The Complete Guide to Interior, Exterior and Patio Doors For Your Home

Doors are one component of your home that you probably don't put a lot of thought into. However, your home's doors play a major role not only in the security if your space, but in your home's appearance and curb appeal as well. If you're thinking of replacing or installing new exterior doors on your home, then you may be wondering where to begin.

At The Window Depot, we offer so much more than just windows! From interior and exterior doors to patio doors and everything in between, we've got you covered with quality doors from top-rated brands. For your reference, we've also put together this useful guide on selecting the right doors for your home and finding a professional to install them.

Times When We Really Consider Our Doors

If you're like most homeowners, you don't really take the time to think about the doors on your home until you have a need to replace them. Perhaps you just bought a home, for example, and the existing doors are outdated. Updating the interior and/or exterior doors could breathe new life into an older home while helping you achieve your ideal style.

Likewise, you may be looking at doors if you're building a new home from scratch. When going this route, you'll be able to hand-select every door that goes into your home. This includes interior doors and exterior doors alike.

Finally, you may need replacement doors on an existing home if they have been damaged. Interior doors, for example, can be damaged by children roughhousing. An exterior door could be damaged by debris from a storm, an attempted break-in, or any number of other factors.

Regardless of your reasoning for needing to choose new doors for your home, The Window Depot has doors in the style and size you're looking for. 

The Three Most Common Door Uses

Doors are found all throughout the home, inside and out. Generally, residential doors can be placed into one of three categories as follows.

  • Interior Doors - these are the doors you'll find inside your home, such as those in-between rooms. Bedroom doors, bathroom doors, and office doors are some common examples. Interior doors provide privacy and separation between your living spaces while adding visual appeal to your home.
  • Exterior Doors - exterior doors serve as entryways to your home. Front doors can make a statement and enhance your home's curb appeal. Likewise, side entry doors can provide convenient access to a garage or other area of your home.
  • Patio Doors - if your property has a deck or patio space, then a great patio door can provide an extension between your indoor living space and your outdoor entertainment space. Patio doors come in a wide range of styles to suit your needs, including French-style doors and sliding glass patio doors.

Common Door Styles in the Southwest & Western United States

So, what are some of the most popular door styles throughout the western United States? This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it does cover some of the more common styles you'll see in homes throughout the area. Perhaps this will give you some inspiration as you prepare to replace or install doors at your home.

  • Shaker - shaker doors are a simple yet popular style. Typically, this type of door is beveled along all four sides for a traditional look that can suit any home. Shaker doors come in a wide range of sizes to suit your needs and are primed for painting.
  • Santa Fe - Santa Fe doors have a little more character, with beveling and vertical lines throughout. These doors typically feature a two-panel style that is a great choice for craftsman-style homes and those looking to achieve that popular "farmhouse" look. The Window Depot offers a large selection of Santa Fe doors, including single-bore and bifold options to suit your needs.
  • Barn Doorbarn doors have become extremely popular within the past several years, and are ideal for achieving that coveted farmhouse look inside your home. Unlike a traditional hinged door, a barn door rests on a track above the door opening and slides freely open and shut. The Window Depot carries several styles of barn doors, including rustic wooden options and more modern frosted glass barn doors.
  • Pocket Door - pocket doors are an excellent option for saving space while adding character to a home. Specifically, a pocket door is nested inside a wall, allowing it to be opened and closed without taking up additional square footage. Pocket doors slide along a track and are available in an array of sizes/styles.

The Many Different Materials Doors Are Made Of

In addition to different styles and types of doors, there are many different door materials to consider as you shop as well. Some are more suitable for interior applications, whereas others may be ideal choices for an exterior door.

  • Fiberglass - fiberglass doors are a popular choice among homeowners who want something relatively lightweight yet durable. Most often used for exterior doors, fiberglass can be easily painted any color and is tough enough to withstand harsh outdoor elements.
  • Glass - doors with glass panels are excellent for adding curb appeal and natural light to a home. Many styles of doors are designed with glass panels, with exterior front doors being the most popular. However, some homeowners will also opt for doors with glass inside their homes, such as in-office and even pantry spaces.
  • Vinyl - vinyl doors are another popular option for both interior and exterior doors. This material is lightweight yet durable; plus, it is easy to paint and can be made in a variety of styles.
  • Iron - those looking for a heavier and even more durable door option should consider iron. This material is most often used on exterior doors for its added security and protection.
  • Steel - like iron, a steel door offers unrivaled durability and will withstand harsh climates with very little need for care or maintenance. Steel doors are a common choice for front doors and side doors.
  • Wood - looking to make a statement? A wooden door may be a great choice for your exterior or interior. A wood exterior door can add a lot of charm to your home. Meanwhile, interior wooden doors add character that simply cannot be achieved with other materials.

All the Components Your Door May Need

When shopping for new doors for your home, don't forget to purchase the accessories and other components your doors may need to be properly installed. Check out our list of common door components below to get a better feel for what you may need. Remember, you can always reach out to our knowledgeable team at The Window Depot for help with door hardware and more.

  • Barn door hardware - barn doors require a lot of special hardware to properly hang and mount. This includes sliding door tracks, which may be specific to your barn door manufacturer.
  • Bypass hardware - for sliding doors, bypass hardware may also be needed. Specifically, bypass door hardware makes it possible for one door to slide in front of another, such as with a set of sliding closet doors.
  • Door accessories - in addition to purchasing a door, you may also need to install accessories, such as doorknobs and handles. Choosing accessories with the right color/finish can really complement the existing decor and style of your home.
  • Door thresholds/sweeps - when installing an exterior door, it may be necessary to add a door threshold or a door sweep. These small pieces of hardware can be attached to the bottom of a door to prevent drafts. When properly installed, a door threshold or sweep can help to prevent energy loss, which can improve your home's efficiency and save you money on your energy bills.
  • Hinges - the right hinges can make all the difference. If you're replacing existing doors throughout your home, don't assume that your old hinges will be compatible with your new doors. Even if they are, the style and/or color may not match your new doors and hardware. For this reason, many homeowners opt to completely replace their hinges at the same time that they replace their doors.
  • Pocket door locks - if you want your home's pocket doors to be able to lock, then you'll need to purchase and install a specialized lock for this unique type of door. These locks can be used to secure a pocket door in its open or closed configuration, depending on your needs.
  • Pocket/bifold hardware - bi-fold and pocket doors alike may need special hardware for proper installation. This can include anything from mounting screws and spring-loaded stops to pivot brackets and door tracks.
  • Shims - wooden shims are often used when installing doors (both interior and exterior) to ensure that they are plumb and level.

A Sampling of the Best Door Manufactures

  • Masonite - with more than 95 years of industry experience, Masonite is known for its interior and exterior doors that offer function and aesthetics.
  • Plastpro - since 1994, Plastpro has been offering a wide range of interior and exterior door products. From fiberglass doors to specialty doors and everything in between, Plastpro sets itself apart by creating sustainable door products and accessories.
  • Rugby Architectural Building Products - with service to 28 major United States cities, Rugby Architectural Building Products carries a large selection of interior doors, exterior doors, door hardware, frames, moulding, and more.
  • Signamark - this brand specializes in high-end interior and exterior doors for those looking to make a luxurious statement. From mahogany exterior doors to glass doors and more, Signamark is known for its innovation and quality.
  • Simpson Door Company offering everything from prefab doors to custom door designs, Simpson Door Company products can be found all across the country. Some examples of their most popular door styles include double front doors, French entry doors, barn doors, and custom styles.
  • Therma Tru Doors - with roots dating back to 1962, Therma Tru Doors has been leading the way with new innovations in the door industry for many years. Today, this brand is known for its attention to detail. In 2020, Therma Tru Doors even celebrated the production of its 70 millionth door.
  • American Building Supply - as one of the nation's largest wholesale door distributors and manufacturers, ABS carries a wide range of interior aluminum doors, frames, wood doors, and much more. Launched in 1985, this brand has become known for its quick shipping and delivery.
  • El & El Wood Products - specializing in wood doors, EL & EL Wood Products offers an extensive range of options to choose from. This includes doors with decorative glass inserts, contemporary front doors, flush glazed doors, and so much more.
  • Orepac - Known for its decking and door products, OrePac has a number of branches across the United States. This door brand has a longstanding reputation for delivering quality, value, and service since it began in 1977.
  • Woodgrain Doors - as one of the world's leading suppliers and manufacturers of hardwood and softwood doors and door accessories, Woodgrain Doors has been in the industry for more than 65 years and offers more than 150 different wood door designs.
  • Escon Doors - offering a variety of door options, Escon Doors is known for its sustainability efforts, including its "smart wood" certified products. With a selection including entry doors, French doors, patio doors, and folding doors, there's something for everybody.
  • Huttig Building Products - with more than 135 years of service to the industry, Huttig Building Products offers not just doors, but decking materials, siding/trim, building products, and much more.

New Door Technology in 2022 and Beyond

If you're shopping for a new exterior door, now is also a good time to consider some emerging door trends that could add value and function to your home. Consider, for example, a new generation of "smart doors" that include all of today's most popular door technology in one product.

Rather than installing a new exterior door and then outfitting it with a smart lock, smart doorbell, and other products—smart doors now make it possible to purchase and install all these components at once. Likewise, rather than needing individual batteries, these smart doors can be plugged in for continuous power and some with a reliable battery backup.

door installation

What to Look For in a Door Installer

At The Window Depot, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality door products from the industry's most reputable brands. We also recognize that many of our customers prefer to install their own doors or find an independent installer, which is why we do not offer installation services.

If you'll be looking for an interior door installer, exterior door installer, or patio door installer for your project, there are some specific things to look for as you explore your options.

Experience

Start by making sure that the installer you'll be working with has experience with the specific type of door you'll be installing. For example, the process of installing an exterior door can be much more complicated than installing an interior one. Likewise, barn door installation can be especially complex—so a little experience goes a long way here.

Guarantee/Warranty

While a warranty on a door product typically comes directly from the manufacturer, your installers should stand behind their work as well. With this in mind, don't hesitate to ask a potential installer what kind of guarantee or warranty will be included with their labor for your peace of mind.

A Clear Estimate

Always ask for a detailed estimate before agreeing to a door installation job, regardless of whether you're having one door or multiple doors installed. When reviewing your estimate, make sure it's clear what you're being charged for and ask about any additional or "hidden" fees that may not be included (such as removal/disposal of old doors).

References/Reviews

You can learn a lot about a door installer through their online reviews and testimonials and/or references, so be sure to do your research. If an installer has a series of negative reviews, it may be time to look elsewhere.

The Final Word on Interior, Exterior, and Patio Doors

Replacing or installing new doors at your home can make a big difference in your home's overall appearance and function. The key is selecting the door style and type that is best suited for your space and finding an experienced installer who can get the job done right.

No matter what kind of doors you need for your home, you can find them (and more) at The Window Depot. Reach out to our experienced and friendly team today for help in selecting the right door for your needs.