A wise man once said that when one door closes another one opens.
As fundamental contributors to the curb appeal of a property, the types of doors a homeowner selects can be the defining factor of a household’s face value. That said, there are different types of doors available, each crafted in a variety of styles, materials, and mechanisms.
No two doors are made equally; a solid wood door exudes classic characteristics, whereas a glass door conveys a message of modernity and openness. These aesthetic considerations are often weighed alongside practical aspects such as security, privacy, durability, and insulation properties.
Read on to discover the keys that unlock the best types of doors!
1. Entry Doors
Entry doors serve as the main access point into a home and come in diverse materials and styles. Aside from being the first impression in terms of aesthetic appeal, entry doors are a home’s first line of defence when it comes to security – especially if you get a Melbourne locksmith to install a secure lock.
Common Entry Door Materials:
- Wood: Offers a classic look with varying grains and finishes. Wood doors can be customised to your preference, but require regular maintenance to prevent warping.
- Steel: Known for high security and durability. However, they tend to be prone to dents.
- Fibreglass: Provides good insulation and mimics wood’s appearance. These low- maintenance doors significantly help reduce energy expenses.
Styles:
- Traditional: Features raised panels and glass inserts.
- Modern: Boasts sleek lines and minimalistic hardware.
- Craftsman: Characterised by stained glass and decorative woodwork.
Size and Configuration:
- Single: One door leaf. Suitable for standard entrances.
- Double: Two-door leaves. Creates a grand entrance for larger homes.
Other Features:
- Sidelights or a transom: for added light and a decorative effect.
- Locks and hardware: further influence the door’s functionality and security level.
An effective entry door complements a property’s architecture, meets the homeowner’s security requirements, and fits within budget constraints.
2. French Doors
French doors are defined by their multiple windows stretching the full length of the door. Often used as a link from an indoor space to a garden or balcony, these sophisticated types of internal doors are popular architectural focal points.
Benefits:
- Natural Light: Their glass panelling allows an abundance of natural light to enter the room.
- Aesthetic Appeal: These types of internal doors possess a classic look that effectively enhances the visual appeal of a property.
- Accessibility: Providing a wide opening, French doors are ideal for the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Security: Modern French doors often come equipped with multi-point locking systems. Their large glass panels can also be reinforced or laminated to enhance security without compromising on style.
Design Options:
- Materials: Commonly made from wood, aluminium, or PVC.
- Styles: Various styles including traditional and contemporary.
- Glazing: Can have double or triple glazing for improved energy efficiency.
3. Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are modern and space-saving solutions for both residential and commercial properties. These doors operate by gliding along a track rather than swinging open on hinges. Optimal space saver? Check!
Benefits:
- Space Efficiency: Due to their sliding mechanism, these doors do not require extra space for door clearance, making them perfect for compact areas.
- Design Versatility: There are different types of sliding doors in terms of material. They are typically available in glass, wood, and metal. Being compatible with a wide variety of materials, they’ll blend seamlessly with different architectural styles.
- Natural Light: Glass sliding doors allow copious natural light to enter, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
- Indoor-Outdoor Flow: They facilitate a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, especially in homes with patios or gardens.
Types:
- Pocket Doors: These slide into the wall cavity, completely disappearing when fully open.
- Bypass Doors: Commonly used for wardrobes, bypass doors consist of two or more panels that can slide past each other.
- Barn Doors: Mounted on an exterior track, they slide parallel to the wall and provide a rustic aesthetic.
Installation Considerations:
- The track must be level and robust to ensure smooth operation.
- Regular maintenance is required to keep the tracks and rollers free from debris.
4. Smart Slide Doors
Smart slide doors have entered the conversation with the dawn of smart “everything.”
These types of sliding doors represent a modern advancement in home and facility entry systems. Operated through motion sensors and other smart triggers (security codes, cards, biometrics), they incorporate technology to facilitate ease of access and enhanced security.
You’ll definitely be glad that these doors smartly slid into your life!
Benefits:
- Convenience: Automatic door functions eliminate the need for physical interaction, making them especially useful for people carrying a bunch of shopping bags or individuals with mobility limitations. Say “hello” to efficient flow management in both domestic and commercial settings.
- Space Saving: Works best for compact spaces as no swing allowance is required.
- Security: Options for card entry, codes, or biometric data increase security levels compared to traditional doors.
- Energy Efficiency: Being the intelligent entryways that they are, smart doors help conserve energy by minimizing the time the door remains open. As a result, there is reduced air exchange with the outside environment.
Customisation:
- Manufacturers offer customisation in aesthetics and functionality to meet specific needs, such as glass transparency levels and frame materials.
Maintenance:
- Involves regular sensor checks and ensuring that their tracks are clean for optimal operation.
5. Lift and Slide Doors
Lift and slide doors are modern and efficient solutions for both residential and commercial properties, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. These types of sliding doors are personified by their ability to lift off the track and slide with ease. They’re operated by a handle that engages the mechanism to lift the door panel.
Benefits:
- Space-saving: Due to their sliding nature, they do not require additional space for opening arcs. Thus, making them ideal for rooms with limited space.
- Natural light: With large glass panels, they maximise daylight entry.
- Energy efficiency: Often double or triple-glazed, they provide excellent thermal insulation, minimising heat loss.
- Security features: Equipped with multi-point locking systems, these convenient doors provide a high level of security.
Construction:
- Materials: Commonly constructed from timber, aluminium, or uPVC, ensuring durability and easy maintenance.
- Glazing options: Variants include low-emission, toughened, or laminated glass to enhance performance.
- Customisation: Available in various colours and finishes, they can be tailored to fit specific design aesthetics.
A Summary: The Different Types of Doors
| Type of Door | Description | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Doors | Main access point into a home, available in various materials and styles, providing security and energy efficiency. | – Wood, steel, fibreglass materials – Traditional, modern, craftsman styles – Single or double size/configuration – Sidelights, transom, locks, and hardware options |
| French Doors | Doors with multiple windows, connecting indoor spaces to gardens or balconies, offering a classic look. | – Natural light from glass panelling – Aesthetic appeal with a classic style – Accessibility with a wide opening – Security with multi-point locking systems – Available in Wood, aluminium, PVC materials – Complement traditional, contemporary styles – Double, triple glazing options |
| Sliding Doors | Space-saving doors that glide along a track, suitable for residential and commercial spaces. | – Space efficiency without extra clearance – Design versatility in materials and styles – Natural light from glass options – Indoor-outdoor flow for patios/gardens – Available in pocket, bypass, barn door types |
| Smart Slide Doors | Technologically advanced sliding doors operated via sensors, security codes, cards, or biometrics. | – Offers convenience with automatic functions – Space-saving design – Enhanced security features – Energy efficiency by minimizing open time – Customisation in aesthetics and functionality – Regular sensor checks and clean tracks for maintenance |
| Lift and Slide Doors | Doors that lift off the track and slide open with ease, maximising daylight and blending indoor with outdoor. | – Space-saving with sliding mechanism – Natural light from large glass panels – Energy efficiency with double/triple glazing – Security with multi-point locking systems – Available in Timber, aluminium, uPVC materials – Low-emission, toughened, laminated glass options – Diverse customisation in colours and finishes |
Opportunity Knocks On High-Quality Doors
When opportunity is about to knock, you want to ensure that your door is presentable, secure, and durable.
Get all three of these aspects and more at Windows Tech. As the leading door and window expert in Australia, you’ll find yourself in a wonderland of top-notch options.
From elegant French doors to robust entry doors, the different types of doors in our catalogue are bound to spoil you for choice.
Contact us to find your dream door today!
