15 Different Types of Doors and Door Materials

Doors play a key role in every home, providing security, privacy, and style. With so many choices available, picking the right one can be tricky. In this article, we'll cover the most popular types of doors in the UK, along with their pros and cons. We'll also look at common door materials like UPVC, composite, aluminum, timber, and fiberglass to help you choose the best door for your home.

Different Types of Doors

Doors open in different ways to suit various spaces and needs. Each opening style offers unique benefits for your home. Let's explore the most common types you'll find in UK properties.

1. Flush Doors

A flush door has a flat, smooth surface on both sides with no raised panels or moldings. It’s made from a wooden frame covered with plywood or MDF (Medium-density Fiberboard). It comes in two different variants: hollow core for light use and solid core for better soundproofing and strength. These doors open on hinges like standard internal doors and are great for bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices, offering a clean, modern look.

Pros of Flush Doors

• Sleek and simple design for modern homes
• Affordable and budget-friendly option
• Easy to clean with stain and scratch resistance

Cons of Flush Doors

• Limited customisation after installation
• Hollow versions offer poor sound insulation
• Difficult to repair once damaged

2. Panel Doors

Panel doors have rectangular or square sections called panels set within a sturdy frame. These panels can be flat, raised, or made of glass, giving the door a decorative and classic look. While the frame has vertical stiles and horizontal rails that hold the panels in place, usually two to six in total. They swing open on hinges like regular doors and are commonly used as front doors, bedroom doors, and in traditional-style homes for a timeless appearance.

Pros of Panel Doors

• Available in different styles and designs
• Timeless look fits traditional and modern homes
• Gives good insulation and sound protection

Cons of Panel Doors

• Grooves collect dust, requiring regular cleaning
• More expensive than simple doors

3. French Doors

French doors come in pairs and meet in the middle, opening either outwards or inwards. They usually have large glass panels that let in plenty of sunlight and offer a clear view of your garden or patio. Homeowners often use French double doors to connect the living room or kitchen to outdoor spaces, making the home feel brighter, bigger, and more open. Their elegant design enhances both traditional and contemporary properties.

Pros of French Doors

• Allows lots of natural light inside homes
• Offers a wide opening for easy indoor/outdoor flow
• Gives an elegant, classic look to any property style

Cons of French Doors

• Needs space for doors to swing open
• Glass reduces privacy without curtains or blinds
• More expensive than standard single-entry doors

4. Sliding Doors

Sliding doors move along a track instead of swinging open on hinges. Most sliding doors have large glass panels that let in plenty of sunlight and give a clear view of the outdoors. They save space since they don’t need space to swing open like regular doors. Many homeowners use sliding doors to connect the living room to the garden or patio.

Pros of Sliding Doors

• Saves space as no swing is needed
• Let in natural light to keep rooms bright
• Offers easy access between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Cons of Sliding Doors

• Track requires regular cleaning to work smoothly
• Limited ventilation compared to fully opening doors
• It can be heavier to slide than expected

5. Patio Doors

Patio doors are large glass doors that connect your home to your garden or outdoor space. They come in different styles, such as sliding, folding, or swinging. The wide glass panels let in lots of sunlight and offer lovely outdoor views, making your home feel brighter, bigger, and more connected to nature.

Pros of Patio Doors

• Let's in plenty of natural light and views
• Connects indoor spaces to outdoor areas seamlessly
• Gives your home a clean, modern look

Cons of Patio Doors

• Installation costs are higher than those of regular doors
• Large glass needs regular cleaning and maintenance
• Some styles need extra floor space clearance
  

6. Fire Doors

Fire doors are strong doors made from special materials that stop fire and smoke from spreading between rooms. They have thick cores that resist heat and flames, and they close by themselves when a fire starts to keep it contained. Most fire doors can hold back flames for 30 to 60 minutes, giving your family extra time to escape safely. They are often used in hallways, flats, and between a house and garage for added protection.

Pros of Fire Doors

• Stops fire from spreading to other building areas
• Gives people extra time to evacuate safely
• Improves overall home safety and protection

Cons of Fire Doors

• Heavier and thicker than normal doors
• More expensive to buy and install
• Needs regular checks for safety

7. Bi-fold Doors

Bi-fold doors are made of several panels that fold like an accordion when opened. They slide smoothly on a track and stack neatly to one side, creating a wide, open space between your home and the garden or patio. The large glass panels let in plenty of sunlight, give clear outdoor views, and make your home feel warm and open.

Pros of Bifold Doors

• Opens up space with a wide view
• Let's in plenty of natural sunlight
• Saves space with neatly folding panels

Cons of Bi-Fold Doors

• Tracks need regular cleaning to slide smoothly
• More expensive than traditional hinged entry doors

8. Glazed Doors

Glazed doors have glass panels set into a wooden, metal, or uPVC door frame. The glass can be clear, frosted, or patterned, depending on how much privacy or light you want. These doors let natural sunlight pass between rooms, making your home feel brighter and more spacious. They are commonly used in living rooms, offices, and as entrance doors to add style.

Pros of Glazed Doors

• Brings in lots of natural light
• Makes rooms feel bigger and open
• Comes in many styles and glass patterns

Cons of Glazed Doors

• Reduces privacy unless using frosted glass options
• Glass panels need regular cleaning and maintenance

9. Pocket Doors

Pocket doors slide into a hidden space inside the wall when opened, disappearing completely from sight. They move on a smooth track system built into the wall, saving valuable floor space. Because they need special wall framing, they’re best for new builds or renovations. Pocket doors are ideal for small bathrooms, wardrobes, and tight spaces.

Pros of Pocket Doors

• Saves space in small rooms
• Gives a clean and modern look
• Easy to slide open and close

Cons of Pocket Doors

• Harder to install than regular doors
• Repairs can be tricky and costly
• Not fully soundproof or airtight

10. Room Divider Doors

Room divider doors separate large rooms into smaller spaces without adding walls. They often have multiple panels that slide, fold, or swing open to create flexible living areas. Many include glass panels that let light pass through while still dividing the space. These interior doors are great for separating living rooms, dining areas, or home offices in open-plan homes.

Pros of Stable Doors

• Creates flexible and private living spaces
• Let natural light pass between rooms
• Easy to move or fold when needed

Cons of Stable Doors

• Offers less sound insulation
• May need regular track cleaning and care

Different Types of Door Materials

Now that you know the door types, let’s explore the common materials they’re made from.

11. UPVC

uPVC doors are made from strong, weather-resistant plastic that won’t rust, warp, or fade. They are energy-efficient, reduce outside noise, and are easy to clean and maintain. However, they have fewer design styles and can be less sturdy than timber or metal. They are commonly used for front and back doors in modern homes.

12. Composite

Composite doors are made from a mix of materials, including wood, uPVC, and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). This makes them strong, weather-resistant, and long-lasting. They don’t fade, crack, or warp easily and need little maintenance. However, they cost more than uPVC doors, but offer better insulation, security, and a premium finish, making them ideal for front entrances.

13. Aluminium

Aluminium doors are made from lightweight yet strong metal that resists rust, warping, and fading. They have slim frames that allow for larger glass panels, creating a modern, stylish look. These doors are low-maintenance and very durable, making them perfect for patio or sliding doors. However, they can be more expensive and less insulating than other materials.

14. Timber

Timber doors are made from natural wood, offering a warm and classic look that suits both traditional and modern homes. They are strong, durable, and provide good insulation against noise and cold. However, they need regular care, like painting or varnishing, to prevent warping or rotting. Timber doors are ideal for front and internal use.

15. Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are made from reinforced plastic that looks like real wood but needs less maintenance. They are strong, weather-resistant, and don’t warp, crack, or rust over time. These doors offer great insulation and can handle all weather conditions. However, they can be costly than uPVC and may dent under heavy impact.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered popular door styles, including flush, panel, sliding, bi-fold, and room-divider doors, as well as common materials such as uPVC, composite, aluminium, timber, and fibreglass. Knowing how a door opens and what it is made of helps you choose the right match for your home’s space, look, and use. The right door can improve security, save energy, and make your home look better.

At Emerald Doors, we offer a wide range of internal doors and external doors. Whether you need a new front door, patio doors, or room dividers, we can help you compare options and find the perfect fit for your home based on your needs and budget.