Essential Tips for Buying Internal Doors

When it comes to choosing internal doors for your home, it’s easy to overlook their importance. The right internal door can make a big difference in both the function and the aesthetic of your home. Whether you’re renovating, upgrading, or replacing old doors, with Todd Doors you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Here are some helpful tips and things to keep in mind to ensure you make the best choice for your home.

Understand the Different Types of Internal Doors

Before you dive into your options, it's essential to know what types of internal doors are available. Each type serves a different function in your home:

• Panel Doors: Classic and versatile, panel doors are made of rectangular panels and can be flat designed or feature a decorative beading design.
• Rustic Doors: Rustic doors showcase the grain of the wood and are most likely to match wood in its most natural form. Perfect for country-style homes or homes that want a rustic cosy interior.
• Flush Doors: These doors have a flat surface and are often more minimalist in design. They’re great for contemporary spaces and can be less expensive than panel doors.
• Bi-fold Doors: Perfect for closets, utility rooms, or smaller spaces, bi-fold doors are space-saving and practical for areas where swinging doors might not be ideal.
• French Doors: For a more elegant and open feel, French doors are a stylish option, typically used for rooms that you want to connect to a hallway, patio, or garden.
• Pocket Doors: These doors slide into the wall and save space, making them great for bathrooms, small rooms, or places where a regular swinging door might take up too much room.
• Sliding Doors: These doors are fixed onto a railing-like system where they slide from left to right. These are perfect for a space-saving solution and for people who want an open-plan living with the ability to close rooms for privacy.
• Fire Doors: Protect your home further with fire doors. Fire doors are essential in areas where the risk of fire is higher or where they can prevent fire from spreading to other parts of the home.

Material Choices for Internal Doors

The material you choose will influence not only the door’s look but also its durability and maintenance requirements.

Common materials for internal doors include:

• Wood: Solid wood doors are a timeless choice, offering both strength and beauty. They provide excellent insulation and soundproofing but may require more maintenance, such as regular painting or varnishing.
• MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard): MDF doors are popular for their smooth finish and affordability. They can mimic the look of wood while being low-maintenance and resistant to warping.
• Glass: If you want to let natural light flow through your rooms or create an airy, open feel, consider doors with glass panels. Frosted or etched glass offers privacy while still letting light in.
• Laminated Doors: These doors are durable, affordable, and easy to clean. They can be a practical choice for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets.

Consider Door Size and Fit

Internal doors come in standard sizes, make sure to double-check measurements before you buy. If your door frame is an unusual size, you might need a custom door or require a carpenter to install and adjust the frame.

Each room in your home might have different requirements for an internal door.

• Privacy: For bedrooms or bathrooms, you’ll want doors that offer good sound insulation and privacy. Solid doors, such as wood or MDF, are excellent for this.
• Space-Saving: If you’re working with limited space, opt for bi-fold or pocket doors, which slide out of the way and don’t require a swing radius.
• Fire: Fire rated doors offer further protection to your home. In some areas, specific fire door installations may be required, especially in multi-story homes or homes with attached garages that have a door into the home.

If you're unsure of what size you may need, why not look at our handy internal door size guide.

Choose a Style That Complements Your Home

Internal doors should match the overall style and design of your home. Here are some tips for making sure your doors blend seamlessly with your space:

Match your home’s aesthetic: If you have a traditional home, choose panel doors or rustic solid wood options that fit the classic style.

For modern homes, glass panel designs may better suit the look you want.

Consider door furniture the door handles and hinges you choose can elevate the look of your doors. From modern handles to vintage knobs, make sure the hardware complements your door style and interior design of your home.

Think budget

Internal doors can vary in price, depending on the material, design, and brand. Be sure to set a budget before you start shopping.

While wood and bespoke doors tend to be on the pricier side, MDF, laminate, and hollow core doors offer more affordable options.

Don't forget ironmongery 

Ironmongery isn’t just a handle to open and close a door; it’s a way to put your style stamp on the doors in your home. For a door to work properly, the following items of ironmongery are a minimum:

• A set of hinges
• A set of handles or doorknobs
• A latch for the handles or knobs
• A latch/lock set for perhaps a bathroom or bedroom door

At Todd Doors, we have a variety of styles and colour finishes, helping your doors stand out from the rest and if you wish you can have all your ironmongery matching! The choices are endless, so why not go for elegant Parisian Bronze or the classic Brilliante Chrome.

Remember

Choosing the right internal door is a balance between functionality, style, and budget. Whether you're updating a single door or replacing them all, understanding the types, materials, and features that best suit your needs will help you make an informed decision. With the right door, you can enhance both the aesthetic and comfort of your home.

Speak to one of our Door Experts online or in one of our showrooms about buying internal doors and what doors are right for you, from Todd Doors or view our extensive range of internal doors on our website today!