Types of Doors for Your Home

The standard hinged door is the most common type of door used in the home and can be used for the most varied applications. Affixed to a door frame by two or more hinges, it is usually made of a solid or hollow-cored panel. A hinged door is most versatile, and can be made from many materials, in different colours, shapes and sizes. Hinged doors are also commonly used for front doors, although they need to be sturdier and more secure than a basic indoor version.

A French door uses the same mechanism as a hinged door, although it is usually made up of a pair. French doors typically have wooden joinery framing panels of glass, and as such are great for allowing light through, for both inside and exterior facing areas. They are often a good substitute windows to let in plenty of light into a room, and provide an unobstructed view of the outside. French doors again can be made from many materials and in different sizes.

Bi-fold doors operate by two hinged panels which fold in the middle when opened. The top corner of the outermost door panel is usually attached to a rail running along the width of the door frame, so that the doors can smoothly slide across. The advantage of a bi-fold door is that it requires much less space to function than a hinged door, as it has a smaller swing arc. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to maximise their available space, or wanting to form a larger entrance into a certain area. Bi-fold doors are mostly made of wood, although they can also be made of glass or metal.

This type of door uses a fixed panel, which is attached to two hangers on rollers to make it slide along a horizontal track. The door can be either come in a single or double form, and makes for a much bigger opening than a traditional hinged door. Sliding doors require a small amount of space, and a ‘pocketed’ sliding door can be concealed inside wall cavities, making it an excellent option for increasing the functionality of a space.

Stacker doors are the same as sliding doors, though they have more moving panels. Stacker doors use relatively narrow panels which slide along a wide rail. They can open up an entire wall in the home and allow for plenty of light, especially practical for looking out onto a garden or outdoor area. A stacker door is typically made of glass with an aluminium frame for strength.

Dutch doors are also known as stable doors, and are hinged doors split horizontally in the centre, so that the top and bottom halves can open and close independently of each other. They are useful for a number of applications, and can assist with looking after pets or small children or as a serving area from a kitchen. Most Dutch doors are made of wood, although some have upper panels constructed of glass to let in light and enable viewing.