In the age of interior design, there are many ways DIY enthusiasts propose to give a fresh look to a house, including interior doors. These doors may act as an accessory or as a statement piece. This seems easy enough, but materials that complement the door and the space, working tools and, last but not least – locks, are all very separate and important necessities.
Although the locks that are installed in interior doors have a smaller impact on security than exterior doors, it’s recommended to contact a St Louis locksmith to assist with any door hardware that contains a locking mechanism, to make sure the security is not compromised and is at its full potential.
Door Styles
There are many things to consider while putting together the aesthetics of the door. Choose to match the style of all doors for a classic feel, or choose to mix styles, if your interior design is a bit more eclectic. It is all up to the individual. Solid wood, metal, MDF (medium density fiberboard), hollow core, solid core and glass, are all options for choosing the materials of an ideal door.
The Swing
One important decision that will need to be made before even starting the hunt for doors is the swing of the door. Doors are classified as either left hand swing or right hand swing. This just means which side of the door the handle is on when the door opens, and will decide where the hinges and handle should be located. Rooms that are located off of interior hallways, generally should have doors that open into the room.
The Framing and Sound Rating
Doors can also be purchased either pre-hung or as a slab. Pre-hung means that the door comes attached to the door frame. Slab doors will need to be installed separately from the hinges and door frame. Soundproof ratings is another thing to consider when choosing interior doors. Ratings are measured in STC (sound transmission class). Ratings of 40 are generally in the middle, 25 is on the lower end as normal talking voices can be heard through these, and 60 is almost entirely soundproof.
Doors Types
The fun part about choosing doors is not all of the technical details, it’s in choosing the types of doors that compliment one’s personal style.
- Sliding doors, mostly seen on closets, can be wood, glass or mirrors, and take up minimal space, because they slide along the wall.
- Pocket doors also slide, but instead of sliding along the wall, they actually slide into the wall and save a bit of space.
- Folding doors (usually bi-fold) are great for closets, as well as laundry rooms and pantries.
- Flush doors are simple and contemporary, that are smooth on both sides.
- Panel doors, usually made of wood, are designed with classic patterns of square panels.
- Barn doors have made their way into homes as being an alternative to more traditional styles. Barn doors slide on a track mounted above the doorway and make quite a statement.
- Another statement piece is the Dutch door. This door is split in half horizontally and each side opens and closes independent of the other.
- Blind doors, also known as hidden doors, do exactly that- they hide. Having no visible trim, handles, or hinges, these doors would be the perfect addition to a top secret laboratory, for those who happen to have one of those.
An interior door is a vital part of any house. Before choosing, examine the features and design carefully. The security aspect of interior doors should never be underestimated, either. Consulting a locksmith in Minneapolis is a very important step that should not be overlooked, because a faulty lock may cause lots of troubles, no matter how awesome the door might look or how much space it saves.
