel, or reinforced wood, for example.
Purpose and Functionality
Interior doors give privacy and separate rooms from each other. Exterior doors are key for entering and leaving a building. They keep the building safe from outside weather. They often have strong locks, reinforced frames, and are made from tough materials to add security and withstanding rough weather.
Materials and Construction
Interior doors use various materials like hollow core, solid wood, and MDF. They can have unique designs and features such as glass and decorative elements. Exterior doors are more complexly built. They have multiple layers for better insulation and security. They can include reinforced metal, foam cores, and specific treatments to battle weather and moisture.
Types of Interior Doors
In Australian homes, you’ll find a wide range of interior doors to choose from. You can pick from the classic block doors to the fancy Corinthian interior doors. Each type has its own special qualities, meeting your specific taste and needs.
Block Doors
Block doors bring a simple yet flexible option to your home. Made with a solid timber core, they are strong and long-lasting, ideal for busy areas. Their basic look fits well with many different styles, perfect for anyone wanting a door that lasts and looks good.
Corinthian Interior Doors
Looking for elegance? Corinthian interior doors are a great pick. They come with beautiful designs and fine details, upgrading any space. These doors are solid timber, which means they not only look good but are also strong. They’re a top choice for houses that like a touch of tradition.
Cavity Sliders
Cavity sliders are a smart choice when you want to save space. They hide within the wall when open, perfect for small places or to free up floor room. You can get them to fit various door styles, matching your room’s look perfectly.
Door Jambs
Door jambs are key for your interior doors to work and look their best. These frames go around the door and connect to the wall, available in different materials. Picking the right door jambs can make your doors look amazing, ensuring your home has a unified style.
Choosing the Right Interior Doors
When picking interior doors for your place, think about how they fit your lifestyle and rooms. What the door does, its look, design , and aesthetics, along with glazing options, flexibility, and adaptability are key. They ensure the door is just right for you.
Functionality and Lifestyle
How well the door works and fits with your day-to-day life is very important. Think about if the door is for keeping things private, stopping noise, or making places easier to get into. Also, think about how it improves how your rooms work.
Design and Aesthetics
The style and look of your interior doors can really change how your home looks. Look at lots of door styles, materials, and configurations that go with your home and your taste. This makes everything look like it all goes together nicely.
Glazing Options
Adding glass to your interior doors can make a big difference. It lets in more light and makes your place look better. You can pick from different types of glass, like frosted or tinted, to get the right feel of light and privacy.
Flexibility and Adaptability
How easily your interior doors can be used and move matters, especially in smaller places or with changing needs. Look into doors like cavity sliders or bi-fold doors for smart options. They can change to fit different situations and make the most out of your space.
Exterior Door Considerations
Choosing an exterior door is a key decision. You need to think about how tough and safe the door is. It’s vital for keeping your home and loved ones secure. For this, it’s smart to go for doors made from fiberglass, steel, or solid wood. These materials can stand up to the weather and keep your home safe.
Durability and Security
Exterior doors should last a long time. Look for ones with strong frames and materials that can resist impacts. Doors made with steel and metal are especially good for keeping your home safe from intruders.
Weather Resistance
Your door should be able to handle your local weather. This is important to keep your home’s energy use in check and to protect your house from damage. Make sure your door has features like thresholds, weather stripping, and good insulation. These will make your door, whether it’s an entry door, French door, bi-fold door, sliding door, or stacking door, withstand the elements.
Functionality and Style
Don’t forget about how your door will look and work. There are many design options in timber, glass, and steel doors to match your home’s look. Whether you like something classic and stylish or something modern and cool, you’ll find a door that looks great and meets your needs.
Difference Between Interior Door and Exterior Door Sizes
In Australia, there’s a big difference between interior and exterior door sizes. Homeowners and builders must understand these variations. This knowledge helps in picking and installing doors that fit well and look good.
Interior Door Sizes
In Australia, the common size for interior doors is 820mm x 2040mm. They are around 35mm thick. This size fits most rooms in homes well. It lets people move through easily. These doors can be 55-85cm wide and 200-215cm high.
Exterior Door Sizes
Exterior doors are usually bigger, at 870mm x 2040mm. They’re thicker at 40mm too. This size helps them last longer and protect homes from the weather. Exterior doors can be 60-95cm wide and 200-225cm high.
Reasons for Size Variations
Exterior and interior doors have different sizes because they serve different purposes. Interior doors are lighter and thinner. They face less harsh weather than exterior doors. Exterior doors need to be tough for security and to keep out the weather and save energy. Sometimes, commercial doors are wider for big things, while residential doors are only as wide as they need to be for people to walk through easily.
Cost Considerations
Interior Door Costs
The price of interior doors can vary a lot. You might find a simple hollow core door for as low as $50. On the other hand, custom timber, glass, or aluminium doors could cost thousands. The material, style, and setup affect the price. A basic MDF honeycomb door could be as cheap as $49. But, doors with unique designs or made from special materials cost more.
Don’t forget that installation and finishes add to the total cost.
Exterior Door Costs
Exterior doors are sturdier and more complex, so they’re often pricier. They must endure the weather and provide better security. Prices for installing exterior doors range from $400 to $2,000. Entry/front doors can cost between $500 to $4,500.
Solid core doors are more expensive than hollow core options. They improve security and insulation. Fibreglass doors are also more costly. They are great for weather-proofing entrances. They keep the cold out and last longer. Aluminium doors, because of their durability and rust-resistance, also fall on the expensive side.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Choosing the right doors for your home, inside or outside, may seem overwhelming. There are lots of custom options. But, door specialists and manufacturers are ready to help. They provide expert advice and guidance. With their help, you can make sure to pick the best door for your home.
Custom Door Solutions
Looking for a unique door? Many retailers offer custom designs to meet your needs. Whether you need a new door or special options for home upgrades, they have you covered. These custom options can help you find the perfect door look.
Professional Advice and Guidance
Talking to experts in doors can make all the difference. They help with understanding materials and choosing the right kind of door. Their advice ensures you get a door that fits your home’s style and keeps it safe.
Conclusion
Choosing the best doors for your home is key. They have a big impact on how your spaces look and work. It’s important to know the differences between inside and outside doors.
Exterior doors need to be strong and stand up to weather. Interior doors offer more choices for style and personalisation. Think about what your door needs to do, how safe it keeps you, and what it looks like.
There are many door types and styles to choose from. Getting help from door experts can make this easier. With the right doors, your home will be safe, look great, and show off your style for years.
