Styles and Purposes
Panel Doors are the most commonly used interior doors. Created of solid wood or MDF the basic design has stiles, rails and six panels. Many manufacturers now create panel doors in a variety of designs, from two panels to five and six panels, with clear glass or translucent glass inserts. Solid panel doors are hinged and swing in or out, most frequently closing off bedrooms from the traffic areas of a home or in an office situation. Panel doors with glass panels may be used on closets or in traffic areas where privacy is not an issue.
Flush Doors are made of MDF or plywood as hollow core or solid core with a smooth skin; no stile, rail or panel design and are used in modern architecture.
Sliding Doors, constructed of wood, glass in metal, or mirror over wood or metal, travel along a railing. They do not impede traffic areas as they ride flush against a wall or closet.
Pocket Doors, most frequently found in older homes, slip between the walls of a room and the next room, saving space. When opened, they are not seen.
Folding Doors are usually found in small spaces as the door panels fold against each other. Used for closets, pantries, storage or laundry areas. Folding doors can be less wide panel doors or louver doors, which offer ventilation since the slats of the louver design are angled with air spaces between. Louver doors also can be hinged.
French Doors are named for two hinged panel doors, usually with glass panels, that meet in the center so they swing in or out together. Used in areas where light is to be brought into the room or for a view, French Doors are often seen connecting two rooms or a living area to a balcony, patio or deck.
Barn Doors now are used inside. Providing a design aesthetic, Barn Doors also save space as they hang from a rail and slide against the wall when open, covering the opening when closed. Space saving, they also become a feature of the space.