Getting Started

A comprehensive guide on what you need to know before choosing the right “interior door".

To separate living areas and spaces, interior doors close off the view and sound from one area into the next. Interior doors often go unnoticed, but the design can enhance the living space. Sound transmission (STC) is an important factor in choosing an interior door. While not considered for closet doors, STC ratings on interior doors sectioning off one room from another should be considered. Theater rooms are designed as sound-proof, with an STC of 60 but most rooms in a home do not require that level of noise blocking and STC 40 will soften or deaden the sounds from most conversations.  An STC of 25 permits hearing normal conversations.

Materials

Solid Wood: Generally solid wood interior doors are six panel pine, but interior wood doors can be constructed from softwoods and/or hardwoods, such as mahogany, cherry, alder, maple, oak and pine. Solid wood doors must be maintained — stained or painted — on all surfaces as they will shrink and expand with changing humidity levels and temperatures in a building. With an STC of 35 to 40, solid wood doors will block most conversation sound transmission unless designed with glass inserts.

Medium Density Fiberboard: MDF is an engineered product of recycled wood fiber mixed with a resin and formed or molded into products, such as interior doors. The material is extremely stable and will not warp or shrink with changing temperatures or humidity levels. MDF does not have a grain and is easy to paint. Because doors are solid, MDF provides a similar weight to solid wood and STC levels of 32-35 (check with individual manufacturers).

Hollow Core: Constructed with a plywood or molded composite skin, these doors are hollow so sound and temperatures easily pass through. STC ratings vary but register as low as 20.

Solid Core: Constructed with a plywood or molded composite skin, these doors are filled between the skins with a wood fiber blend. STC ratings about 25-26 depending upon the filler blend.

Metal and Glass: In modern and contemporary homes, metal and glass doors are being used to accent the building’s style. Glass doors or inserts do not provide privacy, but when closing off heavy traffic areas or closets, they add character to the space. Steel doors, frequently used in commercial or industrial buildings, have high STC ratings of over 50.

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.

Hardware

Hinges, knobs and/or levers come in myriad designs and materials. When choosing an interior door, match the style of doorknob to the door design. Levers should be used for contemporary or modern design, when aging-in-place is an issue, or for French Doors, where a push/pull function is needed. 

Price Considerations

Material: Solid Wood doors cost more, especially if exotic woods are chosen.  Metal and Glass doors also can be more expensive than MDF, hollow core or solid core due to the later three being constructed of less expensive materials.

Style: A flat panel MDF or hollow core door are affordable and appropriate for use in most homes. Panel doors of wood will increase the price while French Doors will be more expensive since two doors are required to create the design.

Glazing: Adding decorative glass panels to an interior door will raise the cost.

Hardware: Simple nickel or brass door knobs and hinges are the least expensive. Nickel or brass lever style door handles also are not costly. If a special metal such as bronze is desired to meet a specific décor, the prices will increase.

What to Consider

Architectural Style of the home will impact the style of the hardware. Manufacturers produce sets that coordinate with each other and with the home.

Age of Occupants will have an effect upon the types of handles that offer ease of use.  Levers are easier to grip for older and younger hands.

Weight and Height of the door will suggest the number of hinges and thickness of the hinges to effectively hold the door in the frame for accurate opening and closing.

Direction of Opening/Closing is important to understand, especially if using levers. The direction of the lever handle and the side of the door it will be installed on will have an impact upon functionality.

Security for interior rooms may be an issue for families with special requirements, such as home offices, expensive collections, wine rooms, etc. The use of the room requiring security will have an impact upon the type of security required.

Hardware

Handles are the means of opening and closing most interior doors. Handles may include decorate trims, such as faceplates, to make a statement about the décor, or to cover pre-existing holes in the door panel.

Knobs turn a cylinder that slips a latch into a strike plate attached to the doorjamb. Knobs may be manufactured of metal, such as polished or oil rubbed brass, nickel, chrome, etc., crystal, enamel or a variety of materials

Levers turn the cylinder that pushes a latch into a strike plate attached to the doorjamb. Most frequently manufactured in a range of metals, the lever is the easiest to use and is ADA compliant. Usually produced in a metal for strength.

Dummy handles — whether knobs or levers or arch handles — provide access on a door that is not latching, such as a closet door. Dummy handles on barn doors make it easier to roll the door on the railing, or on non-functioning French doors, will be decorative. These handles may be simple or decorative to enhance the design of the room.

Privacy handles include a turn or push lock in the knob or lever. Used for areas such as bathrooms or bedrooms, the knob or lever will not turn, providing privacy. Security is not the issue; privacy will be maintained.

Pocket doors are operated by latches that are installed into the door and operate by a finger pull on the handle.

Security

Security/Privacy Locks may be required inside for bathrooms, home offices, specialty rooms, such as wine or collections rooms.

    •  Door handle locks function by turning a button in the handle, which stops the knob or lever handle from turning. Use on bathrooms or bedrooms for privacy.

    •  Deadbolts consist of a cylinder installed through the door that activates a bolt from the door through the doorjamb. Recommended for wine rooms or collection rooms in which entry is reserved.

    •  Mortise locks require a box containing a locking system to be cut into the door. This is the most secure system and is most frequently used on commercial buildings, or for rooms containing expensive collections or firearms.

    •  Keyless locks use a combination keypad to activate a deadbolt lock, which may be programmable from a smartphone or other wireless technology. This adds another layer of security.

A Strike Plate will be needed on the doorframe to accept the lock bolt. Strike plates are created in several configurations so check the shape of the bolt. Also available in several types of metal to match or complement the lock and handle set.

Door Bumpers and Stops

Door Bumpers and Stops may be necessary if the door opens wide enough for the handle to hit a wall. 

    •  Rigid or Spring stops are installed on the baseboard and stop the door or handle from striking the wall.

    •  Hinge Pin Stops are mounted on the hinge and can be adjusted for the opening size.

    •  Decorative Floor Stops provide a wedge or statue with a rubber bumper to hold doors open so breezes do not blow a door closed.

Hinges

Hinges hold the door to the frame. When purchasing a new door, most frequently, the door is attached by hinges to the frame and is installed as a system. Three hinges are standard, with additional hinges used on taller, heavier doors.  A hinge may need replacing, or updating when new handle sets are installed.

    Hinge Anatomy:  Leaf is the name of the two flat portions with screw holes that are attached to the door and the frame. Constructed of a variety of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, iron, etc., and a variety of thicknesses to support a range of door materials. The size of the leaf used is determined by the door thickness and height.  Barrel is the circular, hollow, end of the leaf, which rotates on the pin. Pin is the solid rod that runs through the barrels of the two leaves to allow the barrels to rotate for opening and closing the door.

Residential hinges are lightweight, standard size hinges used on basic construction.

Architectural hinges are an upgrade, with standard leaf sizing and larger sizes for supporting larger, heavier doors. Manufactured in a wider variety of metals, Architectural hinge leaves also are thicker to hold the weight of larger doors so doors and jambs may need additional mortise space to accommodate.

Ball Bearing hinges include a ball bearing between the barrels of the leaves to reduce friction on heavy traffic doors.

Cost Considerations

Material: The type of metal used to create the hardware will have an effect upon the cost. The amount of material will increase the cost, so size does matter. Add faceplates, and the cost goes up.

Sets: While a set may seem to be expensive, purchasing all the pieces together may save money in the long run. Each manufacturer provides sets of handles, interior and exterior, deadbolts, faceplates, etc. for ease of complementing the aesthetic.

Installation: Add installation to the cost.

What to Consider

Architectural Style: The front door handles, knockers, locksets should complement the architectural style of the home and the front door. Manufacturers often provide a “family” of hardware in styles that project the desired image.

Usage: Who will be using the handsets? Provided in thumb turn, knobs and levers, understand knobs may be more difficult to turn for younger or older hands; levers offer easier usage.

Door Size: The thickness of the door stile and placement of the predrilled holes will have an impact on the type of hardware. Having a template of the pre-existing holes will make it easier to choose the appropriate hardware. The height and weight of the door also will determine the number and sizes of the hinges required to operate the door effectively.

Amount of Hardware:  A handle or knob is the minimum hardware needed. But homeowners may consider additional options. The doorbell or knocker for guests to announce their arrival; a peephole for solid wood doors without windows for privacy; locksets for security; and kickplates for the door bottom should coordinate with the handle set.

Maintenance: If the front door is protected, the metal may not tarnish as easily as metals exposed to sun, wind and rain. Finishes that tarnish may be desirable on older homes while shiny finishes may need cleaning and polishing.

Hardware

Handle sets are available in a variety of styles, sizes, metals and designs.  The exterior handle goes through the door to an interior handle, which may be different from the coordinating handle outside.

Knobs may stand alone with a key lock inside the knob, or may integrate a faceplate with a key lock in the faceplate. Usually, a knob outside will turn a knob inside.

Levers also may contain a key lock integrated into the lever, with another lever used inside. Levers are ADA compliant and are easier to use for older and younger hands.

Thumb turn handles are larger for a hand to grasp and use the thumb to disconnect the latch. These handles usually are designed as an arch and may contain a faceplate to protect the door from the grasp and provide an aesthetic. The key lock may be in the faceplate system or set apart as a deadbolt.

Dummy handles are aesthetic only and do not contain a latch or lock. Used on interior doors and exterior doors, they appear to be performing, but are not.

Security

Security for the home is available from several systems. Keyed locks may be integrated into the handle sets, or may be separate. Locks often are tested and graded by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association.

    •  Door viewers can be installed into a solid door for inspecting visitors at an entry door with no windows.

    •  Door handle locks function by key or turning a button in the handle. They stop the knob or lever handle from turning. This is the least effective lock for security.

    •  Deadbolts consist of a cylinder installed through the door that activates a bolt from the door through the doorjamb. A key on the outside and a key or knob on the inside activate the locking system.

    •  Mortise locks require a box containing a locking system to be cut into the door. This is the most secure system and is most frequently used on commercial buildings.

    •  Keyless locks use a combination keypad to activate a deadbolt lock, which may be programmable from a smartphone or other wireless technology. This adds another layer of security.

    •  Chain door locks run a chain from a plate on the door to an access plate on the doorframe or wall. This permits the door to open for a few inches but maintains a little security.

A Strike Plate will be needed on the doorframe to accept the lock bolt. Strike plates are created in several configurations so check the shape of the bolt. Also available in several types of metal to match or complement the lock and handle set.

Swing Bar Door Guards are installed on the interior of an entry door yet permits the door to be cracked open about two inches for viewing while maintaining security.

Door Bells and Knockers

Doorbells announce the presence of someone seeking access to the structure. Several types and sounding systems are available. Also, today’s electronics offer doorbell systems with motion detectors that turn on the front lights when someone approaches, or even sends an image to a computer or smartphone of the homeowner for added security. One system may be used in the home at the front door and another access, such as the back, or patio door. The sounds can be different to alert the residents as to which door has visitors.

    •  Wired bells run an electric wire from an exterior button to an interior box that produces pre-designed sounds. From a simple bell to chimes to favorite music may be programmed into the doorbell.  Wireless bells send a signal from the button installed outside to a receiver inside that “rings” or provides music.

    •  Battery operated boxes can be installed near the entry door, making them easy to install.

    •  Plug-in boxes require an electrical outlet. These operate as long as the electricity is on.

Knockers may be installed on an entry door to announce visitors. Mostly used on homes with an architectural style conducive to this design. Created in a variety of metals and designs, knockers make a statement about the homeowners.

Hinges and Kickplates

Hinges hold the door to the frame. When purchasing a new front or entry door, most frequently, the door is attached to the frame and is installed as a system. Three hinges are standard, with additional hinges used on taller, heavier doors.  A hinge may need replacing, or updating when new handle sets are installed.

    •  Hinge Anatomy: Leaf is the name of the two flat portions with screw holes that are attached to the door and the frame. Constructed of a variety of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, iron, etc., and a variety of thicknesses to support a range of door materials. The size of the leaf used is determined by the door thickness and height.  Barrel is the circular, hollow, end of the leaf, which rotates on the pin. Pin is the solid rod that runs through the barrels of the two leaves to allow the barrels to rotate for opening and closing the door.

    •  Residential hinges are lightweight, standard size hinges used on basic construction.

    •  Architectural hinges are an upgrade, with standard leaf sizing and larger sizes for supporting larger, heavier doors. Manufactured in a wider variety of metals, Architectural hinge leaves also are thicker to hold the weight of larger doors so doors and jambs may need additional mortise space to accommodate.

    •  Ball Bearing hinges include a ball bearing between the barrels of the leaves to reduce friction on heavy traffic doors.

Kickplates protect the front door and provide an attractive balance to the hardware. Available in a variety of metals and finishes from polished to satin, oil rubbed or brushed and even weathered, the kickplate should be two inches shorter than the door width so it does not interfere with the opening and closing of the door.

Cost Considerations

Material: The type of metal used to create the hardware will have an effect upon the cost. The amount of material will increase the cost, so size does matter. Add faceplates, and the cost goes up.

Electronics: Wireless doorbells, security systems, etc. will cost more due to the complexity of the system and technology involved.

Sets: While a set may seem to be expensive, purchasing all the pieces together may save money in the long run. Each manufacturer provides sets of handles, interior and exterior, deadbolts, faceplates, etc. for ease of complementing the aesthetic.

Installation: Add installation to the cost. Wired doorbells will require additional expense

Getting Started

Mouldings are functional as well as aesthetic and will enhance any room’s décor. Originally created to cover joints where windows and doors meet drywall, and flooring meets the wall. The design of the moulding makes a statement about the architectural style of the room.

What to Consider

Profile: The surface of the moulding may have a decorative shape when viewed from the cut end. This is the profile, as on a person viewed from the side. The profile will determine the architectural style of the moulding. Use moulding appropriate for the architectural style of the home. Profiles can be built up or even milled to create a design compatible with the architecture.

Need: If gaps are visible where the floor meets the wall, or in corners where the walls meet the ceiling, moulding can be used to cover these gaps and enhance the look of the room.

Room Size: Large rooms can be sectioned into areas by adding decorative mouldings such as chair rail or wainscoting.

Lifestyle: Heavy traffic areas may benefit from installing mouldings so the drywall does not suffer.

Budget: While softwoods (such as pine and douglas fir) and hardwoods (such as oak, maple, and cherry) are readily available, composite and vinyl mouldings may produce the desired results with less cost.

Types

Floor: Baseboard mouldings form a foundation in a room, continuing the wall to the floor. Quarterround is a baseboard shoe designed to cover the gap between the flooring material and the baseboard. Flooring will expand and contract slightly with changes in temperature and humidity levels. Other baseboard shoe profiles are readily available or can be created. Baseboard caps are decorative elements installed on top of the baseboard moulding and flush to the wall for an enhanced aesthetic. A Saddle is a piece of moulding that transitions the floor from one room to the floor in an adjoining room.

Window and Door: Casings will cover the spaces between the window unit or door and the wall structure. Designed to frame the opening, casings are thicker than baseboard mouldings and can be built up by combining several profiles for impact. Architrave is the moulding that tops the window or door — called a header or pediment — adding drama to the window or door opening. A Sill is installed at the bottom of the window where it meets the interior wall to cover the gap between the window frame and the drywall. A Jamb is part of the doorframe in which the hinges securer the door. The Door Stop is attached to the jamb to prevent the door from swinging through. Plinth Block moulding is the thicker vertical element at the intersection of the door casing and the baseboard.  Plinth block may be decorative or simple, depending upon the casing and baseboard design.

Wall and Ceiling: Corner Guards protect the outside edges of a wall with an opening. Backsplash mouldings protect the wall above a cooktop or counter from splashes. Most frequently created from tile, or countertop materials, Back Splashes are available in wood profiles, also. Cove mounding is designed like its name and is used on an inside corner or as a transitional piece. Chair rails are attached to a wall at heights of 24-inches high to 72-inches high, parallel to the baseboard, and run the length of the wall. Originally designed to protect walls from being hit by chair backs, chair rails now are decorative. Chair rails also top wainscoting to form a transition. Wainscoting is decorative moulding attached to the wall under chair rails to define the space and form a dramatic effect. Originally it was created to protect the lower section of the wall that would receive the effects of family life. Designed as raised panel, shadow box or beaded, the style of wainscoting should complement the style of the home. Crown Moulding tops off the room, covering any gaps where the wall meets the ceiling. Crown moulding is curved or angled for edges to meet the ceiling and wall with an air space behind it. Many designs of crown moulding are available and several moulding profiles can be used to create an individualized look. The size of the crown should be in proportion to the height of the wall and size of the room. Crown moulding profiles can be used to create fireplace mantles, or even decorative elements covering a kitchen stove vent. Panel Mould comes in many profiles to create a panel effect or transition from paneling to a flat wall.

Decorative: Mouldings are used to create a visual impact in a room. Profiles abound to create Crown Mouldings, Wainscoting, etc. Rosettes are blocks containing a carved “rose” or flower and are incorporated into crowns, door casings, fireplace surrounds. Corbels or Brackets originally were structural to carry a heavy weight such as a cornice, but now are decorative and specific to architectural styles. Corbels will be seen in the kitchen under countertops fastening them to the cabinets, under the kitchen air vent surround attaching it to the wall, “holding up” a fireplace mantle or enhancing archways or as part of a door surround. Ceiling Medallions break up a large ceiling and often introduce a chandelier. Medallions can be simple or extremely decorative and are available in many sizes, shapes and styles.

Material

Wood is the traditional material used for creating moulding.

    •  Softwoods such as pine are milled into the design desired. Pine will be stain-grade: no knots and very few if any defects; or paint-grade, which means defects will be present or the moulding is finger-jointed to create longer lengths, but these will be covered by paint so they will not be visible. Purchase pine primed for painting, or clear.

    •  Hardwoods such as maple, alder, cherry, etc. are milled into designs and are available most often as stain-grade.

MDF Medium Density Fiberboard is an engineered wood product and is lightweight, easy-to-use. MDF is provided primed for painting and is available in a multitude of profiles. More stable than wood, MDF will not expand and contract in the corners as much as solid wood.

PVC Polyvinylchloride is used extensively as exterior trims on windows and doors because it is water and insect proof. PVC cuts like wood and can look like painted wood. Available as primed or painted.

Polyurethane foam is molded into trims such as crown moulding and decorative mouldings such as medallions. Primed, it is light weight, impervious to water and insects, does not expand and contract like wood.

Cost Considerations

Size matters - the wider, or larger breadth moulding, the more expensive.

Design - Most moulding is milled using knives that cut through the surface to create the various curves and designs. Multi-faceted profiles are more expensive to create than simple ones. Building up a design with several profiles adds to the cost. Custom milled profiles are the most expensive.

Material - Wood, clear knot-free for staining is the most expensive with finger-jointed and paint grade wood less costly. PVC can cost as much as wood, as can polyurethane. MDF is less expensive with polyurethane foam MDF, PVD and polyurethane will not need to be repainted over the years unless the homeowner wants to change the color. Wood will require repainting or re-staining periodically to maintain the moulding look.

Installation - A skilled do-it-yourselfer with the proper tools can handle all of these materials. A professional contractor will charge more for built-up mouldings and for complicated jobs.