Adding new interior doors is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your home. Not only do new doors provide aesthetic appeal, they can also increase energy efficiency, noise reduction, and security. With the wide variety of styles, materials, and hardware available today, interior doors make it easy to put a unique stamp on your home. Here’s an in-depth look at how upgrading your interior doors can transform the look and feel of your house.
Benefits of Installing New Interior Doors
Installing new interior doors offers many benefits beyond just improving the appearance of your home. Here are some of the top reasons to upgrade your doors:
Enhance Visual Appeal
New interior doors are an easy way to update the style of your home. You can choose doors with elegant wood details, glass inserts, or even bold, modern designs to showcase your unique taste. The finish, hardware, and door style all impact the overall look.
Increase Energy Efficiency
If you have old, hollow core doors in your home, replacing them with well-insulated doors can help reduce energy costs. Solid wood or fiberglass doors with weatherstripping and tight seals prevent drafts and help maintain comfortable temperatures indoors.
Improve Noise Reduction
Interior doors play a key role in cutting down on sound transfer in a home. Solid, dense doors limit noise pollution from room to room, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment. Upgrading to sound-dampening doors can make a significant difference.
Boost Security
Many standard interior doors are relatively easy to kick in during a break-in. Stronger materials like solid wood core or steel doors reinforce entry points and provide greater security overall. Adding tamper-resistant hinges and secure locks also helps deter burglars.
Refresh Without Major Renovation
Putting in new doors provides a fast, affordable way to breathe new life into your home. You can renew the look and feel of individual rooms or your entire house with a simple door upgrade. It’s a project you may be able to DIY as well.
Popular Styles of Interior Doors
Choosing a door design and material requires balancing your aesthetic preferences with practical needs. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:
Solid Wood Doors
- Prized for their strength, durability, and ability to block sound
- Oak, maple, cherry, and mahogany are all attractive solid wood options
- Can be ornately carved or have glass inserts for a unique look
- More expensive than hollow core or fiberglass
Hollow Core Doors
- Lightweight and inexpensive but prone to damage
- Typically made of wood composites like particle board or MDF
- Hollow space inside often has a cardboard honeycomb core
- Best for closets, pantries, and low-traffic areas
Molded Composite Doors
- Constructed of dense engineered wood or fiberboard
- Factory finishing creates consistent smooth surfaces
- Low maintenance and moisture resistant
- Offer an affordable alternative to solid wood
Fiberglass Doors
- Very durable and stable even in humid environments
- Weigh less than solid wood doors for easier installation
- Can mimic the look and feel of real hardwood
- Excellent at blocking sound due to tight seal
French Doors
- Classic double doors made of glass panes surrounded by a wood frame
- Allow natural light to flow between rooms
- Come hinged or sliding; many have Venetian blinds between glass
Bifold Doors
- Door panels fold in a zigzag pattern to conserve space
- Typically used for closets, pantries, laundry rooms
- Available in various materials like wood, vinyl, or aluminum
Barn Doors
- Rustic sliding door on an overhead track system
- Provides flexible room separation without occupying floorspace
- Usually made of solid wood planks for an antique look
Pocket Doors
- Door panels slide directly into wall cavity for a hidden, seamless feel
- Require framing a pocket into the wall during installation
- Eliminate the swing clearance required by hinged doors
Popular Interior Door Materials
The core construction and facing materials used for interior doors determine their visual appeal, durability, and price point. Some top options include:
Solid Wood
- Oak, ash, cherry, pine, and mahogany are commonly used
- Offer unmatched strength and timeless elegance
- Can be sanded, stained, painted, or natural finished
- Most expensive option but valued for quality and beauty
Engineered Wood Composites
- Particle board, hardboard, MDF commonly used for core
- Environmentally stable and don’t expand/contract with humidity
- Take paint and stain uniformly for seamless finished look
- Affordable option for many homeowners
Fiberglass
- Doors contain composite wood fiber, resins, and glass fibers
- Very dense and effective at blocking sound
- Low maintenance and won’t warp due to moisture
- Often finished with wood veneer for an authentic look
Steel
- Primarily used for exterior doors but some interior applications
- Extremely strong, durable, and heat resistant
- Can feel cold to the touch and transmit sound more than solid wood
- Usually have foam insulation core and wood, fiberglass, or vinyl cladding
Interior Door Sizes
Interior door sizing conventions in the U.S. are different than exterior doors. The most common interior door sizes include:
- 24-inch door for small closets or laundry rooms
- 28-inch door for bathrooms, bedrooms, and general passage
- 30-inch door for master bedrooms or custom openings
- 32-inch door for grand entryways or wide halls and archways
- 36-inch door for wide passageways or to accommodate wheelchairs
- Pocket doors can range from 24 to 48 inches wide
Door height typically follows one of these standards:
- 80-inch height for most applications
- 84-inch height for a higher clearance effect
- 96-inch height for a true grand entryway statement
Make sure to measure carefully when shopping for replacements, as old doors may not follow modern sizing conventions. Custom sizing is also available.
Popular Interior Door Hardware Styles
From the knobs and hinges to the responsive feel, hardware plays a central role in the overall look and quality of interior doors. Some top options include:
Knobs vs. Levers
- Knobs are classic but harder to operate by some
- Levers are easier to use and ADA compliant
- Matte black, stainless steel, brushed nickel, and bronze are popular
Dummy vs. Working Hardware
- Dummy hardware has no latching mechanism for closets or pantries
- Working hardware actively latches doors closed and includes locksets
Hinges
- Brass, bronze, nickel, and black finishes available
- Concealed hinges hide door mechanics for clean appearance
- Self-closing hinges return door to closed position automatically
Door Handles and Pulls
- Extended horizontal handle provides better grip and visual contrast
- Stylish upgrade for glass doors or pocket doors lacking knobs/levers
- Positioned on both exterior and interior door faces
Door Knockers and Kick Plates
- Knockers add old-world character and curb accidental damage
- Kick plates protect the door from nicks and dirt at entry level
- Wide variety of antique, rustic, and modern designs
Installing New Interior Doors
Upgrading interior doors is a project a skilled DIYer can take on, but it requires time, patience, and careful attention to detail. Here is an overview of the installation process:
Tools Needed
- Tape measure, utility knife, pry bar, Phillips screwdriver
- Level, chisel, hammer, shims, nail set, drill/driver, handsaw or circular saw
Remove Existing Door
- Remove hinge pins and set door aside intact if possible
- Unscrew strike plate, latch plate, stops, and knobs/handles
- Patch existing screw holes if needed for new hardware
Cut New Door
- Allow 1/8 to 1/4 inch clearance on all sides in opening
- Carefully measure and cut pre-hung door or cut new door for existing jamb
Hang New Door
- Use shims between jamb and framing to plumb and level door
- Attach hinges to match old screw hole positions if possible
- Test for proper function and make adjustments as needed
Install Working Hardware
- Mark for consistent knob height based on ADA codes
- Bore holes for latch, knobs, strike plate based on door edge
- Install knobs, latch, strike plate, stops, and door trim
Seal and Finish Door
- Install weatherstripping for soundproofing and energy efficiency
- Fill nail holes, sand, and finish smooth with sealant
- Paint or stain door to match existing trimwork
Hiring a professional ensures a smooth installation and allows the project to be completed much faster.
Energy Efficient Interior Doors
Energy efficient doors prevent costly heat loss and improve comfort levels:
- Solid wood and fiberglass doors resist heat flow better than hollow or paneled doors
- Doors fitted with rubber gaskets, sweeps, and weatherstripping stop air leaks
- Quality construction creates a tight seal and high R-value insulation
- Proper installation ensures doors close tightly within frames
Other tips for boosting energy efficiency:
- Choose Energy Star certified doors meeting strict guidelines
- Opt for low-E glass inserts to reduce solar heat gain
- Use door undercuts for air circulation in air-conditioned homes
- Add storm doors as an extra layer in extreme climates
Fire Rated Interior Doors
Fire rated doors play an important safety role by containing fires and blocking spread:
- Must withstand high temperatures for prescribed time periods without failure
- Typically solid core wood or insulated steel for optimal fire resistance
- Ratings include 20, 45, 60 and 90 minute listings
- Should have automatic door bottoms, closures, intumescent seals, and rated frames
- Required by code in attached garages and between some rooms
Interior Door Costs
Interior door costs vary depending on the size, materials, and quality:
- Pre-hung solid wood doors range from $150-$800+
- Hollow core molded composite doors $50-$300
- High-end custom doors $1,000+
- Prefinished fiberglass doors $150-$500+
- Steel doors and fire rated doors $200-$1,000
- Pocket doors $300-$1,500 including hardware
- Pro installation ranges from $75-$200 per door
There are ways to cut costs like choosing hollow core doors for closets or buying unfinished doors. But quality materials usually deliver durability and long-term value.
Interior Door Trends
Some current trends in interior door styles include:
Neutral Colors
Soft white, gray, and taupe doors blend seamlessly into both modern and traditional decors.
Faded and Whitewashed Finishes
Distressed, aged, and bleached looks provide rustic or cottage charm.
Bold Painted Designs
Vibrant colors, unique patterns, or stenciled motifs make doors a decorative focal point.
Smart Home Integrations
Keyless smart locks, video doorbells, and smart speakers are popular upgrades.
Natural Wood Grain
The authentic beauty of materials like reclaimed barnwood is preferred over faux imitations.
Black Hardware
Matte black hinges, handles, and locksets provide striking contrast against light doors.
Extra Tall Doors
To create an abundance of natural light and feeling of expanded space.
Maintaining Interior Doors
With periodic cleaning and maintenance, interior doors will look fresh for decades:
- Wipe down often with a soft cloth and mild cleaner
- Use glass cleaner for smudges on glass door inserts
- Re-stain or repaint doors as needed when finishes fade
- Oil door hinges to prevent sticking and squeaking
- Keep hinge screws and strike plate screws tight
- Adjust door stops if latch is not catching properly
- Replace loose weatherstripping to maintain energy efficiency
Interior Door FAQs
Get all your top interior door questions answered here:
How much do new interior doors cost?
On average expect to pay $75-$200 for a prehung interior door including installation. Custom, high-end, and specialty doors run $300 on up.
What is the most popular interior door size?
The 28-32 inch width with 80 inch height is the most common interior door size. But many baths and closets use 24 inch doors.
What maintenance do interior doors need?
Keep doors clean, lubricate hinges, test locking mechanisms, tighten hardware screws, and refinish surfaces as needed. Weatherstrip as necessary.
How do I make old doors look new again?
Refurbishing old doors often just requires stripping off old paint, fixing any damage, applying wood filler as needed, sanding, and repainting or staining. Replacing the hardware is also beneficial.
What’s the difference between hollow core and solid wood doors?
Hollow core doors have empty space inside while solid doors are dense wood through the entire thickness. Solid wood provides superior sound blocking.
How do I make interior doors more energy efficient?
Add rubber or brush seals around the edges, use quality weatherstripping on the stops, and check for any gaps that allow air leaks. Insulated doors also improve efficiency.
How do I make a bedroom door more soundproof?
Solid wood or fiberglass doors, weatherstripping, automatic door bottoms, and upgraded insulation around the framing all help reduce noise transfer through bedroom doors.
What is the standard height for interior doors?
The standard height for interior doors is 80 inches. Other common heights are 84 inches and 96 inches for a more grand, spacious feel.
Are textured interior doors still in style?
Textured doors with grooves or crossbuck patterns do still have traditional appeal. But most modern interior designs favor smooth, understated doors.
Conclusion
Installing new interior doors allows you to upgrade the appearance of your home room by room. From classic to contemporary styles, natural wood to sleek finishes, you can find the perfect doors to match your home’s character. Aside from the aesthetic benefits, new interior doors also provide noise reduction, energy savings, and security when properly selected and installed. With some measurements and planning, it’s a project many DIYers can tackle successfully. Just take care to take measurements accurately, double check door clearances, and make sure the frame and jamb are plumb and level for smooth operation. Interior door hardware offers almost endless options to complement your new doors as well. Investing in quality materials made to last makes sense when it comes to doors that will be in use daily for years to come. With creative style choices and proper care, you can enjoy beautiful, welcoming interior doors that stand the test of time while increasing your home’s functionality and comfort.
