How to choose the right doors for your home

Whether you’re building a new home or restoring the existing one, choosing doors is a crucial decision. Doors have a greater aesthetic impact on your house than you may realize. It’s clear that the door is one of the first things people notice when they visit your home. It gives the first impression of your home. If you have an old and ugly door, the visitors will be inclined to think that the interior looks the same or even worse. However, if your door looks nice and well-designed, it will make your home more inviting.

A few years back, security was the only criterion for choosing doors. However, in today's society, people are taking many factors into account when shopping for doors. This includes functionality, style, aesthetics, and others. If you're looking for the right doors and are unsure where to begin, we're here to help. This guide will walk you through the process of selecting the perfect one for your home.

What material should you choose for your doors?

Doors are available in various materials to suit different home décor themes. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Essentially, the material you choose will influence the look and durability of the door. Here are the most common materials for doors.

Woods

A classic, stylish choice, wood is the most popular material for doors. It's easy to see why wood is the most common option for doors. Wood adds softness and an element of warmth to your home. Doors made from woodwork well in both modern and traditional-style homes. In addition, investing in wooden doors is a great way to add natural beauty to your home. A wooden cut can be cut, shaped, and painted to suit the aesthetic and functional requirements of the project. You can choose between softwood and hardwood, with the latter being more durable than the former. The only downside of wooden doors is that they require regular maintenance. They are also at risk of termite attacks and rot.

Glass

Glass doors are the most popular choice for offices, and for a good reason. The main advantage of glass doors is that they maximize the entry of natural light, thus reducing electricity costs. A well-lit and airy space is good for productivity. Natura light also improves employees' mood as it contains vitamin D. In addition, glass doors add a touch of elegance and professionalism to a space. However, this doesn't mean glass doors cannot be used in residential buildings. Most modern-style homes are fitted with glass doors. Unlike wood doors, glass doors won’t rot or corrode. They are also easy to clean. The only downside is that they don’t offer the privacy required in your home. They also shatter or break under intense pressure.

Fiberglass

Also known as fiber-reinforced plastic, fiberglass doors are strong and durable. Another major advantage of fiberglass is weight, which reduces tensile stress on door hinges and increases the likelihood of the door opening and closing for a long time without binding or sticking. Fiberglass doors can also be used in any climate. Furthermore, they are non-porous, waterproof, and scratch- and dent-resistant. Additionally, they do not swell or warp like wood and are easy to maintain. The downside of fiberglass doors is that they are very expensive.

Stainless steel

Doors made from stainless steel are probably the best when it comes to security. They have proven to be some of the most durable doors on the market. They are built to withstand harsh weather and provide many years of steady service. Stainless steel doors also require little maintenance. Probably one of the main advantages of stainless steel is that it doesn’t rust. This makes stainless steel an excellent choice for entrance doors. However, stainless steel doors tend to be more expensive than other materials.

What door size do you need?

When shopping for a door, choosing the right size is just as important as selecting the perfect material and style. If you're buying a replacement door, don't measure the existing door. Your measurements should instead be based on the door frame. You’ve probably heard of the old craftsman's saying, “measure twice, cut once”. You should also measure in millimeters, not feet and inches. It's also better to have bigger than smaller because you'll be able to trim it to size. Here are guidelines on how to take measurements so you can buy the correct door size.

Measure the width of the door

Take measurements inside the door frame at three points: the top, middle, and bottom. Use a tape measure to determine the width of the three points of your door frame. The standard with of doors is 610 mm, 686 mm, 762 mm, and 838 mm.

Measure the height of the door

Using tape, measure the inside of the door frame from the top corner to the bottom corner. Do this on each side and take note of the longest length. Remember to take into consideration any floor covering. The standard height of the door is 1981 mm, although you may find options with a height of 2040 mm.

Measure the thickness of the door

If you’re looking for a replacement door and want to keep the existing frame, you need to find a door with the same thickness as the previous one. Measure the thickness of the existing door by running the tape along the edge of the door. You also need to take measurements of the rebate in the frame. The standard thickness of doors is 35 mm. However, you may find doors with a thickness of 40 mm. Fire doors have a thickness of 45 mm.

What door styles and designs are best?

While doors are designed to serve one vital function, it doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. A door can make or break a room or space. We’ve covered the various styles and designs of doors to help you choose the perfect option for your home.

Flush doors

Flush doors have the simplest design of all door types. They are modern in their design and look great if finished in wooden veneer. Flush doors are ideal for a modern home with sleek styling. They are often installed as interior doors but can also work as exterior front doors.

Glazed doors

The main advantage of glazed doors is that they allow natural light into a dark entrance area or room. Toughened glass provides protection against intentional breaks or accidents, while obscure frosted glass is ideal for privacy. You may also find part- or half-glazed front doors, which work best in traditional-style spaces. Half-glazed doors are often used as back doors to allow a view of the outdoor space.

Panel doors

Panel doors are the most versatile and popular door styles for interior and exterior doors. They are often used in traditional settings, although they can also work in modern-style spaces. Panel doors have molded panels in different configurations.

Double doors

A popular choice for many homes, double doors are known for providing numerous benefits in terms of practicality and function. They make it easier to move a large piece of furniture or appliance in and out of a room. In addition, they make narrow doorways appear wider, creating the illusion of more space.

How to keep your doors in good condition

Taking care of your internal and external doors will keep them in top condition for many years. Whether you have wooden, glass, or metal doors, there are a few ways to maintain them so they last longer. Here are a few tips for maintaining your doors.

• Ensure your doors are in good, clean condition

Cleaning your doors is the most basic way to keep them in top condition. Take time to inspect your door every time you walk in to determine if it could do with a wipe down. Keep an eye out for the paintwork, as this will often signify something is wrong. You may also want to look for signs of wear and tear. Keep external wooden doors dry as much as possible. You can do this by installing a door canopy to deter rain from getting to your door.

• Inspect architrave and hinges

It’s also important to check the join of the door frame, also known as architrave, for cracks or warps. If moisture penetrates these joins, doors or door frames will swell and cause fitting issues. You also need to visually inspection of the hinges more often. Check if the hinges have been screwed tightly to the frame. If they are loose, screw them tightly to the frame or add an extra hinge to the door to spread the weight more evenly.

• Examine door locks and handles

The simplest way to inspect your door handles is to move the door handle up and down. Watch how the lock mechanism works. Is it moving as it's supposed to? Is it producing any weird sounds? If so, lubricate it with WD40 and try again. If it persists, chances are the lock and handle have been installed incorrectly.

Shop top-quality doors at vidaXL

If you're looking for high-quality doors that will stand the test of time, look no further than vidaXL. We have a large collection of doors in different materials, sizes, shapes, and designs to suit your needs. All our doors meet the highest standards as we only source products from leading manufacturers. Whether you're building a new home or need a replacement door, we have the perfect options for your needs. Feel free to browse our collection today to find the best doors for your home.