TYPES OF DOORS BASED ON MATERIAL OF MANUFACTURE

There are large varieties of doors and windows which can either be manufactured or are available in the market for ready fixing. Based on the material of manufacture, some of their types along with their main feature, advantages and disadvantages are given here to facilitate easy selection for the house owner.

1. TIMBER/WOOD DOORS

Traditionally, timber or wood as it is popularly known has been the mainstay for the manufacture of doors/windows. Its main advantage has been local availability of material and the ease with which it can be made by the local carpenters.

Presently large varieties of wood are available in the market and its selection should be made based on the properties of longevity and the budget of the house owner. Although they can be used for all locations in the house, they are best placed for exterior locations.

Timber is most commonly being used for making of doors/windows.

2. FRAMED AND PANELED DOORS

These types of doors and windows are most commonly provided in the houses. The frame for the door is made out of wood and the shutter panels out of timber, plywood, block board, hard board, etc. A number of designs can be made on the panels, thereby making such door quite decorative.

The panels can also be made out of glass. In cases where part of the door is in wooden panels and the remaining is of glass panels, the door is known as paneled and glazed.

Such doors have a flexibility of design which can look aesthetically pleasing.

The design can be made according to the requirement and location in the house.

The door frame for such types of doors can be made out of wood itself or of metal sections like steel etc.

3. FLUSH DOORS

A flush door is a completely smooth door, having plywood or Medium Density Fiberboard fixed over timber frame which is comparatively light. The hollow core so obtained is often filled with a cardboard core material.

Flush doors are most commonly employed in the interior of a dwelling, although with some variations they are also used as exterior doors in houses.

The frames for such doors can be made out of wood, steel etc, which can hold its weight. The doors are usually hinged along one side to allow the door to open in one direction only.

Flush doors are commonly provided in houses these days due to the reasons of economy, pleasing appearance, durability etc and are commonly available in the market.

While providing these doors for toilets, baths; the inner face of the door should be covered with aluminum sheets to provide protection against water.

Frames for such doors/windows can be made in any of the traditional manner.

4. GLASS DOORS

Glass is usually provided for doors and windows, mostly for paneling. However if the owner so desires, doors can be made out of glass for specific locations. Normally such doors are provided on the backside of the house as it provides unobstructed view of the backyard or garden.

Front doors made of glass are equally beautiful, but care should be taken to ensure both privacy and durability. Cut glass panels set into wooden frames are a frequent and beautiful option for front doors. Such doors are costly and require good maintenance.

They are usually heavier than other doors besides being costly.

5. STEEL DOORS

Steel or other such metal construction has been used for years as they are efficient and are a sturdy option for exterior and interior doors alike. These doors can be either be solid or hollow.

It has been found to be a good substitute for wood and is being used extensively for making frames. The frames can be made out of angles, Tee, channels or pressed steel plates. Holdfasts and hinges are normally welded to the frame in case of steel frames.

Normal shutters made out of wood etc can be fixed on these steel frames.

Steel frames are quite popular and are being used extensively for houses and other locations as they are economical than the conventional wooden frames.

Shutters can also be made out of Mild Steel (MS) sheets, welded or riveted to a frame of angle iron or channel section, properly braced.

Steel doors can also be made in high quality in cold rolled mild steel, precision engineered. They are long lasting requiring minimum maintenance. They are available in beautiful shades with various wood grain texturing.

These can invariably be used where security is of a greater concern.