A Door may be defined as a framework of wood, steel, aluminum, glass or a combination of these materials secured in an opening left in a wall for the purposes of providing access to the users of the structures. Door basically consists of a frame and shutter. Following are the types of doors –

• Based on Materials
• Mechanism
• Construction and Components

Types of Doors Based on Materials

Timber Door

Used in interior or exterior applications.

Pros:

• Easy to install and maintain
• Soundproof provides insulation, strength and security
• Durable and lasts for years
• Can be sculptured into various designs
• Eco-friendly material

Cons:

• Care should be taken by sealing to prevent from absorption of moisture
• May sag over time as per differential atmospheric conditions
• Affected by termites unless care is taken

Glazed Door

This door is used in residential, commercial-like shops and public buildings like hospitals, schools. Glass panels are fixed indoor/shutter frame which enhances light and vision. They can be fully glazed or partially glazed.

Pros:

• Supplements the natural lighting
• Improves the vision of the adjacent room
• Adds beauty and luxury to design

Cons :

• Expensive and heavy
• Tend to break easily unless handled with care
• Security matters

Metal Door

Used in interior or exterior applications. Made up of mild steel or aluminum etc.

Pros :

• Economical, durable and strong
• Available in various forms like a fire-rated door.
• Withstand atmospheric conditions

Cons :

• Prone to rusting depending on the type of metal used
• Not suitable for all design styles and lack aesthetics

PVC Door

PVC doors are made of polyvinyl chloride and mostly preferred as it is fire resistant

Pros :

• Economical and durable
• Light in weight and easy to install
• Resists damage by termites
• Weather and moisture resistant

Cons :

• As it is light in weight cannot hold heavy locks firmly and affects security

Fiberglass Doors

Mostly used for exteriors. Available in a variety of designs and styles

Pros :

• Durable and resistant to extreme climate conditions
• Elegant and classy
• Energy efficient

Cons :

• Expensive than standard wood
• Difficult to get custom size doors

Types of Doors Depending on Mechanism

Swing Door

• Usually provided in public buildings like offices, banks etc.
• The shutters are fixed with double action spring hinges which hold the shutter in the closed position when not in use.

Pros : Closes automatically without using energy

Cons : If the door opens inside and people present an accident might occur

Revolving Door

• Revolving door has four or more leaves radiating from a central shaft which rotate about vertical axis forming sections or compartments.
• Useful at places like public places where frequent opening and closing is to be avoided.

Pros : Forms a part of façade.

Cons : Few are very narrow and difficult to push, confuse if two people enter at same time.

Folding Door

• Folding doors has even no. Of sections and folded in pairs.
• Mostly used as room divider and create visual extension as a single room.

Sliding Door

• Door is provided with top and bottom guide rails where the shutters slide.
• In this type of door, shutter can slide sideways, upwards.
• Suitable for shop, sheds, godowns, garage, offices where wider openings are required.

Pros : Provides clear space of movement

Cons : Rails accumulate dirt and dust

Collapsible Door

• These doors are extensively used for shops, garages, public buildings, godowns etc.
• Door is fabricated with mild steel sections of vertical sections and braces.

Pros : Provides increased safety and privacy

Cons : Noisy, collects more dust and not for aesthetic purpose

Rolling Door

• Commonly used for show windows, stores, shop fronts etc.
• Shutter consists of thin steel slabs interlocked to each other and coiled upon pipe shaft-mounted top of opening.

Pros : Provides increased safety and privacy, protection against wind and rain

Cons : Rust depending on type of material

Types of Doors Based on Construction and Components

Battened and Ledged Door

This door consists of vertical battens (75-100mm wide) or boards mostly tongued and grooved and fixed together with horizontal battens called ledges.

3 ledges -one on top, middle and bottom

Mostly recommended for toilet, WC’s etc.

Economical

Battened, Ledged and Brace Door

This door is an improved form of battened and ledged door

Two additional members called braces are placed inclined between the ledges

Battens 100-175mm wide and 20mm thick, ledges 175 to 225mm wide and 20-30mm thick, braces 125 to 175mm wide and 20-30mm thick

Can be used for wider openings where appearance is not important.

Battened, Ledged Braced and Framed Door

This is an improved form of battened, ledged and brace door.

An addition of framework is provided with two vertical members called stiles

Suitable for external use

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