Interior Doors

Interior Doors 

The main function of interior doors is to connect one room to another within a home. In addition to connecting living spaces and bedrooms, interior entrances can also provide access to basements, closets, and other storage areas. 

These products can have many design features in addition to being practical. In New Zealand, they can include decorative moulding, glass panels, and other unique features. Interior entrances and all their add-ons provide a great way to create a unique and practical setting. 

Benefits of Interior Doors 

Adding new interior entrances (or upgrading existing ones) doesn't just serve practical purposes. The style of a home can be reflected in the style and type of product chosen, making them uniquely cosmetic and functional. 

In addition to adding value to a home, upgrading interior doors can also increase design consistency, personalisation, energy efficiency, and security. 

Types of Interior Doors 

When it comes to interior entrance options, there are quite a few to choose from in New Zealand. This makes it easier to match both the needs and style of a home. 

Wardrobe 

A wardrobe door is designed to easily provide access to a wardrobe or closet. The most common version in New Zealand is one with a sliding door and comes in materials like wood and glass. These can also come with hinges, allowing them to fold out into an accordion shape when pulled. This is a great option for closets that are wider than the standard size. 

Cavity Slider 

A cavity slider provides a unique way to save space in a home. It refers to a sliding door that can slide within the wall framing, otherwise known as a “cavity." The door is placed on a track, so sliding it in and out of this space is a smooth process. 

Barn 

Like the cavity slider product, barn doors open by sliding along hardware instead of opening out into a room. These are more durable than other types and add a sense of sophistication to any home. 

Double Doors 

Also known as French doors, these are two slabs combined into one. While these are commonly seen as exterior additions, they can add a touch of sophistication by connecting two rooms. If fitted with glass panels, they can also let light pass easily from one room to another and illuminate your living or working space.

Pivot 

Not as common as other types in New Zealand, pivot doors offer a modern and sleek look to any home. They operate using a central point where a mechanism swivels or turns. 

There are no hinges, so it swings at one point into place. They come in various materials, but metals like aluminium or steel are by far the most popular. Wood can also be used for a more traditional look. 

Other Factors to Consider 

The most common material choices in New Zealand are wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), metal, and even glass. A solid wood product is best suited for more traditional designs, while glass and metal offer a contemporary and streamlined look. Both solid-core and hollow-core products provide more affordable options. 

When it comes to colour choices for interior doors, the options are almost endless. Homeowners can choose from wood types for solid wood doors or decide on a painted colour to suit the room. Choosing a neutral colour or the exact colour of the walls can help interior doors blend into the design scheme. On the opposite end, choosing a bright contrast colour to add some flair is also an option. 

How Do You Install an Interior Door Correctly? 

Some interior entrances can be installed by a homeowner, while other more complicated designs should be installed by a professional. Homeowners should only install the pre-hung option to ensure a smooth installation process.

The Difference Between Simple and Pre-Hung Interior Doors 

When purchasing and installing a door in New Zealand, the first question to ask is: is it a simple or pre-hung door? Determining this will help with both decision-making and coordinating installation.

The main difference between simple and pre-hung doors is the hardware. A simple door consists of just the door itself and not the hinges, frame, or other hardware. A pre-hung door will include all of these components. 

Pre-hung is much easier for homeowners to install but doesn't offer as much potential for customisation. By requiring hardware, hinges, and the frame to be purchased separately, there are many opportunities to mix and match styles. 

Care & Maintenance 

Since interior entrances are an integral part of the home, they often experience a lot of use. Routine cleaning is the best way to keep these products looking and working their best. 

Do not wait until dirt or other impurities are absorbed into the material of the product. Wipe down these surfaces regularly with an appropriate cleaner.

It is also important to keep the fittings clean to avoid staining and dirt buildup. You can accomplish this maintenance task by wiping down the area occasionally with an appropriate hardware cleaner.