types of residential doors

The doors in your home don’t just serve functional purposes – they make aesthetic statements, too. That’s why it’s important to understand all of your door options and the benefits they offer, from increased security and privacy to enhanced personal style.

At Thompson Garage Doors, we work with all types of residential interior doors, and we’ve learned a thing (or two hundred) about matching homeowners with the right product. From convenient barn doors to beautiful sets of French doors, we’ve designed and installed them all.

If you’re in the market for a new door, check out this guide. We’re diving into the array of options on the market to help readers select the best door style for their needs and preferences.

Whether you’re starting a renovation project, building your dream house, or simply making some home upgrades, understanding the types of doors available empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle and vision.

Table Of Content

1. Interiors Doors
2. Entry Doors
3. Storm & Security Exterior Doors
4. Garage Doors
5. In Summary

Interior Doors

Interior doors are designed to separate different areas within the home while complementing its overall interior decor. These types of doors come in different materials, styles, and finishes to suit various architectural themes and tastes.

Some common types of residential interior doors include…

thompson garage doors interior doors

Pocket Doors

A pocket door can be another great space-saving solution. This popular door style doesn’t swing open but rather slides into a compartment within the adjacent wall. As a result, pocket doors maximize usable floor space and offer a seamless transition between areas.

Closet Doors

These serve as functional and stylistic elements within the home, providing access to storage facilities while integrating with the surrounding decor. From traditional hinged doors to space-saving sliding options, closet doors offer versatility in both design and functionality.

Panel Doors

Panel doors are characterized by their traditional design featuring raised or recessed panels on one or both sides, adding depth and texture to the door’s surface. These offer a classic aesthetic and come in various configurations, making panel doors a versatile choice for interior spaces seeking a touch of elegance and sophistication.

French Doors

Most known for their glass panels and elegant design, French doors are popular for connecting rooms or leading to outdoor spaces like patios or gardens. These double doors also allow natural light to flow between spaces while maintaining separation.

Dutch Doors

Dutch doors are divided horizontally, allowing the top and bottom halves to operate independently. This offers immense versatility, enabling homeowners to enjoy fresh air and sunlight while still maintaining some security and privacy.

Barn Doors

With a sense of rustic charm, sliding barn doors move along a track mounted above the doorway. This makes barn doors ideal for saving floor space and adding a distinctive touch to interiors, especially in homes with modern farmhouse decor.

Glass Doors

Glass doors, when used as interior partitions, can infuse spaces with natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. Their transparent or translucent panels range from clear to frosted, offering a certain degree of privacy while maintaining visual connectivity between areas. As a result, glass doors are often used in pantries or offices.

Bifold Doors

Bifold doors are another innovative space-saving solution. These fold in on themselves, offering a sleek and modern look while leaving as much floor space as possible. Bifold doors are ideal for areas where traditional swinging doors may be impractical, as well as more contemporary homes.

Classic Styles

You can also choose to go with a more traditional door style, but even these come in a variety of weights and designs.

Some opt for hollow-core hinged doors, which are lightweight and ideal for spaces like pantries or closets. Others select high-durability, solid-core hinged doors to enhance the soundproofing capabilities of certain rooms, like bedrooms or offices.

As you evaluate these types of doors, you’ll need to consider things like your home’s architectural style and your functional goals. The perfect swinging or sliding door will meet all of the right criteria and enhance your home’s features. 

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thompson garage doors entry doors

Entry Doors

Entry doors are the focal point of a home’s exterior – but they also provide security, help with insulation, and influence your curb appeal. Most come in various materials, each with its unique benefits.

If you’re looking for a new back or front door, here are some popular options:

Wood Doors

Known for their warmth and natural beauty, solid wood doors add a touch of elegance to any home. They can also be customized with intricate carvings and decorative glass panes, enhancing the entrance’s aesthetic appeal.

Fiberglass Doors

Durable and low-maintenance, fiberglass doors are resistant to warping, rotting, and denting. They can also mimic the look of wood grain, providing the charm of wood without the upkeep.

Steel Doors

Renowned for their strength and security, steel front doors are an excellent choice for homeowners prioritizing safety. They are resistant to extreme weather conditions and intrusions, which makes them an ideal option for many entryways.

Patio Doors

If you’re looking for a better gateway between your indoor and outdoor spaces, sliding patio doors can conveniently connect the two. A patio door can also allow more natural light and fresh air into your home.

As you assess your options for a new entry door, make sure you’re considering your home’s climate. This will significantly influence the type of door you choose, including its materials and insulation level.

Storm & Security Exterior Doors

Looking for a little extra protection in your home – beyond what a standard door can provide? Storm and security doors add a layer of defense to your home, safeguarding against harsh weather elements and potential intruders.

But what’s the difference between these two doors?

thompson garage doors storm security doors

Storm Doors

Designed to withstand inclement weather, a storm door provides insulation and ventilation while protecting the primary entry door. These exterior doors can also feature glass panels and screens that can be swapped out according to seasonal needs, allowing for airflow in warmer months and added insulation during colder seasons.

Security Doors

Engineered for enhanced protection, these types of doors are constructed with reinforced materials and locking mechanisms to deter burglars and intruders, offering maximum security. Secure exterior doors often feature heavy-duty steel frames, tamper-resistant hinges, and multi-point locking systems, offering peace of mind for homeowners concerned about safety.

Over the last decade, we’ve seen a significant increase in the popularity of storm doors, as well as security doors. As a result, the market is growing, offering more colors, finishes, hardware, and glass designs for these types of doors.

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Garage Doors

Garage Doors

Last on our list of residential door types is the garage door. Yours doesn’t just provide access to your garage space – it directly influences the curb appeal and outdoor aesthetics of your home.

Garage doors come in various styles, materials, and operating mechanisms to suit different preferences. Here are some of the most common types of residential garage doors:

Sectional Doors

As the most common type of garage door, sectional doors consist of horizontal panels that slide upward along tracks. They are available in a variety of materials, including steel, wood, and other materials, and usually can be insulated for energy efficiency.

Roll-Up Doors

Ideal for commercial or industrial settings, these types of doors consist of interlocking slats that roll around a drum above the opening. As such, they save space and provide maximum clearance for vehicles and storage.

Carriage-House Doors

Inspired by the charm of traditional carriage house, these stylish double doors swing outward or slide sideways to open. They add a nostalgic touch to homes with a classic or rustic aesthetic, often featuring decorative hardware and window inserts.

If you have specific requirements, you may want to consider going with custom-designed garage doors. This allows you to achieve your ideal design or alter the door’s functions to meet your unique needs.

In Summary

Choosing the right residential door involves a great deal of thought and research.

It doesn’t matter if you’re deciding between new French doors for style or pocket doors for space maximization – you should always prioritize quality and craftsmanship to ensure long-lasting performance and satisfaction.

With the right types of doors in place, you can enhance the beauty, comfort, and security of your home for years to come.

Our team at Thompson Garage Doors has been serving residential and commercial customers in Northern Nevada and Northern California since 1957. If you need help selecting the right interior door or installing a new garage door, you’ve come to the right place.

Get a Quote for Your Home’s New Doors

As the region’s largest residential overhead provider of garage doors and interior and exterior doors, Thompson Garage Doors will help you find everything you need to create a look and feel you’ll love.

We have hundreds of types of doors in stock every day at our Sparks headquarters. Drop by to visit our fully-equipped showroom and see our interior or exterior doors. You can also get in touch with our team to discuss your needs ahead of time.

Whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty storm door or some beautiful new Dutch doors, we’ve got you covered.