A Homeowner’s Guide to Replacing Interior Doors: Styles, Materials, and Costs
- ron1609
- Feb 11
- 5 min read
Maybe your interior doors are original to your house, dated, and in need of replacement, but you aren't sure where to start. Maybe you've walked the aisles of your preferred hardware store, but there are too many choices. It's important to understand your options before you decide on replacing your interior doors (including closets).
Interior door styles are plentiful, and any of these or maybe a mix of these styles could be right for your home.
The first style of door is Slab Doors
Slab doors are also known as panel doors, and have patterns of square or oblong panels. They're considered a classic style. One door may have two large panels or six small panels, or even a different configuration. You can choose panels with straight or curved tops, depending on what works in your home.
Prehung Doors come with hinges in their own frame, ready to fit into your doorway. These are beneficial if your door frame needs to be replaced.
If your closet doors need to be replaced, you might consider accordian doors. These have a few large panels or multiple small panels that fold in on themselves, resting against one side of the door opening.
Bi-fold doors are a good option for closets, laundry rooms, pantries, storage rooms and other smaller spaces in your home. You can choose bifold doors that fold back to one side of the doorway, or bifold doors that fold back to both sides of the doorway, depending on your preference and space.
If you want a trendier, rustic look, consider barn doors. They hang from a top rail, allowing them to slide over door openings. These are especially popular for closet doors and bathroom doors, depending on space.
Another classic door style is the French doors. Because of their construction-sizes, wood types, and glass panes configurations, they brighten any room.
Another option for closet doors are sliding doors. These can be wood or mirrored, depending on your preference. Sliding doors use space economically, and mirrored sliding doors do double duty: providing a mirror to check your appearance and making a room appear more spacious.
Cafe and Saloon doors can add a seamless flow from one room to another while maintaining privacy.
Hidden doors are growing more popular in homes. They can provide security as well as a touch of whimsy to a room. They usually take the form of an outer bookcase that slides or rotates to reveal a hidden room entrance. These doors can be customized with more elaborate designs if you desire.
Standard interior doors aren't all alike. Panel doors and flush doors are constructed in one of three ways: of solid wood, with a solid core or with a hollow core.
Your new interior door(s) should be sealed and finished after it's installed. You can also special order from your preferred hardware store interior doors that are already stained, painted, or finished.
After deciding on what door style(s) work in your home, you next need to decide on what material you want your doors made from. Here's a rundown of options:
Solid wood doors:
Warm looks and beautiful grain patterns add richness and depth to a home's interior.
Available in a wide variety of wood species to complement any decor.
Good for shutting out noise.
Can be stained and finished.
Solid core doors
Offer the appearance and durability of solid wood at a budget-friendly price.
Engineered with a solid core made of wood fiber for a heavy feel that's closer to that of a solid wood door.
Available with smooth or textured finishes, including a wood-grain surface that mimics the look and feel of a solid wood door.
These muffle sounds better than hollow-core doors
Hollow core doors:
Constructed with wood boards that make up the outside of the door and sandwich a honeycomb or gridwork core of wood material.
Hollow core doors are more budget friendly, lighter and easier to handle than a real wood door.
Other materials:
Masonite and hardboards are also used for interior doors and feature a flat surface that is easy to paint.
Vinyl doors are available as a cost-effective option for sliding doors.
If you need a door that leads to a garage or attic, you may be required to install a door made of fire-resistant materials (consult your local building codes).
Glass doors bring in light and make rooms feel larger. They are ideal for hallways and sunroom doors.
Things to know when selecting a door:
You need to know which way the door swings open, or its "handedness." Simply stand in the doorframe with your back against the hinges. If your hand by the doorknob is on your right, it's a right-handed door. If it's by your left, it's a left-handed door.
Before installing your door, determine the door swing direction and handle placement.
Replacement doors should have the same measurements as the old doors.
1 3/8 inches is the most common depth, but other depths are available.
Standard widths include 18, 20, 24, 28, 30, 32 and 36 inches. Standard heights include 80, 84 and 96 inches.
Customized sizes are available in a wide range of different designs.
To measure a prehung door, remove the interior casing and measure the opening.
Slab vs Prehung Doors
When replacing a standard interior door, you will find them in prehung or slab styles.
Prehung doors are easy to install because they include the jamb and frame, which provides a uniform appearance.
If you're looking for a more economical option, slab doors can be mounted using the existing jamb and trim.
Buying a prehung door is a good decision if the door and framing need to be replaced.
Prehung doors come already attached to hinges and to door framing.
You will need to remove the existing door and framing before installing the prehung door.
Hardware: knobs, handles, and locks are sold separately.
If only the door needs to be replaced, slab doors are a good option.
The door framing is not included.
Just remove the old door and put the new one in its place.
All hardware is sold separately.
FYI:
Stock slab and prehung doors come in several standard sizes. The average height is 80 inches, and the standard widths are 24, 28, 30,32, and 36 inches. Cost: On average, a single door costs between $226-824, depending on materials, including hardware, and installation.
Before deciding it's too costly to replace an interior door, shop around and see what options there are. Look at your own interior doors; do the door jambs need to be replaced? If not, you will spend less money purchasing a slab door.
Replacing your interior doors can make a significant difference in the look and functionality of your home. With different styles, materials, and prices available, you can find the perfect doors to complement your space. Whether you're opting for a classic slab door, a space-saving sliding door, or a trendy and stylish barn door, understanding your options will help you make the right choice. Take the time to measure accurately, consider your budget, and explore different finishes to achieve the best results. A well-chosen interior door can enhance your home’s aesthetics while also improving privacy and efficiency.
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