Whether you’ve taken on a big renovation project or are just looking to give your home a refresh, there’s no denying that choosing the right doors (both inside and out) is going to give your property an instant facelift.
From the outside, choosing the right exterior door is going to give your home that coveted curb appeal. On the inside, opting for bespoke internal doors is going to seamlessly tie your interior décor together.
Here at Darcy Joinery, we’ve been making wooden doors in Manchester, both inside and outside your homes for more than 30 years, and so have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share about what is required of different door types.
So, what’s the difference between the two and why is it important to note?
Interior and Exterior Doors Look Different
Aside from the obvious different aesthetics of both types – it’s unlikely you’d opt for a letterbox on your bedroom door – the make-up of both types is completely different in order to ensure they are fit-for-purpose.
For instance, we have found that using Redwood for external doors can lead to future issues, such as cracking, warping, and twisting, so we choose to use woods such as Meranti, European Oak, Douglas Fir, and Southern Yellow Pine instead, as they are much more durable.
Furthermore, the security and durability features required of an exterior door means they are typically larger and thicker than indoors.
There Are Different Types of Exterior Doors
For your rear door, you may be considering French doors as the glass panels allow you to look out over your garden – whether that’s so you can see your kids playing whilst your inside, or to just enjoy the view. You may even be considering a stable door, to let in the fresh summer air into your house by opening the top part of the door, whilst keeping unexpected neighbourhood pets out by closing the bottom half.
And we’re not just talking about front and back doors when it comes to exterior designs – rather than a traditional up-and-over garage door, you may prefer ones to open with a handle because of what you use your garage for. It is, therefore, key to know the purpose of your door at the consultation stage to ensure it has all of the right features.
Interior and Exterior Doors Are Designed Differently
When it comes to designing your doors there are three key considerations; size, thickness, and aesthetic.
Typically, the front and back doors to your home will be larger than what you have indoors. This is practical for the homeowner, as it allows for moving items, white goods, and furniture in and out of your home easier. Also, larger, thicker doors enhance their insulation capabilities and make them more secure.
Vitally, your exterior doors are required for weatherproofing your home – a key detail for those of us who live in typically damp climates. Closing your front door should shut out any wind, rain, hail or storms that are on their way, so that you can cosy up inside.
Although internal doors do provide a barrier to draughts, our wooden front doors in Manchester have a greater thickness and density than interior doors to truly shield your home from the elements and keep your energy bills down. After all, you want your doors to help with heating your home and not your street!
Interior and Exterior Doors Come With Different Hardware
Just because you don’t want a door knocker on your living room door, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider your interior hardware at all.
Exterior doors will require a locking handle – both at the front and back of your property, and you may also opt for additional security measures such as sliding latches or more advanced locking systems.
We will also need to install a more robust frame for your front door than is needed internally, and provide a bottom rail to help with the weatherproofing.
Typically, you won’t need such secure measures for inside your property, but you may have a simple twist lock on your bathroom door for added privacy.
The hardware on your internal door is also a great opportunity to tie all of your décor together – will you opt for chrome or black handles? As bespoke wood door manufacturers, we can help you make this decision and tailor all of your fixtures and fittings to your individual needs.
Interior and Exterior Doors Have Different Functionality
Our exterior doors focus primarily on security and insulation, whereas our bespoke interior doors are built for aesthetics and privacy.
But that isn’t to say that your front door shouldn’t make for a grand entrance – far from it! This door that we manufactured and installed is a great example of how the extra locks provide extra security, while the wooden and chrome finish creates a sleek finish that will be the envy of your neighbours.
If you’re set on updating your interior or external doors, why not head over to our gallery for some inspiration of styles you may like? We’re always willing to share our expertise at the design stage, and so if you’re looking for a joiner to design and fit made to measure internal doors in Manchester, you can contact us via e-mail or calling 0161 643 0500.