8 Types of Sliding Doors for Home Interior and Exterior
Whether you are redesigning your home or you want to change a few things, doors are the main components that come into play. Often undermined, they play a more important role in interior & exterior designing. They compliment the other components that are present in the house.
Doors are essentially divided into two main categories, namely, interior and exterior. Being aware of the differences and similarities between the interior and exterior doors will make you understand the characteristic of both, to take a completely informed decision.
8 Types of Sliding Doors
- Bypass Doors
- Pocket Sliding Doors
- Sliding Bi-Fold Doors
- Patio Sliding Doors
- Sliding French Doors
- Shoji Doors
- Accordion Doors
- Barn Doors
Out of the different kinds of doors, the sliding doors increase the style quotient of your home highly. They open horizontally and are used for interior and exterior purposes as well. Some of the varieties of the sliding doors are:
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Bypass Doors
These sliding doors are perfect for installing in the closet or washrooms. They function perfectly in smaller places and can be slid open by pushing the door to one side. Bypass sliding doors can be made of wood or glass.
They are easy to install and open, with tracks placed on the top and the bottom of the door. One of the cheaper options, these doors have become increasingly popular.
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Pocket Sliding Doors
An example of another door that is best for smaller spaces or for those who do not want to have larger doors. Pocket sliding doors do not have any hinges.
When they are slid open, the doors disappear into the wall of the house. They come in different materials and are comfortable to use.
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Sliding Bi-Fold Doors
When these doors are opened, they halve themselves. Although they do save more space than hinged doors, there are not highly effective in saving space in the house.
These internal sliding doors are easily installable and give a classy look to the home. They can be installed as an entrance to closets or kitchens.
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Patio Sliding Doors
As the name suggests, these doors are used as openings to the patios in many places around the world. However, they can be used in other parts of the houses. There are a few features that are commonly associated with the sliding patio doors. They are made of glass, to provide a good view of the patio. It also helps in keeping the rooms well-ventilated.
Patio doors are beautiful and come in many exotic designs. Choosing the correct patio door will be to analyze the amount of money you are willing to spend and the durability of the door. Patio doors are also easy to install once a few changes are made to the doorway.
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Sliding French Doors
One of the most common and universally liked doors are the French doors. Although conventional French doors open and close with hinges, there are sliding French doors as well.
If you are looking for the versatility of a French door but do not have enough place for them, being able to slide them would be the perfect solution.
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Shoji Doors
Globalization in recent years has educated people about different kinds of culture and habits. This has also increased the global market for doors. Shoji doors are originally from Japan, and they add to the aesthetic value of the house. People have started appreciating the unique design of this door which is made of wood and paper.
The reason why they look so different from the other doors is that they do not use glass as the panes. The disadvantage of installing this door is that there is a chance for the paper to tear. Installation of these doors can be a little tricky if professional help is not taken. Using Shoji doors makes the house look traditional.
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Accordion Doors
Sliding doors like these are the cheapest of all options that are available. Like the name, the door folds and slides to one side when opened. They come in various colours and style which you can choose from.
Unlike others, accordion sliding doors are hung. They give a neat look and are easy to install. Whenever there is a necessity to cover multiple doors in a lesser budget, these doors come to the rescue.
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Barn Doors
Barn doors are very common in rural areas. There are different styles in them, but sliding barn doors are well-liked. These doors can be fit effortlessly once an upper track and a bottom groove are made into the doorway.
Access to the room will be much simpler than a door which opens on hinges. Although they are mostly made of wood, barn doors also come in various shapes and colours. They can be installed in the barns and garages as they are rougher compared to other doors. They can withstand external factors. Such a door is simple and different at the same time.
Difference Between Interior and Exterior Doors Sliding Doors
Exterior doors are typically the ones used as an entrance to the house. They are strong and can withstand the difficulties of the exterior environment. Interior doors, on the other hand, are more sensitive to the outside weather. They are used as the entrances of the rooms or as an opening to the patio, balcony, etc.
Exterior doors provide safety as it is the main entry into the house. Exterior doors are also treated to sustain for a longer period of time and are mostly made of wood. Doors inside the house come in various materials and are generally cheaper to buy.
Knowing the kinds of internal and best external doors can guide you in buying the perfect doors for your house. It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the kinds of doors.
Considering factors like the cost of installation and maintenance of the door, the level of security required are important things to consider before your purchase. It is also important to make sure that the style and colour of the door match with the rest of the house. Overall, it is the quality of the door that will determine its safety as well as beauty.