There are different doors available in the market today. However, among the most popular options are interior and exterior doors. Interior doors are used inside because they are practical and aesthetic, while exterior doors are doors used outside because they are durable and secured.
In this blog, we will thoroughly explain the difference between interior vs exterior door, and help you decide how to choose for your space.
Contents
What Are Interior Doors?
Interior doors are doors that divide a room or close off a certain area in the space, like the bedroom, bathroom, or closet. Because this door allows for access and egress, the main focus is providing privacy. This door also provides extensive sound insulation and blocks out noise from other rooms.
Interiors are commonly not exposed to extreme weather conditions, so they are less durable and lighter. This is why some of the materials used to make these doors are glass, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), fiberglass, and solid wood.
Types of Interior Doors
There are a lot of options that you can choose from when choosing interior doors, such as:
Panel Doors
Panel doors are an aesthetically pleasing option because of their intricate patterns. Despite its simplicity, one of the best characteristics they have is the panel, which can be positioned horizontally or vertically. Panel doors can roughly have two to twelve panels, depending on the size of the space. However, the most common number for homeowners is five. In addition, panel doors can be painted or stained, as well as be inserted with glass panels.
Bifold Doors
Bifold doors are two sets of sliding doors that are joined together. They use a slider and hinge, which are attached using pivots on pins at the end. Among all the interior types, this door is super lightweight and easily folds in the direction you open it. They also allow natural sunlight and ventilation to pass through. For this reason, they are appropriate to use in small areas and areas connecting to the outdoors, such as kitchens, patios, laundry rooms, and more.
Pocket Doors
Pocket doors are similar to sliding doors, but when opened, they disappear into the walls. This door uses rollers at the top for smooth opening. There are also other variations, like double doors that feature top jambs on the track and side jambs to make sliding possible. Pocket doors are popular in study, storage, and children’s spaces, as well as in areas that are rarely closed.
French Doors
French doors provide a classic look because they have glass panels that extend from top to bottom. This door’s purpose is also to divide spaces inside without completely closing the space. For this reason, the space can get a lot of natural light and appear larger. This also makes them suitable for living rooms, kitchen dining areas, and more.
What Are Exterior Doors?
Exterior doors are doors that lead to the outside space, like the garage or porch. This door separates the inside and outside areas, so they are durable, stronger, and more resilient than interior doors. This door is also equipped with weatherproofing and a security system to withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent intruders.
In addition, exterior doors contain premium hardware and locks to be secure. They are also normally constructed with sturdy and insulated materials like wood and metal, which function to be energy efficient, prevent leakage, and regulate temperature.
Types of Exterior Doors
There are a lot of options that you can choose from when choosing exterior doors, such as:
Entry Doors
The most common type of exterior door is the entry door because this is the first thing that people see in your space. So, their function is to provide access and egress points of the space. This door also allows creativity to be unleashed as you can choose materials, colors, and hardware based on your space needs and preferences.
Storm Doors
Storm doors are must-have doors for areas exposed to extreme weather, like storms and hurricanes. This is why they are made with sturdy and durable materials to protect you. In addition, this door is commonly made with a top panel or glass panel that provides airflow, insulation, and view.
Patio Doors
Patio doors are doors that can provide easy access to the outside space. This door is usually made with glass and a sliding mechanism that allows natural light and air circulation through the space. Since they are exposed outside, this door commonly contains vinyl, aluminum, and wood material.
Security Doors
Security doors provide a high level of protection in your space. This is why this door is usually constructed using durable and quality materials like steel, iron, or aluminum. They can also withstand extreme weather conditions, which serve a double purpose.
Difference Between Interior Vs Exterior Doors
Interior and exterior doors both have key differences, each of which serves a different purpose and environmental demands. Some of the distinct differences you must note are the following:
Material
Interior doors’ material is less durable than exterior doors because they are not exposed to harsh outside conditions. So, you can expect that exterior doors’ materials are more durable to provide security and protection against weather and intruders.
Interior doors typically utilize lighter materials like wood, aluminum, and glass, while exterior doors utilize heavy materials like steel or a combination of different materials. In this way, they will satisfy the requirements of inside and outdoor space.
Aesthetic Design
Interior doors improve the appearance of the space by allowing you to have a creative outlet. This door comes in different materials and attachments that, when mixed together, can elevate or enhance the space. On the other hand, exterior doors create a lasting impression in the space, so the design goes beyond simple practicality. This door allows you to select the right color and attachments to give the space a harmonious look.
Size and Weight
The size of the exterior door is larger than the interior doors for entrance-exit purposes. This size will allow you to move furniture in and out of the space, as well as provide sufficient protection from extreme weather. For this reason, external doors are at least 36 inches in length, while interior doors are at least 30 and 32 inches in length. In addition, interior doors are much lighter compared to exterior doors because of their material and hollow core design.
Security Features
Exterior doors have a stricter security feature compared to interior doors because these would be the main points of entry and shield the inside space. This is why they are made with impact-resistant materials like steel and fiberglass, as well as advanced locking systems. When it comes to interior doors, adding locks and codes will be sufficient as they are not vulnerable to outside threats.
Style
Both interior and exterior doors accommodate a range of architectural styles and personal preferences. For interior doors, the most common style available is bi-fold, sliding, and hinged, which allows a simple yet functional purpose. In contrast, exterior doors’ most common style is hinged or sliding because they are more durable and weather-resistant.
Sound Insulation
The degree of insulation of the interior and exterior varies based on their material and durability. Interior doors contain a hollow core that is typically not insulated. This is because inside spaces the main function is to separate areas so they can function without insulation. However, exterior doors contain a solid foam core that provides excellent insulation. This way, the noise in your space will be reduced, and the energy can be maximized.
Cost
Exterior doors are commonly made with sturdy and durable material because they need to be heavy-duty and secure. They also contain various features, such as withstanding wind, rain, snow, and UV radiation, that are beneficial to your safety and security. For this reason, they cost more than interior doors. Although there are affordable exterior door options, you must be cautious as they might not function properly.
Thickness
The interior and exterior offer different thickness levels because they have different functions and purposes. Interior doors are thinner compared to exterior doors, with a thickness of around 1 to 1 3/8 inches. This measurement is sufficient for the door to provide divisions and space efficiency. In contrast, exterior doors have a thickness of around 13/4 to 2 inches, which is sufficient in protecting against harsh elements and provides a secured barrier.
Installation and Maintenance of Interior and Exterior Doors
Interior doors are easier to install because they have a lighter material and don’t need waterproofing. They also need to have regular cleaning, dusting, and hinge lubrication because they need to provide effective space separation and adequate privacy.
Exterior doors are more challenging to install because they contain a sturdier frame, enough weatherstripping, and insulation. They also need to be maintained more frequently because they are more exposed to harsh weather conditions and high traffic.
Although both interior and exterior doors require different installation and maintenance procedures, it is a must to install them properly and maintain them regularly to increase their lifespan.
When to Choose Interior Vs Exterior Doors
Choosing between interior and exterior doors depends on the specific needs of the space. Hence, here are the factors to consider when choosing each type:
Choosing Interior Doors
- Space separation
- Aesthetic appeal
- Space efficiency
- Limited exposure to harsh elements
- Adequate Privacy
Choosing Exterior Doors
- Strict security requirements
- Durability
- Curb appeal
- Weather resistance
- Can provide a barrier to harsh elements
Conclusion
Since interior and exterior doors have their own share of advantages and disadvantages, it is not recommended to substitute one over the other. So, interior vs. exterior doors will matter on how one door will function in your space.
In choosing interior and exterior doors, make sure to invest in high-quality ones. You might want to consider looking at the options Mannlee provides. We have a wide product selection that can cater to your needs.
