Frequently Asked Questions: Exterior & Interior Doors

Exterior Doors

Exterior door types

The three most common exterior door types are entry doors, storm doors, and patio doors. Entry doors are the main doors whose primary purpose is to allow entry and exit to the home. They’re designed for both security and protection from the elements. 

Storm doors are installed in front of entry doors. They offer additional protection, particularly from the weather. Patio doors lead out to a patio, porch, or deck. They are often sliding glass or screen doors to allow for easy access to the patio. They also offer increased light and fresh air for the home.

What types of materials are used for exterior doors?

Exterior entry doors are often made of steel, fiberglass, or wood (though this is less common nowadays). Because these doors are meant to protect against any unwanted intrusions, they’re designed with strength in mind. These doors are very hard to dent or break. 

Storm and patio doors usually have glass or screen panels that allow the homeowner to easily open them for some ventilation or sunlight. However, they’re also built to keep the home safe from rough weather, so you can rest assured that they are still plenty durable. 

Interior Doors

Slab vs. Prehung Interior Doors

You may be wondering whether it’s best for you to get a slab door or a prehung door for your home’s interior. First, it’s important to know the difference between these types of doors. Prehung doors include the door jamb (the part of the door that attaches to the hinges) and the door frame. Slab doors include only the door itself. 

So, you can choose a prehung door if:

• You need to replace both the door and the door frame
• You have a higher budget to get a complete set of everything you need
• You value ease of installation

A slab door may be your best bet if:

• You only need to replace the door, not the frame
• You are on a tighter budget
• You don’t mind installing the other hardware yourself

How to measure interior doors

It’s important to get your door’s measurements before you go looking for a replacement. After all, you don’t want to buy one in the wrong size and have to go all the way back to the store for a return! Before you get started, make sure you have an accurate tape measure, plus a pencil and paper to write down the measurements. You can even print out a picture of your door and write down the measurements on the image. 

First, measure the width of your door from corner to corner. Only measure the door, not any other elements around the door. If you have an older door or a handmade door that may not be perfectly rectangular, take measurements in a few different spots. 

Next, measure the height of your door from top to bottom. You might need a stepladder for this part, as a height of about 80 inches (around six and a half feet) is standard. Again, if your door isn’t a perfect rectangle, measure a couple of spots and record the highest measurement. After determining the height, open the door to measure its thickness. 

After you’ve measured the door itself, measure the door frame just for maximum accuracy. When installing doors and windows, it never hurts to have as many measurements as possible. Again, we recommend measuring the door frame in multiple places. Use the smallest figure, just to be absolutely sure your new door will fit properly.