In the
world of interior doors, not all interior doors are created equal. Interior
doors are fabricated out of various types of material, and come in many shapes
and sizes. When buying interior doors you will be faced with the question on
what type of doors are you looking for? There are many interior doors to choose
from. There are solid interior doors, hollow interior doors, blank doors,
pre-hung doors, flat surface doors, and paneled doors to name a few of the
options.
Left
Hand versus Right Hand Doors
Then
there is always the question on whether or not you need a right hand door or
a left hand door. If you have to pull the door open towards you with your
right hand, because the doorknob is on the right hand side of the door, it
is a right hand door. If you have to pull the door open towards you with
your left hand, because the doorknob is on the left hand side of the door,
it is a left hand door.
Photo by Mark Donovan
Interior Door Sizes
Interior Doors come in a variety of widths and heights. When describing an
interior door’s width, it is usually expressed as a 2’ 6” width (e.g. for a
30 inch door), or a 2’ 8” width (e.g. for a 32 inch wide door). When it
comes to describing an interior doors height it is usually expressed as a 6’
6” length (e.g. for a 78 inch door) or a 6’ 8” length (e.g. for a 80 inch
door). These examples are just a couple of the standard interior door sizes.
Interior doors can also be purchased in several other standard sizes.
The
interior door thickness is typically 1 3/8”. This is common throughout all
standard interior door styles.
Paneled
Interior Doors
There are two basic interior door
types to choose from when buying interior doors. There are paneled interior
doors and flat surface doors. Paneled doors consist of a number of panels,
frequently six that are connected by vertical stiles and horizontal rails. With
solid paneled doors the stiles, rails and panels are separate pieces. With
hollow, medium density fiberboard (MDF) paneled doors the stiles, rails, and
panels are actually one single extrusion.
Before removing the strike plate use a pencil to trace around the perimeter of
the strike plate. Use you chisel to remove 1/16th to 1/8th
inch of wood material in this area. Basically you want to remove an amount that
is the thickness of the strike plate.
Once you have chiseled out the wood
material reinstall the strike plate and confirm that the strike plate is sitting
flush with the door jamb. Try closing the door and see if it latches properly.
If not, then continue on with this article.
The solid interior paneled doors are
more expensive, due to the fact that they are using solid wood. Solid wood panel
interior doors are usually hold up better and are easier to trim then hollow MDF
doors. Hollow MDF paneled doors have a small solid section at the top and bottom
that you can trim. If you trim the door beyond the solid section you will
destroy the hollow door, as the door will lose its structurally integrity.
Unlike solid paneled interior doors, Hollow MDF interior doors are less likely
to swell or bind with an increase in humidity levels. However, like all hollow
interior doors they can be easily damaged and offer minimal soundproofing.
Flat Surface Interior Doors
Flat surface interior doors, also
known as flush doors, have smooth, flat surfaces throughout the entire length
and width of the door. Hollow flat surface doors are quite common and
inexpensive. They are usually constructed out of a wood veneer surface and a
honeycomb core. Again, trimming them can be tenuous as you can quickly destroy
the door if you cut too much off the top or base of the door. Again, like
all hollow interior doors they can be easily damaged and offer minimal
soundproofing.
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Pre-Hung Interior
Doors
Pre-hung interior doors include the
outside door trim, door jamb and the door itself. The outside door trim and
door jamb come in two units that clam shell together around a rough door frame.
They are extremely easy to install and as a result are very popular interior
doors. Prior to installing the door trim and door jamb, the interior door is
removed and put aside. Once the two interior door trim and door jamb pieces have
been installed into the door frame the door is then reattached to the hinges. As
with most interior doors, the hole for the door knob is already pre-bored, so a
standard door knob can easily be installed.
Interior door blanks are just the
door itself. They can be used to install in existing door jambs. They can be
more of a challenge as the door hinge areas need to be chiseled out.
So before going out and buying
interior doors, make sure you know what “hand of doors” you required, e.g. left
hand or right hand. Also consider whether you want hollow or solid doors and
make sure your choice is consistent with your home’s interior look and budget.
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