Doors are important for privacy, insulation, and security in addition to beauty when it comes to house design and performance. Although they can seem same at first, exterior and interior doors are made to serve quite different functions. We'll go over the main distinctions between exterior and interior doors, their distinct functions in your house, the materials they're made of, design factors, and which kind is ideal for different uses in this extensive guide.
1. Introduction
Knowing the difference between exterior and interior doors is crucial, whether you're building a new house or remodeling an existing one. Choosing the appropriate kind for every location guarantees lifespan, effectiveness, and safety. This essay examines these differences while taking UK norms and climates into account.
2. Purpose and Function
Interior Doors:
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Used to separate rooms within a home.
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Provide privacy, noise reduction, and room division.
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Do not need to withstand weather conditions.
Exterior Doors:
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Act as the main entry points to a property.
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Provide security, insulation, and weather resistance.
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Must be robust to resist forced entry and external elements.
3. Material Differences
Interior Door Materials:
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MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard): Smooth, affordable, and easy to paint.
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Solid Wood: Offers sound insulation and a premium feel.
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Hollow Core: Lightweight and budget-friendly.
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PVC or Laminates: Used in wet areas like bathrooms.
Exterior Door Materials:
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Solid Hardwood: Offers excellent durability and security.
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Composite: Combines materials for strength, weather resistance, and energy efficiency.
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uPVC: Popular in modern UK homes, low-maintenance and weatherproof.
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Steel or Aluminium: Ideal for added security and modern designs.
4. Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Exterior doors must be insulated to reduce heat loss and increase energy efficiency. In the UK, doors need to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations, which governs thermal performance. Many come with insulation cores and double or triple glazing.
Interior doors are not typically insulated, though solid-core doors offer better sound insulation and can reduce heat transfer between rooms.
5. Design and Aesthetics
Interior Door Design Features:
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Panelled, flush, or glazed options.
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Painted or stained to match décor.
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Often include style elements like grooves or decorative mouldings.
Exterior Door Design Features:
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Available in various styles to match the property’s architecture.
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May include glazing for natural light, with frosted or leaded options.
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Tend to have a more robust frame and deeper detailing.
6. Security Features
Exterior Doors:
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Must include multi-point locking systems, secure hinges, and reinforced cores.
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Compliant with PAS 24 security standards in the UK.
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May incorporate smart locks and spyholes.
Interior Doors:
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Often use simple latch systems or privacy locks.
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Security isn’t a primary concern, so they are not reinforced.
7. Durability and Maintenance
Exterior Doors:
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Exposed to the elements, so they must be weatherproof and UV resistant.
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Require regular maintenance (especially timber doors).
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Composite and uPVC options are lower maintenance.
Interior Doors:
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Protected from the weather, so they are easier to maintain.
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Usually require less robust finishes.
8. Door Hardware: What’s Different?
Exterior Door Hardware:
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Heavy-duty hinges, letterboxes, weatherstrips, and multi-point locks.
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Usually fitted with draught-proofing.
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Often require certified fire-rated components.
Interior Door Hardware:
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Simple latches, privacy locks, or non-locking handles.
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Hinges are lighter-duty.
9. Common Types of Interior and Exterior Doors
Popular Interior Door Types:
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Panel Doors: Classic and versatile.
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Flush Doors: Sleek and minimal.
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Glazed Doors: Add light between rooms.
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Bifold and Sliding Doors: Great for space-saving and modern interiors.
Popular Exterior Door Types:
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Composite Doors: Energy efficient and secure.
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Timber Doors: Traditional and strong.
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French Doors: Elegant entry to gardens or patios.
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Sliding/Patio Doors: Allow wide access and plenty of natural light.
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Stable Doors: Ideal for country homes.
10. Cost Comparison
Interior Doors Cost Range:
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Hollow Core: £40–£80
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Solid Core: £100–£250
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Glazed: £150–£300
Exterior Doors Cost Range:
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uPVC: £300–£600
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Composite: £600–£1,200
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Hardwood: £800–£2,000
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Aluminium: £1,000–£2,500
Installation costs are typically higher for exterior doors due to sealing, security fittings, and regulation compliance.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can an interior door be used as an exterior door? A: No. Interior doors lack the weatherproofing, insulation, and security features needed for exterior use.
Q2: Can exterior doors be used inside the home? A: Technically yes, but they are heavier, more expensive, and overengineered for interior use.
Q3: What door is best for soundproofing between rooms? A: Solid core interior doors offer superior sound insulation.
Q4: Do exterior doors need to be fire-rated? A: Not necessarily, but in some multi-occupancy buildings or garages, fire-rated external doors may be required.
Q5: What’s the best material for a front door in the UK? A: Composite doors are popular for combining insulation, security, and weather resistance.
12. Final Thoughts
Knowing the distinctions between exterior and interior doors enables you to make well-informed choices while remodeling or improving your house. Whereas exterior doors put protection and energy efficiency first, interior doors concentrate on privacy and style.
Make an informed decision by taking into account the environment, intended use, and desired performance attributes. You may increase the usefulness, comfort, and worth of your house by choosing the appropriate door for the location.
For more information about our interior or exterior doors or door accessories, give us a call at 01603 622261 and speak to a member of our expert team today, or email us at sales@doorsuppliesonline.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.