WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DOOR?
Posted on 31 May 2022
Doors are classified majorly into two categories - Interior doors and Exterior doors. Whether a building is residential or commercial, every building requires interior and exterior doors. Though both interior and exterior doors might look similar, they differ vastly and they are also constructed for serving different purposes.
There are certain factors that differentiate interior doors from exterior doors. Both the doors may seem the same for those without proper structural knowledge. We have curated a complete list of all the differences between interior doors and exterior doors.
Points of Differences between Interior Doors and Exterior Doors
Let's take a closer look at the differences between these two types of doors.
1. Appearance
Interior doors come in a variety of styles and colours, whereas exterior doors are available in limited styles and colours. Interior doors are usually more decorative than exterior doors as they don't need to be as durable as them.
Interior doors are more delicate when compared to exterior doors because they usually do not include weather stripping features. However, exterior doors are made up of thick solid layers with additional glazing features for additional protection.
2. Material
Interior doors normally feature a hollow core. As interior doors are required to serve a single purpose in your home, they are usually made up of single material such as wood or fibreglass. Due to some stylish purposes, interior doors can also be made of a combination of materials.
On the other hand, exterior doors are required to withstand weather abuses and also be sturdy and durable at the same time. Therefore, they are made by combining several materials with reinforced metal frames such as wood, metal, fibreglass, and many more.
3. Thickness
Exterior doors are constructed to be thicker and denser when compared to interior doors. Interior doors usually feature hollow cores, while exterior doors feature solid cores as the exterior doors are required to be more energy-efficient.
Interior doors are subjected to less wear and tear when compared to the exterior doors and hence do not require an extra thick core to keep the heat in and cold out. While interior doors are made for easy use, exterior doors are made to provide a protective barrier.
4. Functionality
Exterior doors are required to protect properties against weather calamities as well as burglars too. Whereas, interior doors are required to create privacy and work as a divider between two rooms.
Exterior doors are required to have a good locking system to serve as a barrier against home intruders. However, a normal lock would work for interior doors as the purpose interior doors serve does not require digital or high-quality locks.
5. Insulation
Both interior and exterior doors require different insulation levels, depending on their durability feature. Usually interior doors are not insulated due to their hollow core, but in certain cases they do require insulation. Solid cores provide a better level of insulation than hollow cores.
The main purpose of insulation is to work as a security layer to the door. As the work of an interior door is to divide rooms and spaces, it can work without insulation too. Although some interior doors are constructed with optimal insulation capabilities, they are not as energy-efficient as exterior doors.
6. Sizing
As the exterior doors serve as the main entrance and exit points in any residential or commercial property, they are larger in size when compared to the interior doors. The standard size of an interior door is 30’ to 32’ inches, while an exterior door is required to be at least 36’ inches.
Exterior doors must meet certain sizing requirements in order to be effective. This is because exterior doors need to be able to withstand the elements while also being energy-efficient at the same time.
7. Cost
Exterior doors are usually made up of high-quality materials and are required to be heavy-duty and secure. This makes the exterior doors more expensive when compared to interior doors.
But this doesn’t mean that an interior door should be used in the place of an exterior door, as the heating bill will make up for the difference in the cost of both types of doors.
Conclusion
If you are looking to purchase an interior door or an exterior door, Emerald Doors provides you with a wide range of options depending upon your preference and budget choices.
Difference Between Interior Doors and Exterior Doors FAQs
1. Can I use an interior door as an exterior door?
It is not recommended to use an interior door as an exterior door because they are not made to withstand the elements. Additionally, interior doors are not as energy-efficient as exterior doors.
2. Are interior and exterior door frames the same?
No, interior and exterior door frames are not the same. Exterior door frames are made to be more durable and energy-efficient in order to keep the heat in and the cold out. Whereas, interior door frames are not required to meet these same requirements.
More Articles on Internal & External Doors
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: SHABANA KAUSER
Shabana Kauser is the dynamic owner of Emerald Doors, the famous door-selling company in the UK with immense knowledge and experience in working with architecture, interior design, and home decor. She continues to share tips and technical know-how of balancing interior elements, door fittings, room aesthetics, and the like. Personally, she loves coffee, always dabbling with several blends.