Doors Pricing, Cost Estimates and Research

Most houses have several different kinds of doors. Each door is designed to address a particular need. All doors are classified as exterior, interior and utility doors. They are differentiated by construction, weather-tightness, function, appearance, weight and related factors that determine whether or not they can endure exposure to the elements.

A door's function determines its construction, appearance, and operation. For example, if the door is meant for security purposes, it will feature solid, durable construction and highly effective hardware. If the door is meant to permit natural light or views then it will incorporate glass, such as a French door or glass slider. If the door is meant for ventilation then the door may have a louvered construction or a portion that swings open. Lastly, if the door is meant for dining rooms, a lightweight, hollow-core door is often preferred.

Types of Exterior Doors

• Front entry doors


• Back doors


• French doors


• Glass sliders


• Patio doors

Types of Interior Doors

• Hinged doors


• Sliding glass doors (bypass)


• Sliding wooden doors (bypass)


• Pocket Doors


• Bi-Fold doors


• Multi-Fold doors

Important Things To Know About The Different Types Of Doors

• Door manufacturers like Therma-Tru, Simpson Door, Pella Patio Doors, and Peachtree vary in style and features.


• Interior doors are lighter in weight and less durable compared to exterior doors.


• Since wood is the most desirable look, most doors are designed to look like wood. Steel and fiberglass can simulate the look of wood, while also being more affordable, better insulators, and requiring far less maintenance.


• All-wood doors are made from softwoods or hardwoods, which are more durable and elegant such as oak, hickory, maple, cherry, walnut, pine and poplar.


• Sliding wooden doors are used for closets and can include mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of space and can brighten up a room.


• Fiberglass-composite doors are made from a core of rigid insulation clad with a fiber-reinforced polymer. They are also often embossed with artificial wood grain so they look like wood. The artificial wood grain will not chip or scratch.


• Hinged doors that swing open into inconvenient places or small spaces should be replaced with pocket doors if possible.


• If appearance isn’t very important to you, consider steel doors. They are made of heavy-gauge, galvanized steel over a core of rigid foam. They are very strong but look less like wood. Their surfaces usually are coated with polymer or vinyl and are wood-grain embossed.


• Storm/screen doors are typically made of metal, vinyl, or wood. They may have fixed, sliding, or removable glass and screen panels. All storm doors have a latch and they usually automatically shut with either spring hinges or a hydraulic or pneumatic closer. New versions of these doors have sweeps that prevent breezes from blowing in at the bottom.

Looking For More Information On Doors?

Replacing your home's doors is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right doors for your house and your budget. We offer Free Door Price Quotes from local replacement door contractors.

Patio doors are an uplifting feature to any home. Their design is made to let in natural light which creates a more cheerful and safer interior space. Not only can a patio door enhance natural light, but it can also be a striking architectural accent. Not to mention, you will be able to enjoy an outdoor view and expend your entertaining space.

Flush vs. Panel Doors

A door’s design contributes much to the overall scheme of a room and, indeed, an entire home. Flush doors do their function, but they bring little to the table as far as style goes. Panel doors, on the other hand, offer the look of fine craftsmanship while also allowing builders to customize a home’s interior. However, personal taste and price often dictate what kind of door surface to choose.

Interior vs. Exterior Doors

The main difference between interior and exterior doors is obvious in that interior doors are constructed to suit the needs of interior floors plans and exterior doors are constructed to perform according to exterior needs. When shopping for doors your first consideration will be whether you need interior or exterior doors. Interior and exterior doors have several small distinct differences.

Making Your Doors Draft Free

One of the most important functions of an exterior door is to keep outside temperatures from entering into the house. In order to do this, your exterior door needs to be properly sealed. Unfortunately, a door's weather seals can rip, compress, bend, or wear out over time, leaving chilly winter air or scorching summer air free to enter.

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