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Interior vs Exterior Doors

When you are considering doors, you realize that they are either passageways from one room to another or from the building to the outside. These are interior vs. exterior doors.

Interior vs Exterior Doors

Many people view a door as a door and do not see much difference between interior vs. exterior doors. In the case of door construction, this basic function difference is all important. The exterior door is more than just a passageway from one place to another. It is a barrier to intrusion and against the elements. The interior door does little more than provide privacy.


This functional difference dictates the material and construction method of the doors. An exterior door needs to be made of a sturdy and solid material that can resist the exposure to the outside and also is not easily broken down to provide security. The materials used in the construction of the exterior door must address all of these concerns and like exterior windows must all consider insulation and sealing as well.

The exterior door must not only be of heavier construction, but must also be mounted in a more secure manner. It would not provide much security if it could easily be kicked in or knocked off its hinges. So, not only the materials, but also the mounting must be selected with the function of security in mind. Since the interior door is mostly used for privacy purposes, these factors are not as important. Interior doors are usually of hollowed wooden construction and are mounted on simple door frames.



There are some cases, such as in certain commercial buildings, where an interior door will require exterior door standards. This is because the function of security is important despite the location of the door. Although the terms exterior and interior door refer to location, they could also refer to function in this case. The exterior door is sturdy and solid and provides security. The interior door is light and provides only privacy.

Exterior doors can take many forms from the stately double doors of a large home entry way to the sliding glass doors leading from a downstairs room to the back patio. Despite the form that they take, the main functions of protection, insulation, and a barrier to the outside elements should never be forgotten in the selection process. It is in the interior door that imagination and style can be used. The interior door can become a part of the decorative motif of the interior design since privacy is its major function.

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