Types Of Doors: Options, Prices, Installation Cost and Best Brands

Doors serve as both functional elements and design statements in any building. From traditional wooden doors to modern glass entries, the market offers countless options to suit various needs and preferences. Choosing the right door involves considering material, style, durability, security features, and budget constraints. This comprehensive guide explores different door types, their average costs, installation expenses, and reputable manufacturers to help you make an informed decision for your next door purchase.

Doors can be broadly categorized based on their location, function, and opening mechanism. Understanding these basic classifications helps narrow down your options.

Interior Doors

Interior doors separate rooms within a home or building. These doors typically prioritize aesthetics and space efficiency over insulation and security. Common interior door types include:

• Hinged doors (swing open and closed)
• Pocket doors (slide into wall cavities)
• Barn doors (slide along an exposed track)
• Bifold doors (fold accordion-style)
• French doors (hinged double doors with glass panels)

Exterior Doors

Exterior doors connect indoor spaces to the outside world. These doors must withstand weather conditions, provide insulation, and offer security. Popular exterior door options include:

• Entry doors (front doors designed for security and curb appeal)
• Patio doors (sliding or French doors leading to outdoor spaces)
• Storm doors (protective outer doors)
• Security doors (reinforced designs with additional locking mechanisms)

Specialty Doors

Some doors serve unique purposes or fit specific architectural designs:

• Dutch doors (split horizontally to open top and bottom separately)
• Fire-rated doors (designed to slow fire spread)
• Soundproof doors (for music rooms or home theaters)
• ADA-compliant doors (wider entrances for accessibility)

Door Materials

The material of a door significantly impacts its appearance, durability, insulation properties, and price point.

Wood Doors

Wood remains the most traditional and versatile door material, offering natural beauty and customization options. Solid wood doors provide excellent insulation and sound dampening but require regular maintenance to prevent warping, especially in humid climates.

Common wood species include oak, pine, maple, cherry, and mahogany, with prices varying accordingly. Engineered wood offers greater stability at a lower cost than solid hardwood.

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors have gained popularity for their excellent balance of features. These doors resist denting, warping, and cracking while offering good insulation values and low maintenance requirements. Many fiberglass doors mimic wood grain patterns convincingly.

Steel Doors

For security and durability, steel doors provide exceptional strength at relatively affordable prices. These doors resist warping and cracking but may dent upon impact. Modern steel doors include insulating cores to improve energy efficiency.

Glass Doors

Glass doors maximize natural light and create visual connections between spaces. Options range from fully transparent to frosted or textured glass for privacy. Tempered or laminated safety glass provides necessary security and meets building codes for door applications.

Aluminum Doors

Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, aluminum doors suit modern architectural styles. These doors typically feature glass panels and work well in commercial applications or as patio doors in residential settings.

Door Styles and Designs

Beyond material, the style and design of a door contribute significantly to its overall appearance and functionality.

Panel Doors

Panel doors feature raised or recessed sections (panels) surrounded by rails and stiles. Traditional homes often include 4-panel or 6-panel doors, while contemporary designs might feature asymmetrical panel arrangements or minimalist single-panel looks.

Flush Doors

Featuring smooth, flat surfaces, flush doors offer a clean, minimalist appearance. These doors work well in contemporary settings and typically cost less than panel doors.

French Doors

French doors consist of two doors that swing open from the center, featuring multiple glass panes divided by muntins. These elegant doors enhance natural light and create a sense of openness between spaces.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors move horizontally along tracks, making them ideal for spaces where swing doors would be impractical. These space-saving solutions commonly connect indoor living areas to patios or decks.

Barn Doors

Mounted on exposed hardware that allows them to slide parallel to the wall, barn doors have become a popular decorative feature. These space-saving doors add rustic charm to contemporary interiors.

Door Prices by Type and Material

Door prices vary widely based on material, size, style, and brand. The following table provides average price ranges for doors only (not including installation):

Door Type	Material	Average Price Range
Interior	Hollow Core	$30-$100
Interior	Solid Wood	$150-$500
Interior	Glass/French	$300-$800
Exterior	Steel	$150-$750
Exterior	Fiberglass	$200-$1,000
Exterior	Solid Wood	$500-$2,500+
Sliding Patio	Vinyl/Aluminum	$300-$1,500
Sliding Patio	Wood/Fiberglass	$1,000-$3,000

Customizations like decorative glass, specialty hardware, or unique designs can significantly increase prices above these baseline ranges. High-end custom doors may cost $5,000 or more, particularly for exterior applications.

Installation Costs

Professional door installation ensures proper fit, function, and warranty coverage. Installation costs vary based on several factors.

Labor Costs

Installation labor typically ranges from $100-$300 for basic interior doors and $200-$600 for exterior doors. Complex installations involving structural modifications, custom sizing, or specialty hardware may cost significantly more.

Pre-hung doors (doors already mounted in frames with hardware) generally install more quickly and at lower cost than slab doors (door panels only) that require fitting to existing frames.

Additional Installation Expenses

Beyond basic labor, installation may involve additional costs:

• Frame replacement: $150-$400
• Structural modifications: $200-$800+
• Removal/disposal of old doors: $25-$100
• Hardware upgrades: $20-$300
• Painting/finishing: $100-$300

DIY vs. Professional Installation

While DIY installation can save on labor costs, professional installation offers several advantages. Professionals ensure proper alignment, weather sealing, and operation while typically providing warranties on their workmanship. For exterior and security doors, professional installation helps maintain manufacturer warranties and ensures proper security function.

Best Door Brands

Several manufacturers have established reputations for quality, selection, and customer service in the door industry.

Premium Door Brands

These high-end manufacturers offer exceptional craftsmanship, customization options, and warranties:

• Simpson Door Company – Known for handcrafted wood doors with extensive design options
• Jeld-Wen – Offers premium lines with custom capabilities across all materials
• Andersen – Renowned for high-performance entry and patio doors
• Marvin – Specializes in architecturally distinctive doors with excellent warranties
• Pella – Combines innovative features with elegant designs

Mid-Range Door Brands

These brands balance quality and affordability for mainstream consumers:

• Masonite – Wide selection of interior and exterior doors at reasonable prices
• Therma-Tru – Pioneer in fiberglass entry doors with good energy efficiency
• ProVia – Focus on energy-efficient entry and storm doors
• Larson – Leader in storm and security doors
• Feather River – Known for decorative glass options at competitive prices

Budget-Friendly Options

These brands provide functional doors at lower price points, often sold through home improvement retailers:

• ReliaBilt (Lowe’s house brand)
• Steves & Sons
• Mastercraft (Menards house brand)
• Milgard (regional brand with value-oriented options)

Choosing the Right Door

Several factors should influence your door selection beyond aesthetics:

Climate Considerations

Your local climate significantly impacts which door materials perform best. Humid regions may warrant fiberglass over wood to prevent warping, while extreme temperature zones benefit from highly insulated doors with appropriate weather stripping.

Energy Efficiency

For exterior doors, energy efficiency ratings matter. Look for ENERGY STAR certified doors with good R-values (insulation rating). Steel and fiberglass doors with polyurethane foam cores typically offer the best thermal performance.

Security Features

Exterior doors should include security considerations:

• Solid cores (avoid hollow doors for exteriors)
• Quality deadbolts and strike plates
• Reinforced frames
• Proper fitting with minimal gaps
• Security glass or peepholes for visibility

Architectural Compatibility

Choose doors that complement your home’s architectural style. Traditional homes generally pair well with panel doors and natural wood finishes, while contemporary homes might feature flush doors, sleek hardware, or dramatic pivot hinges.

By considering these factors alongside your budget constraints, you can select doors that enhance your home’s appearance, functionality, and value for years to come.