Doors serve a practical and aesthetic role in the overall interior design of your home. The front
door provides a first impression, along with security and privacy to your property. Internal doors
shut areas off, which can mean savings on heating and cooling, noise reduction and the miraculous
disappearance of clutter.
Steel Doors
Today's steel doors do much more than just provide security though they perform that
function quite well. Steel doors are also renowned for their insulating qualities. Typically, steel
doors are constructed of a hollow heavy gauge galvanized steel shell that is filled with expanding
foam or some other high-density insulation foam. Galvanizing prevents the steel from rusting. After
the foam sets and hardens, the surfaces are coated so that the door is not cold to the touch.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass is a relatively new material in doors today. It's very low maintenance,
resists denting and scratching, and is very strong and secure. It also offers a wood grain if you
desire a wood-look. Another benefit to fiberglass is that unlike wood and steel, it doesn't need
to be finished to be considered low maintenance. Fiberglass, even when left unfinished, will last
for years without fears of mold, deterioration, or rust.
Stile & Rail
This older style of door is made from planks of timber – or a wood composite.
The name refers to its components - vertical members, called stiles, and horizontal members called
rails.
French Doors
Commonly used to connect your garden with your house, a French door is one made of
glass and framed (most commonly) by wood or aluminum. They are found as both single and double
doors.
Sliding Doors
These doors are often a gateway to the backyard. Large glass panes let lots of light
in, and lots of ventilation when opened. Solid sliding doors are used indoors when space is an
issue as there may not be enough room for a wing door to open - this is especially useful in bathrooms.
Inside, sliding doors are often ‘pocket’ doors – so called because they slide into a pocket in
the wall when open.
