Choosing the Right Internal Door for Your Project: Finishes, Fire Ratings & Glazing Explained

Step 1: Identify Project Requirements

The needs of a project, including its size, room type, and functionality, are key factors to consider when choosing doors. Residential and commercial environments are likely to require different internal doors based on high-traffic areas and durability requirements. The type and size of a room will also impact the door needed. For example, bi-fold doors are more suited to projects where floor space optimisation is a requirement, while panel doors are specified more frequently in larger, less restricted environments, where traditional functionality is a priority.

Step 2: Fire Ratings & Compliance 

Fire ratings should be taken into consideration if the environment of your project requires one. FD30 doors are 30-minute fire resistance doors, required in residential corridors, escape routes, and commercial offices or communal spaces. Choosing a door that’s compliant and certified is essential, protecting people and property in the event of a fire and meeting building regulations. These fire doors do not compromise on style, with sleek black and white designs and classic oak finishes available to ensure compliance while complementing existing interiors.

Step 3: Choose Finish & Style

Choosing a door that complements your existing décor is essential for a cohesive and harmonious look. Black finishes are ideal for modern environments, adding a dark and standout touch. White doors are a sleek and sophisticated choice, brightening rooms and creating an open space. Oak is a classic finish, adding timeless character to traditional or contemporary interiors.

Our selection of LPD Doors offer a range of styles and finishes so specifiers can align door styles with both contemporary and traditional spaces. Deciding whether modern or classic styles are best suited to your space depends on your design preferences and existing room décor.

Step 4: Consider Glazing Options

Glazed doors have a range of benefits, including enhanced design, privacy, and natural light transmission. If your project involves supporting light flow in commercial and residential settings, a glazed internal door is a great choice. Choosing between clear, frosted, and half-light designs depends on the level of privacy desired in the space. For interiors where privacy is a priority, such as bathrooms and bedrooms, frosted doors are a reliable choice. Spaces that require a more open, connected layout will be better suited to clear and half-light designs.

Step 5: Pre-Finished vs. Unfinished

Your project’s requirements will almost entirely determine if pre-finished or unfinished doors are the better choice. If you’re looking to reduce on-site labour, save time in high-volume projects, and eliminate the need for painting or staining, pre-finished doors are an excellent, convenient solution. For projects that require bespoke, custom finishing to meet client specifications, unfinished doors are the better option. Both door types are durable and stylish, but their differences lie in time, cost, and design flexibility.

Step 6: Noise Control & Insulation

The noise control and privacy requirements needed for the space will impact what door types are necessary. Solid-core doors provide superior acoustic performance, meeting requirements for bedrooms, offices, and high-traffic areas. Hollow-core doors, while lighter and cost-efficient, are better suited to low-traffic areas where acoustic ratings are not a primary requirement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Small oversights can lead to performance, compliance, or aesthetic issues later in a project. We’ll discuss the common mistakes that occur when selecting doors to ensure you avoid them.

Overlooking Certification and Compliance

Certification and compliance are essential when installing an internal door. Always check for relevant certification before specifying or installing a fire-rated door to ensure compliance and peace of mind. Non-compliant installations risk failing inspections and compromising fire safety, which puts people and property at risk.

Ignoring Installation Guidance

Not reading manufacturers guidelines and ignoring best practices can cause even the highest-quality doors to underperform. This is likely to result in poor alignment, reduced performance, and the door to warp over time, meaning a replacement is needed sooner. Always follow installation guidance to ensure your internal door works as it should, maintaining its certified performance.

Mismatching Door Type to Room Function

Using the wrong door for a room can compromise both functionality and aesthetic appeal. For example, clear internal doors are not well suited to spaces where privacy is essential, such as bathrooms and bedrooms, while frosted internal doors are less suitable for areas that require an open, connected feel, such as living rooms or offices. Ensure internal doors complement the room size and design, matching the function of the space they serve.

Neglecting Finishing Requirements

A door installation isn’t complete until the necessary finishing requirements are done. For unfinished doors, inadequate or delayed finishing can cause the functionality and design to be compromised. The correct sealant or paint should always be applied before installation to prevent warping and ensure a long-lasting finish.

Forgetting Long-Term Maintenance

Completing a door installation and failing to carry out regular inspections can affect both compliance and the look of the door. Always prioritise long-term maintenance to ensure acoustic performance, safety compliance, and visual consistency are prioritised.

Discover Internal Doors at IronmongeryDirect

This blog has taught you how to choose the correct internal door for your project, emphasising the importance of considering project requirements, fire ratings, and design preferences. All that’s left to do now is to begin your project and shop from IronmongeryDirect’s selection of high-quality internal doors.

FAQs

What is the average cost of an interior door?

Internal doors range in price depending on their material, design, and finish. Hollow-core doors are a budget-friendly option, while solid-core and fire-rated doors can be more costly. Our selection of doors ranges from £67.50 to £657.44, offering a balance between cost, durability, and appearance.

Are doors hard to install?

The difficulty of a door installation is dependent on the type of door and the condition of the existing frame. Proper alignment, sealing, and secure fitting is essential to ensure a successful installation. Following the correct guidelines and using the right tools will help the process run smoothly.

What doors need to be fire rated?

Fire doors are required in certain areas of homes and buildings, such as between a garage and a house. Always check building regulations, such as FD30, to ensure your doors are compliant. Having the correct fire-rated doors helps protect people and property in the event of a fire.

What is the best time of year for a door installation?

Door installations can be carried out year-round, but the best time to install or replace a door depends on its condition and your specific needs. Winter installations may require extra care to prevent drafts and ensure sealants cure properly.

Is it worth replacing internal doors?

Yes, depending on the condition of your door a replacement can be worthwhile. New doors offer a refreshed look, all while improving soundproofing, insulation, and fire safety, and increasing property value.

How do I know what size interior door to buy?

The size interior door you need depends on your existing door frame. Measure the frame’s height, width, thickness, and allow space for hinges, flooring, and clearance.

What is the current trend for internal doors?

Current trends for internal doors surround minimalist designs with subtle detailing, along with natural finishes like oak. Bold colours are popular for making statement features, while light neutrals remain a timeless choice.

Can you buy pre-painted doors?

Yes, buying pre-painted doors saves time and reduces on-site labour. Our selection of pre-finished doors is available in oak and black, offering stylish designs to suit any interior.

How do I fit a door handle?

Fitting a door handle is a quick and easy DIY job. Start by marking and drilling the handle and latch holes before installing the latch into the door edge. Once done, screw the handle in place on both sides, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Lastly, check that the spindle and latch operate smoothly before tightening.