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Your Guide to Residential Doors: Styles, Materials & Top Brands

  • Ben
  • May 12
  • 3 min read

Whether you're upgrading your entryway, finishing a remodel, or replacing old interior doors, the right doors add curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, and elevate the style of your home. From front doors to patio sliders and everything in between, there are plenty of options to choose from.


Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of residential doors, the materials they’re made from, and the brands we trust in our remodeling projects.


Photo by Landon Martin
Photo by Landon Martin

🚪 Common Types of Residential Doors


1. Entry Doors (Front & Rear)


Your front door is the first impression of your home. Today’s entry doors combine style, security, and efficiency.


  • Styles: Single, double, sidelight panels, decorative glass inserts

  • Great for: Curb appeal, security, insulation

  • Features: Smart locks, energy-efficient cores, storm doors



2. Patio Doors


Patio doors come in several configurations that connect your indoor and outdoor spaces.


  • Styles: Sliding glass doors, French doors, multi-panel doors

  • Great for: Decks, patios, sunrooms

  • Features: Large glass for natural light, multi-point locking, integrated blinds



3. Interior Doors


These include bedroom, bathroom, closet, and utility room doors. Interior doors come in solid and hollow-core versions and a wide range of styles.


  • Styles: Panel doors, flush doors, barn doors, pocket doors

  • Great for: Room separation, noise control, privacy

  • Options: Swinging, sliding, or pocket configurations



4. Storm & Screen Doors


Often added to front or back entrances, storm doors provide extra insulation and protection, while screen doors allow airflow during warmer months.



🪵 Door Materials: What to Know


Choosing the right material is just as important as picking the style—it impacts durability, energy performance, appearance, and cost.


1. Wood


  • Pros: Warm, classic look; great for high-end or historic homes

  • Cons: Needs regular maintenance; more expensive

  • Best for: Interior doors or high-end entry doors

  • Note: Solid wood offers great soundproofing and a luxurious feel



2. Fiberglass


  • Pros: Durable, low maintenance, can mimic wood grain

  • Cons: Slightly more expensive than steel or vinyl

  • Best for: Entry doors in all climates



3. Steel


  • Pros: Affordable, secure, resistant to warping

  • Cons: Can dent or rust if not maintained

  • Best for: Budget-friendly exterior doors



4. Vinyl


  • Pros: Inexpensive, moisture resistant, low maintenance

  • Cons: Limited design options

  • Best for: Sliding patio doors, some entry systems



5. Aluminum


  • Pros: Lightweight, corrosion resistant

  • Cons: Less insulating than other materials

  • Best for: Screen and storm doors



6. Glass (Framed or Frameless)


  • Pros: Sleek and modern, brings in light

  • Cons: Requires careful installation and upkeep

  • Best for: Patio doors, interior barn doors, shower enclosures



🏆 Trusted Door Brands We Recommend


When we install doors as part of a remodeling project, we work with brands known for their quality, performance, and warranties. Some of our top choices include:


1. Pella


  • Offers wood, fiberglass, and steel doors

  • Known for: Entry doors, patio doors, customizable options

  • Great energy performance and design flexibility



2. Therma-Tru


  • One of the leading names in fiberglass and steel entry doors

  • Known for: Secure, energy-efficient, and weather-resistant products



3. Masonite


  • Focuses heavily on interior doors with many style options

  • Known for: Durable molded panel and solid core options



4. Simpson Door Company


  • Specializes in custom and wood doors

  • Known for: Beautiful designs and craftsmanship



5. Andersen


  • A trusted name in windows that also offers high-quality patio doors

  • Known for: Gliding and French patio door systems in wood, vinyl, and composite



🚪 Which Door Is Right for Your Home?


We help homeowners choose the right doors by considering:


  • Design style and overall home aesthetic

  • Energy efficiency needs (especially for exterior doors)

  • Durability and maintenance

  • Security features

  • Budget and material preferences



Let’s Upgrade Your Home with Beautiful, Functional Doors


Whether it’s your front entry, a new patio door, or replacing outdated interior doors, we’ll help you choose and install doors that add beauty and function to your home.


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