23 Types of Doors for Inside and Outside Your Home

From the front door to the sliding door of your walk-in closet, there are many doors to choose from for your home. To go a step further, nearly all of the doors below come in a range of materials, colors, and styles, leaving infinite possibilities to match your unique style. Let's swing open 23 of the most common types of doors, including hinged panel, bifold, windowed, double, pocket, screen, louvered, storm, and Murphy doors. 

1. Hinged Panel Doors

The basic and most common type of door is known as a panel door. These doors swing on two or three hinges that sit along the doorframe. Panel doors swing open to the left or the right and occasionally swing in both directions. 

Panel doors come in a nearly endless range of designs. The number of panels on the slab, window additions—known as lites—and even the shape of the panels varies widely. You will also find panel doors made of everything from wood to aluminum. They are ideal for both interior and exterior placement, depending on their design.

Pros

• Versatile in design, material, and weight

• Easy to install on your own in many cases

• Design blends with both interior and exterior entryways

Cons

• Not ideal in small or oddly shaped spaces

• Some materials and designs cost more

• Only enclose traditionally-sized doorways

Best for: Interior and exterior doorways of a traditional one-panel width

2. Sliding Doors

Sliding doors include two or three panels that slide along a track to open and close. You'll spot sliding doors in glass patio doors, closet doors, and large spaces between common living rooms. The hardware to attach the sliding doors together and to the doorframe determines its level of security, function, and cost. The cost of sliding glass doors averages about $2,600. 

Pros

• Customizable for glass, wood, and vinyl panels

• Ideal for large exterior entryways

• Creates a larger opening for ADA compliance

Cons

• Costs more than traditional single-hinged doors

• Offers less security and requires specialized locking mechanisms

• Can be tricky to maintain and repair the sliding track

Best for: Porches, closets, and large interior doorways

3. Bifold Doors

Doors with multiple patterns that fold up like an accordion are called bifold doors. The number of collapsible panels varies widely, ranging from three to 10. These doors can be made of wood or more flexible materials, such as vinyl and aluminum for utility doors. You'll find them everywhere, from interior closets to the openings of backyard sheds.

Pros

• Budget-friendly option for enclosing large spaces

• Variety of materials, styles, and locking mechanisms

• Creates ample space in the doorway when fully opened

Cons

• Minimal security and only ideal for interior doors

• Does not last as long as double or sliding doors

• Not sound or weatherproofed

Best for: Large interior doorways, interior closets, and utility closets

4. Windowed Doors

While you'll find windows—also known as glass panes or lites—on many types of doors in this guide, it's worth giving them their own section. Windowed doors include a panel or panels of glass often separated by mullions—or the internal frame of a door. The shape, number, and placement of the glass panels opens an entirely new list of more specific door styles.

Pros

• Increases light flow on exterior doors and doors within your home

• Range of style options to match home architectural style

• Can add to a home's curb appeal

Cons

• Cost more upfront and overtime to maintain

• May decrease the insulation of the door

• Requires ongoing cleaning and maintenance 

Best for: Front exterior doors and interior doors between common living spaces

5. Double Doors

Double doors include two hinged panel doors with locking mechanisms in the center. Similar to single-paneled doors, the design on the slab itself will vary widely, including multiple panels, materials, colors, and ornate designs. These door types join two spaces with a large opening or the back of a house with a yard or porch.

Pros

• Ideal for abnormally shaped entryways inside your home

• Offers more light and airflow

• Creates a more stylish and dramatic look in room transitions

Cons

• Higher costs for materials and installation, particularly for custom doors

• Requires additional security measures for external doors

• Requires more floor space to swing open fully

Best for: Transition between common living areas and backyards

6. French Doors

French doors are a type of double door with multiple glass-paned windows. In most cases, the individual square pane covers the entirety of both panels in up to 16 squares. Most French doors open inward at the center. 

Just like traditional double doors, they are ideal for separating two rooms or the exterior and interior of your home. While French doors are more expensive than single-panel designs, the cost to install a French door could offset the value they add to your home. 

Pros

• Significantly increases light and spaciousness of two spaces

• Flexible for both interior and exterior entryways

• Can increase home value and enhance home architecture 

Cons

• More difficult to insulate when used as an exterior set of doors

• Requires additional security and specialized locking mechanisms

• Costs higher than traditional double or single-hinged doors

Best for: Historic homes, back exterior doors, and doors between common living spaces

7. Dutch Doors

Dutch doors, or swing doors, are often spotted in historic homes or restaurants due to their functional purpose. Dutch doors open in two pieces with a cut horizontally through the middle or slightly below the middle of the door. The design allows you to lock the lower part of the door and open the top, allowing you to pass items through the door or let in fresh air. 

Pros

• Increases light and opens up a space while still enclosing a room

• Adds unique levels of character to a home

• Ideal for pet and child safety while encouraging airflow

Cons

• Higher cost for materials and installation due to multiple hinges

• Requires additional locking mechanisms to secure

• Can decrease the insulation of the door due to the additional seam

Best for: Back exterior doors and doors between the kitchen and dining room

8. Pocket Doors

While you've likely heard the term thrown around, what is a pocket door? A pocket door slides into a precut area in the wall. Just like a sliding door, it sits on a metal track. Instead of overlapping with a door by its side it disappears into the wall and latches in place on the latch jamb.

Pros

• Ideal for rooms with minimal space for door radius

• Creates a streamlined look for interior doors

• Available in both a single and double-door design

Cons

• Requires larger rough opening for installation

• Can be harder to use and maintain the track

• Not ideal for rooms that require security or soundproofing

Best for: Interior closets, bathrooms, and pantries

9. Screen Doors

Installing a screen door on the outside of your back porch door is a recipe for warm summer breezes. Screen doors have a single- or double-paneled screen set within a wood, metal, or vinyl frame. In the winter, you can swap out the screen with a panel of glass or vinyl on some models.

Pros

• Encourage airflow while preventing pests from entering

• Allows children and pets to roam free while still letting in air

• Flexible in the winter to transform into a storm door

Cons

• Does not add security to your exterior door

• Requires additional exterior space to swing outwards

• Often has a short longevity and requires ongoing maintenance 

Best for: Front and back doors when paired with a solid exterior door

10. Hollow Doors

Hollow-core doors are budget-friendly interior door options. They are lightweight and do not include a solid center inside the door slab. Because of this, they are not ideal for security, high-traffic areas, or longevity. However, hollow doors are great in a pinch when installing basic doors in rooms that do not require soundproofing or frequent use. 

Pros

• Inexpensive option for separating spaces that don't require soundproofing

• Requires simple hardware and hinges due to low weight

• Easy to install and often DIYable

Cons

• Not ideal for exterior doors or doors that require insulation

• Does not offer ample security in comparison to other designs

• Will not last as long as solid-core doors

Best for: Interior doors such as closets, pantries, and between common living spaces

11. Solid-Core Doors

On the other end of the spectrum, solid-core doors are filled all the way through. In some cases, the entire slab comes in the same material, such as wood or metal. In others, the center of the door contains insulation or a steel center for extra security. Keep in mind that these doors are heavier and may require specialized hinges. 

Pros

• Offers higher insulation rating than hollow doors

• Adds an extra level of soundproofing between two spaces

• Flexible for both interior and exterior spaces

Cons

• Higher costs for many materials and installation

• Requires specialized hinges to carry additional vertical load

• May require hinge maintenance over time due to the heavy weight

Best for: Exterior doors and interior doors that require soundproofing

12. Barn Doors

Barn doors slide along an overhead horizontal track with a series of rollers attached to one or two door slabs. The slabs are often called batten-and-ledged doors that use the iconic patterns of boards to compose the strong barn-door structure. While they are most commonly used on barns and sheds, you’ll also see them inside rustic-style homes. Installing an indoor barn door costs between $200 and $2,500, with an average of $1,500.

Pros

• Works as both an interior and exterior door style

• Opens up a space to allow more light and airflow

• Adds a rustic look to the interior of a home

Cons

• Doors can be heavy to operate and require track maintenance

• Does not pair with all interior home styles

• Does not offer security, soundproofing, or ample insulation

Best for: Doors on barns and sheds, exterior back doors, and interior doors between large rooms

13. Sectional Doors

Sectional doors go by many names, but roller doors, garage doors, and retractable doors are the most common. These doors come with multiple horizontal panels and retract vertically overhead. They are often made of vinyl or metal and are ideal in garages, wood shops, and industrial homes.

Pros

• Allows easy access to areas that require wide entryways

• Doors move out of the way when opened, requiring less space around the building

• Automatic and secure options are available

Cons

• Not ideal for most interior doorways

• Manual options require strength and height to open and close the door

• Comes with a higher cost to install additional hardware

Best for: Garages, industrial-style homes, and large entryways

14. Pivot Doors

Sometimes, your home doesn't leave quite enough space for the door of your dreams. Pivot doors hinge several inches to a foot in from the edge, allowing the door to hinge at a smaller radius. Keep in mind that special types of hinges and door slabs are required for pivot doors.

Pros

• Open door radius requires less than traditional designs

• Offers a stylish and modern touch to a room

• Flexible for both interior and exterior doorways

Cons

• Narrows the space for moving through the doorway

• Requires a specialized hinge and installation

• Cost more to design and install

Best for: Interior and exterior doorways, particularly for heavy doors and rooms with minimal space

15. Fire Doors

Fire doors receive ratings for how long they prevent the spread of a fire throughout a building. Multiple details make a door a fire door, including its material, how well it's sealed, and frame features, such as weatherproofing and self-closing hinges.

Pros

• Meets requirements for building codes that specify fire door safety

• Offers sound and weatherproofing in addition to fire protection

• Provides peace of mind

Cons

• Often costs more than traditional single-hinge doors

• Not available in all door styles

• May require specialized hinges to manage the weight

Best for: Interior doors around stairwells and hallways, depending on local fire codes 

16. Bulkhead Doors

Bulkhead doors are the angled bi-paneled doors that sit at the entrance of a cellar. They come in treated metal or wood in older homes. Many building codes specify the size and accessibility of bulkhead doors, so always work with a local door installation team when installing these crucial entryways.

Pros

• Allows easy access to cellars with minimal disruption to your yard

• Often customizable to your home's style

• Waterproof options minimize the amount of repairs and maintenance over time

Cons

• Not flexible for other types of entryways

• Custom options may cost more to install

• May be heavy to open and close

Best for: Cellar and external basement door openings

17. Flush Doors

One of the most common types of single-panel doors is called a flush door. As the name implies, these doors are flush with the wall or doorframe when closed, making them a streamlined option for interior doorways. They often include hollow-core doors for a more budget-friendly solution as well.

Pros

• Doors weigh less, making them ideal for easy hinge installation

• Common for smaller rooms and closets in your home 

• Budget-friendly option with minimal ornamentation

Cons

• Materials are not often as strong or soundproof as other single-panel doors

• Does not offer as much security

• May need to be replaced sooner than solid-core doors

Best for: Interior closets and bathrooms

18. Louvered Doors

The louvered style is a popular option in both modern and historic homes. In one or more panels of the door, multiple slats allow a thin layer of light and air to permeate the door. The placement of the louver panels depends on the design, but they either make up the entire slab or separate into several panels for a unique look.

Pros

• Adds style to a simple interior room

• Allows light and air to pass through without installing windows

• Lightweight options make this a DIYable installation

Cons

• Not ideal for exterior doors

• Allows sound and temperature to pass from room to room as well

• Difficult to repair when slats become damaged

Best for: Pantries, closets, and kitchen doors

19. Storm Doors

Similar to screen doors, storm doors add one more layer between your home and the outside world. Storm doors cost an average of $450 to install, though you can find some low-cost options for as low as $185. Standard storm doors feature a metal frame and two glass or plexiglass panels.

Pros

• Offers additional insulation for exterior doors in the winter

• Allows light into your home while still blocking cool breezes

• Adds an extra layer of security to the outside of your home

Cons

• Does not offer insulation without an additional exterior door

• Not flexible for the interior of your home

• Will require maintenance sooner than traditional doors

Best for: Front and back exterior doors, as well as transitions from a semi-enclosed porch

20. Glass Doors

Glass doors differ from doors with windows since they're primarily composed of panes of glass, often with a thin frame around the outside. You'll find glass sliding doors, single-paneled, and double doors. They may include an ornate etching, stained glass element, or privacy coating. Homeowners can also opt for Low-E glass, a film that adds additional insulation.

Pros

• Increases the spaciousness of a home or room

• Versalite for a range of styles in both interior and exterior doors

• Easy to adapt to your needs with door locking hardware, hinges, and ornamentation

Cons

• Doesn't offer as much insulation as wood or metal doors

• May require additional security measures

• Prone to chipping or breaking

Best for: Interior or exterior doors for homeowners looking to increase the natural lighting 

21. Pre-Hung Doors

If you're considering installing a door yourself or just want to trim installation costs, a pre-hung door may be the way to go. Pre-hung doors come already affixed to a door jamb and ready for installation into a commonly-sized frame or rough-cut entryway. These designs decrease the chances of DIY errors when hanging a door. 

Pros

• Offer a DIY or low-cost installation option

• Already features the correct hinges for the door size and weight

• Often includes latch and knob mechanisms

Cons

• May cost more than purchasing an individual door slab

• Fewer chances to customize your design

• May require a more complex delivery to your home

Best for: DIY projects for interior and exterior doors

22. Murphy Doors

Have you ever wondered what those secret bookcase doors in movies are called? Murphy doors hide an entryway with something that doesn't look like a door at all. They hide areas like walk-in closets, auxiliary living rooms, libraries, or pull-out beds and tables. 

Pros

• Plays double duty in your home as a door and serves another functional purpose

• Streamlines the look of a space without leaving room for a door

• Playful and stylish option for impressing guests

Cons

• Materials and installation are more expensive than other types of doors 

• Requires hinges that can carry a heavy vertical load

• Not ideal for exterior doors

Best for: Closets, libraries, and other low-traffic living spaces

23. Security Doors

Security doors come in a range of styles mentioned on this list, but always with an extra-strong core to provide an extra layer of safety from outside intruders. These doors often feature a steel or fiberglass core and include ample locking mechanisms and seals to fortify the door from noise. While they cost more than traditional doors, they are ideal for exterior entryways.

Pros

• Offer ample peace of mind for the overall security of your home

• Increase insulation and soundproofing at the same time

• Last a long time due to their solid construction

Cons

• Much heavier than other doors, requiring specialized hardware

• Cost more up front and to install

• Doesn't pair well with all door styles

Best for: Front and back exterior doors

Considerations When Choosing a New Door to Install 

It’s essential to consider location, material, and features when choosing a new door for your home.  

• Location: Interior and exterior doors are made of different materials that are better suited to different situations. For example, you’ll want an exterior door that is sealed against the elements and sturdy enough to withstand a potential forced entry. Narrow your choices by first determining the location of the door installation.

• Material: The material you choose will depend on the door’s location and use, as well as the decor and theme you’re looking for. For example, glass doors will let more natural light into a space. Wood is a classic option, but other options include steel and fiberglass doors.

• Features: Consider how you want the doors to hang, swing, and function. Do you need sliding doors for a closet or do you need double doors that swing open inward between the living room and yard? Don’t forget to consider how the doors open. Do you need a right- or left-handed door?

• Energy efficiency: Energy-efficient doors can reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. This is especially true for exterior doors that stand up to wind and snow. 

• Maintenance: Caring for doors might not be top of mind, but exterior doors need ongoing maintenance, depending on the elements it faces. Even interior doors need cleaning or refinishing if they start to fade in the sunlight.

• Noise cancellation: A door should provide privacy in a room and help drown out the noise in rooms outside of it. Consider a door’s ability to drown out noise and make a space more comfortable. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Door?

Installing a door costs $500 to $2,000, with an average cost of $1,250. The size and type of door are a major factors affecting the total cost. Standard 36-by-80-inch interior doors cost $150 to $700, while a French door costs between $2,000 and $5,000. 

The heavier and more intricate the door, the more it will cost to install. For example, barn doors—which are becoming more common in home interiors—can cost as low as $200 for DIY options to as much as $5,000 for professional installation of custom doors. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

You might be able to replace a door yourself if you’re changing one out for the same size, without changes to the frame or jamb. With the right tools and knowledge, installing a traditional wood door is doable. However, fiberglass, oversize, and French doors are more complex, and these jobs are better left to a door installation pro. 

Expect labor for door professional installation to cost $40 to $90 per hour, which could add up to more than half of your door cost. However, when you hire a door professional, you reduce the chances of mistakes and further repair costs in the future. A pro can also help you choose the best type of door and material for different locations in your home.