Choosing the right interior door isn’t just a matter of utility; it’s a decision that can profoundly impact your home’s value, aesthetics, feel, flow, and comfort. Whether renovating or building your new dream home, remember these key factors when shopping for your next interior door.

Size

The standard door size in most American homes is 80” high and either 30”, 32”, or 36” wide. If your door frame accommodates these measurements, you should be able to buy a standard manufacturer’s door without cutting or ordering a custom product. Door frame widths and heights often vary in older homes. Many historic homes were built long before the construction industry standardized building practices. It’s not uncommon to see 78” high doors or even shorter.

Historical homes also settle over time, which can cause door frames to go “out of square.” Fear not if your doorway is a little wonky or not a standard size. Our skilled installers know how to “square up” these irregularities or customize a door solution that fits your needs and budget.

Material

Construction materials dramatically influence durability, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. As you shop, consider the benefits and limitations of the following materials:

Wood: Solid interior wood doors are strong, naturally beautiful, and can be painted or stained. They are also useful sound mufflers. While they are generally more expensive than hollow- and solid-core doors, they can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

Medium-Density Fiberboard: MDF doors are made from engineered wood fibers and resin. This material is denser than plywood and particleboard, warp-resistant, easy to customize, and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass interior doors not only provide excellent insulation, but they are resistant to dents, cracks, and warping over time. They can also mimic the look of wood but do not have the same maintenance requirements.

Metal: Metal doors are sturdy and require very little upkeep, as they do not need to be painted or stained. They are also cost-effective and generally less expensive than wood and fiberglass.

Solid-Core: The construction process of hollow- and solid-core doors is similar. The difference is that solid-core doors are filled with wood or particleboard, giving them more durability and insulation.

Consistency

While exterior doors, particularly those at the main entrance, often make a grand statement and may not match the interior doors, we recommend maintaining a consistent look and feel throughout the rest of your home. Unless you upgrade all your doors, we recommend choosing one that seamlessly integrates with the rest of your home.

Swing Direction

Not all interior doors accommodate various swing directions. So, before you start shopping, evaluate the flow and functionality of your space—especially in smaller rooms or areas with limited clearance. More specifically, consider cabinet and furniture placement and the position of adjacent walls. If there’s a wall close to the hinge side of the door, you may not be able to swing it open in that direction fully.

Lighting

Natural light has a profound impact on the mood, atmosphere, and spatial perception of a room. Doors with glass panels may not be suitable for all areas (bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.). However, we’ve helped many homeowners optimize their homes’ flow, functionality, and energy simply by swapping out a single door.

In offices, frosted glass panel doors offer the perfect balance of privacy and natural light, creating a brighter, more open workspace that fuels productivity.

In dining rooms, glass panels serve a dual purpose: They separate the space from adjoining rooms while allowing light to filter through and create a sense of sophistication. Glass doors are also ideal for pantry doors and transitional spaces like hallways or entryways.

Don’t believe us? Check out our door gallery. The possibilities are endless.

Add a Touch of Elegance to Every Entryway

With over 50 years of experience and a full line of products, Wyoming Building Supply is your trusted door partner. Whether you need customized solutions, expert installation, or advice on choosing the perfect door for your home or commercial project, our team is here to help. Contact us today!