Just as you would do for an exterior door, selecting a suitable material for an indoor door brings a significant difference to the overall appearance of the room. However, unlike an exterior door, an interior one is not exposed to the outdoor elements. Thus, the material it needs is likely to be less durable.
Usually, the interior door material is chosen based on the purpose of the room and the extent of soundproofing required. For instance, the material for your kitchen and bathroom doors will differ from those chosen for your bedroom and other rooms of your home.
So, which materials should you consider for your indoor door? Let’s check it out!
Solid Wood
Although an expensive option, solid wood is for you if you love to have a vintage or traditional look with a warm feel and luxurious charm. There are several types of wood to choose from. A few opt for the classic hardwood types such as walnut internal doors, while others go for cheaper species such as pine.
The inherent properties of wood make your door ideal for dampening sound. Wooden doors also do not conduct heat and cold. On the flip side, wood cannot bear frequently changing climate conditions or high humidity due to which it can swell and warp.
Similarly, it should not get moist. Thus, it is not a choice for a bathroom or kitchen door.
Double Doors
Increasingly popular among interior design enthusiasts, double doors are an elegant and practical option for indoor doorways. Particularly effective in larger spaces such as living or dining areas, these grand entranceways can significantly elevate a room’s aesthetic appeal. Aside from their visual impact, double doors also enhance accessibility between rooms, proving especially useful when carrying large items or hosting numerous guests.
Moreover, these doors retain all the benefits of their single counterparts when constructed from quality materials like solid wood, fiberglass, or UPVC. They provide sound insulation, durability, and versatility, making them an appealing choice for homeowners. So, for those seeking to make a bold statement with their indoor doors, double doors offer a blend of style, practicality, and customizable design options to suit any preferred style, budget, and functional requirements.
Solid Core
This is a cheaper alternative to solid wood if you wish to enjoy the sound/insulation properties of solid wood without spending lavishly. Plywood or molded composites make the interior upon which the wood fibers are layered.
Fiberglass
This material looks and feels like wood but it is much more than just imitating wood. Where wood cannot retain its durability, fiberglass is the solution! Yes, fiberglass is ideal if you are living in hot and humid conditions.
This strong material also competes with its wooden counterparts in terms of flexibility and appearance. This is because you can repaint it in any color. In addition, fiberglass is water-resistant and more resilient to harsh elements than wooden doors.
Above all, this material needs little to no maintenance, which is unlike wood. Due to its relative strength, fiberglass can aid in improving security while bringing down energy costs, despite costing more in some cases than its wooden counterparts.
On the flip side, you cannot alter a fiberglass door, unlike a wooden one. For example, a wrong size means you have the only option of adjusting the door frame if you do not wish to replace it.
You can go for a wood panel with a fiberglass mold to make the door aesthetically pleasing.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Available in a myriad of attractive styles, MDF is one of the latest interior door materials introduced for homeowners. This material is made from recycled wood fibers. Although without the pleasant grain wood texture, it is highly durable and resistant to warping.
It is less susceptible and harder to denting than hardboard but less strong than solid wood. Still, it is a cool choice in terms of affordability and durability.
UPVC/Vinyl
These are plastic options that are quite inexpensive. Commonly used in the frames made up of glass doors, UPVC gives solid door which makes it lightweight and highly durable. Due to resistance to corrosion and ease of maintenance, the material is widely used in coastal areas.
On the flip side, UPVC/vinyl doors are not the sturdiest materials. They are not as thick as their wooden counterparts due to which they are not for those who need soundproofing. They also tend to discolor over time.
You can use them for less-private rooms such as closets and pantries.
Glass
No longer is glass the preferred choice for external home doors; it is now becoming a popular option for indoor doors featuring a more detailed appearance. You can have frosted glass panel inserts for privacy or choose transparent glass to separate common areas.
You can also have a glass door in front of pantries, patio, or deck, and also for closets so that you can easily peep to see inside without opening the door.
Laminate
Laminate is recommended for interior door applications. Contrary to the common belief, laminate doors are durable, provided they are made well and are not laminated in the field. If the latter condition is not met, the door is likely to chip and crack.
Laminate doors come in a myriad of exotic designs, are economical, are easy to disinfect, and are easy to clean.
Stainless Steel
This is also a great option for indoor doors. In terms of durability and resistance to chemicals and weather, stainless steel wins over hollow metal.
The inherent property of corrosion resistance makes stainless steel ideal for coastal home doors. The material is also less susceptible to rust. It is also easy to disinfect a stainless steel door without affecting the finish. This is why such a door is prominent in restaurants.
On the flip side, these doors are not well insulated and are costlier than their hollow metal counterparts.
Conclusion
You can decide the right material for your indoor door based on style, safety, durability, and budget. If you are still confused, it is worth consulting an interior designer.