Interior Door Buying Guide
Here at One Day Doors and Closets, we understand that selecting the right doors is crucial in making your house truly feel like your home—
a reflection of your style, and a space where comfort meets the joy of being with friends and family. Choosing the right door is as personal and impactful as picking paint colors, flooring, or countertops for your dream kitchen. With so many factors to consider, from style to functionality, our interior door buying guide will break it down for you in the simplest and most effective way possible, helping to educate and elevate your living spaces.
Understanding Door Types
Traditionally, interior doors come in two main types: pre-hung and slab.
Pre-hung vs. Slab: A pre-hung door is mounted in a frame, ideal for replacing both the door and the frame. In contrast, a slab door is just the door itself, typically unfinished, requiring additional work such as sanding, painting, and installation.
Understanding Door Construction
When choosing the best door for your home, understanding the construction type is crucial. The construction determines the door's weight, feel, sound insulation, and durability. Here's a breakdown of the most common door construction types.
Solid Wood Doors
As the name suggests, these doors are made entirely of solid wood. They are the most traditional type of door and are often chosen for their natural beauty, weight, and feel.
Benefits: Solid wood doors are durable, offer excellent sound insulation, and can be refinished multiple times. They also add a touch of luxury and warmth to any space.
Considerations: They tend to be more expensive than other types and can expand or contract with changes in humidity.
Solid Core Doors
These doors have a solid core made of composite wood or particleboard, which is then covered with a veneer of hardwood or another material.
Benefits: Solid core doors offer a good balance between the solidity of wood doors and the lightweight nature of hollow core doors. They provide good sound insulation and are more resistant to warping than solid wood doors.
Considerations: While they're more affordable than solid wood doors, they're still pricier than hollow core doors. They can be heavier than hollow core doors but lighter than solid wood doors.
Hollow Core Doors
These doors are essentially a frame made from either hardwood or softwood that's filled with a honeycomb construction of cardboard or another lightweight material. The frame is then covered with a veneer of wood or another material.
Benefits: Hollow core doors are lightweight, making them easier to install. They are also the most affordable option.
Considerations: They don't offer as much sound insulation as the other two types. However, for spaces where sound and insulation aren't primary concerns, like closets, they can be an excellent choice.
When choosing a door construction type, consider the door's intended location, your budget, and your desired style.
At One Day Doors and Closets, we offer a range of door constructions to suit every need, ensuring you get the best door for your space.
Debunking the One-Size-Fits-All Myth
Contrary to popular belief, not all interior doors are the same size. Factors like construction variations, flooring materials, and even shifts in your home's foundation can lead to subtle differences in door frame dimensions. For example, have you ever experienced a door that won’t shut properly after a rainy day? That’s because weathering causes the wood in doors to expand and shrink. These nuances, though seemingly minor, can significantly impact the fit and functionality of a new door.
Traditional vs. One Day Installation
The installation process is another crucial aspect to consider when choosing an interior door. When considering door replacement, many homeowners initially turn to their local home improvement store. However, this process isn't as straightforward as it might seem:
Unfinished Doors: Most doors purchased from home improvement stores come unfinished. This means you'll need to paint or stain them yourself, which requires the correct type of paint, a suitable workspace, and ample drying time.
Transportation Challenges: Once you've purchased a door, you're responsible for transporting it to your home. This can be cumbersome, especially if you don't have a vehicle that can accommodate the size and weight of the doors.
Old Door Disposal: After installing your new door, you're left with the question of what to do with the old one. Disposal can be a hassle, especially if you're replacing multiple doors at once.
Precise Measurements Required: Installing a door isn't just about screwing it into place. You'll need the proper tools to cut precise areas for the hinges, strike plate, and door handle. A slight misalignment can lead to a door that doesn't close properly or even damages the frame over time.
Time and Effort: The entire process, from purchasing to painting to installation, can be time-consuming, messy and requires a fair amount of effort and expertise. In contrast, One Day Doors and Closets offers a comprehensive solution.
One Day Revolutionary Process
We've revolutionized the door installation process by integrating advanced 3D scanning technology. This allows us to measure each door frame down to 1/1,000th of an inch, ensuring a precision-fit every time. Our doors are then custom-made in our factory, where they're trimmed, sanded, and painted.
Our innovation extends to the installation process itself. We've streamlined it to be faster and more affordable than traditional methods. Our team of certified installers can replace all of the doors for an entire home within a day, minimizing disruption to your home and your life. Plus, because we handle everything from measurement to installation, we're often more affordable than contractors and big box stores.
With One Day Doors and Closets, you're not just getting a door replacement - you're getting a superior, hassle-free experience that puts you first. It's the smarter, better way to transform your home.
Customizing Door Handles
Did you know that your dominant-hand can influence your door design? It's true. Whether you're left-handed or right-handed can determine which side you'd prefer your door handle on. This might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how comfortable and intuitive your door feels to use.
At One Day Doors and Closets, we understand that these personal touches are what make a house feel like a home. That's why we offer the option to customize the placement of your door handle. During our consultation process, we'll discuss your preferences and ensure that your new doors are designed to suit your needs.
So, whether you're a lefty or a righty, you can rest assured that your doors will be tailored to you. It's just one of the many ways we strive to provide a personalized, high-quality door replacement experience.
Exploring Door Types & Styles and Making the Right Choice. From barn doors to swing doors, the style you choose can dramatically impact your space's look and feel. Let's delve into the diverse world of door styles to find the best fit for your home:
Barn Doors: A barn door is a door slab that slides left and right on wall-mounted hardware—stout rollers suspended from a steel bar—in front of the door opening. Ideal for spaces where there's no room for a swinging door, these doors bring a distinctive, rustic flair to your home.
Raised Panel: Raised panel doors are characterized by decorative panels which are "raised" from the door surface, creating a three-dimensional effect. These doors are a classic choice, often seen in traditional or colonial-style homes.
Beveled Shaker: Beveled shaker doors are a modern twist on the classic shaker style. They feature a flat panel framed by rails and stiles, with beveled edges that add a touch of visual interest. These doors blend well with both traditional and contemporary decor.
Glass: Glass doors, whether fully or partially glass, allow light to pass between rooms, creating a sense of openness and space. They can be clear for visibility, frosted for privacy, or patterned for a decorative touch.
Authentic Wood: Authentic wood doors, with their natural grain and warm tones, are a perfect match for the farmhouse style. They add a sense of warmth and rustic charm that's at the heart of the farmhouse aesthetic.
Pocket: Pocket doors are sliding doors that disappear into a compartment in the wall when opened. They are a great solution for tight spaces where a swinging door might not be practical, such as small bathrooms or walk-in closets.
French Doors: French doors are double doors with glass panes throughout their length. They're often used to create a seamless transition between rooms or to open onto a balcony or patio.
Bifold: Bifold doors are folding doors made up of several panels. When opened, the panels fold up against each other, making them a popular choice for closets, laundry rooms, or kitchen pantries.
Bypass (aka sliding): Bypass doors consist of two or more doors that can slide in either direction along one axis on parallel overhead tracks, so they slide past each other. They're often used for wardrobes or closets where the space isn't sufficient for a swinging door.
Swing Doors: Swing doors are the most common type of door. They are hinged on one side and swing open and closed. They can be made from a variety of materials and come in many styles to suit a range of home decors.
After understanding the various door styles, how do you pinpoint the one that resonates with your home and personal taste? Here are some guiding principles:
Consider Your Home's Architectural Style: Your home's architectural style can guide your door selection. For instance, a modern home might benefit from sleek, minimalist doors, while a farmhouse-style home might look best with rustic barn doors or authentic wood doors.
Think About Function: Consider the purpose of each door. Do you need a solid door for privacy, or would a glass door be better for letting in light? Do you need a door that swings open, or would a sliding door be more space-efficient?
Reflect on Your Personal Style: Your home should reflect your personal style. Whether you prefer the clean lines of modern design or the rustic charm of farmhouse style, choose doors that make you feel at home.
Consult with Professionals: If you're unsure about what interior door style to choose, then don't hesitate to consult with our door specialists at One Day Doors and Closets. We can guide you through the process, helping you choose the best doors to enhance your home's style and functionality.
Interior Doors for Specific Home Styles
Modern Interior Doors: Modern doors are characterized by their sleek, minimalist design. They often feature flat, smooth surfaces and clean lines, making them a perfect fit for contemporary or modern-style homes. Frosted glass doors are another excellent choice for a modern aesthetic, offering a clean, sophisticated look while enhancing the light and openness of your space.
Farmhouse Interior Doors: For a farmhouse style, consider doors that embody warmth, comfort, and casual ease. Barn doors offer a rustic, country feel, while authentic wood doors add a sense of warmth and rustic charm. Raised panel doors, particularly those in a distressed or antiqued finish, add a touch of traditional elegance, and beveled shaker doors align with the unpretentious, homely feel of the farmhouse style. French doors, especially those with a distressed or antiqued finish, can add a touch of rustic elegance.
Contemporary Interior Doors: For a contemporary style, you'll want doors that project a sense of simplicity, sophistication, and functionality. Modern doors, with their sleek, minimalist design and clean lines, are a perfect fit. Beveled shaker doors offer a streamlined look that aligns with the contemporary aesthetic. Glass doors, whether clear or frosted, can add a touch of modern elegance, enhancing the light and openness of your space. Swing doors, with their unique opening mechanism, can add a touch of modern innovation to your home.
Mid-Century Modern Interior Doors: Mid-century modern design is all about simplicity, functionality, and clean lines. When choosing interior doors for a mid-century modern home, you'll want to keep these principles in mind. Opt for doors with clean lines and minimal detailing, such as our Modern or Glass door styles. Authentic wood doors can add warmth and natural beauty, while frosted glass doors create a sense of openness and flow. Choose simple, sleek hardware in finishes like brushed nickel or chrome for a look that's true to the style.
Craftsman Interior Doors: Craftsman style is known for its emphasis on natural materials, handiwork, and attention to detail. For a Craftsman home, consider our Authentic Wood doors that showcase the natural beauty of wood grain. Raised Panel doors can also complement the traditional, handmade feel of Craftsman style. Opt for hardware with a classic, timeless appeal, such as oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass.
Colonial Interior Doors: Colonial style is characterized by its traditional, elegant charm. Raised Panel doors are a perfect fit for colonial homes, offering a timeless elegance that complements the style's historical roots. Our Beveled Shaker doors can also work well, providing a simple yet sophisticated look. Choose hardware in classic finishes like antique brass or polished nickel to complete the look.
Mediterranean Interior Doors: Mediterranean style draws inspiration from the coastal regions of Spain, Italy, and Greece, and is known for its warm, earthy tones and natural materials. Our Authentic Wood doors can enhance the rustic, old-world charm of a Mediterranean home. For a touch of European elegance, consider our French doors. Opt for hardware in warm, earthy tones, such as oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass, to complement the style's warm color palette.
Door Hardware & Accessories
Once you've chosen your door, the next step is to consider the hardware and accessories to complement it. Selecting a door is only part of the equation when it comes to creating a cohesive and functional space. Door hardware and accessories play a pivotal role in both the functionality and aesthetics of your doors. Here's a breakdown of the most common door hardware and accessories:
Doorknobs and Handles
When choosing a doorknob or handle, consider the style of your home, the type of door, and the ease of use, especially for children.
Hinges: These are the pivot points that allow your door to swing open and closed. While often overlooked, the right hinge can add a touch of elegance or a modern flair to your door. Ensure the hinge can support the weight of your door, especially for solid wood doors. Also, consider the finish of the hinge, ensuring it matches or complements other hardware.
Locks and Latches: These mechanisms ensure your door stays closed and can provide additional security. For bedrooms and bathrooms, you might want a lock for added privacy.
Door Stoppers: These prevent doors from slamming into walls, protecting both the door and the wall from damage. Choose a door stopper that matches the aesthetic of your room and is functional for the door's weight and speed of closure.
The doors in your home are more than just functional barriers; they are expressions of your style, barriers for privacy, and contributors to your home's overall ambiance. As you've seen, there's a vast world of choices when it comes to interior doors, from their construction to their design and the hardware that complements them.
At One Day Doors and Closets, we understand the importance of each of these choices. Our commitment is to ensure that every door we provide is not just a fit for your home but a reflection of your personal taste.
Don’t let another day pass with doors that don’t reflect your style and meet your needs. Transform your home with doors that do more than just open and close; choose doors that enhance your home’s design and your life.