Image - Tim Barber Architects
Windows and doors have been living rent free in my brain for the past few weeks, but I'm happy to report we finally finalized our order. As I mentioned in my windows blog post last week, we were very happy with the quality and service we received with Ridley Windows & Doors during our first build, that we opted to use them again this time around. We haven't purchased our front door just yet, but we have two doors that lead to the backyard, and I'm incredibly excited about them both.
Understanding the Types of Doors
When beginning to look for doors, having a good grasp of the different types available can make the selection process much easier.
Here’s a breakdown of the various types of doors and their unique features:
Entry Doors: Entry doors are a key element in the design of your home or business, delivering a distinctive impression to visitors. These entrance doors can be personalized by selecting from a variety of features, including material, glass, colour, finish, and much more. For our first home, we had a custom front door made by Craft Door Inc.
Lift & Slide Doors: Lift & slide doors are a contemporary option offering unparalleled views and the ability to easily combine indoor and outdoor spaces. These doors feature wide, oversized glass panels that lift and slide effortlessly to either stack open or recess into a wall pocket. They are available in a range of styles and custom configurations to fit any space.
Multi-Slide Doors: Multi-slide doors offer an expansive view of the outdoors and feature multiple panels that can be easily moved to either stack open or recess into a wall pocket. These doors are available in various styles and custom configurations to fit any space.
Sliding Patio Doors: Sliding patio doors feature two sliding glass panels that allow easy access onto a deck or patio. These doors come in modern or traditional styles and are available in a variety of width options to fit any size opening.
Swinging Patio Doors: Swinging patio doors feature two hinged glass panels that swing open to allow access onto a deck or patio. These doors are available in modern or traditional styles and come in various width options to fit any size opening.
Folding Doors: Folding doors feature multiple panels that can be moved to one side, swung outwards, or split and folded to either side. These traditional doors are a great way to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces in a functional and beautiful way.
Understanding Parts of a Door
Before delving into the specifics of our door choices, it’s essential to understand the different parts that make up a door and its frame. This knowledge can help in making more informed decisions about the types of doors and installations.
Door Panel: The main part of the door that swings open and closed. It can come in various styles and materials, including wood, metal, or glass.
Stiles and Rails: The vertical (stiles) and horizontal (rails) frame pieces of the door panel. They provide structure and support.
Panels: The recessed or raised sections within the door's frame. Panels can be decorative or functional, adding to the door’s overall design.
Mullions: The vertical or horizontal dividers between the panels of the door, adding structural integrity and design elements.
Glazing: Glass components of the door, which can be clear, frosted, stained, or insulated for energy efficiency.
Head: The top horizontal part of the door frame.
Jambs: The vertical sides of the door frame that support the door panel.
Sill: The bottom part of the door frame, which can also be referred to as the threshold.
Stop: The strip of wood or metal on the inside of the frame that the door closes against, ensuring it fits snugly.
Casing: The decorative trim surrounding the door frame, covering the gap between the frame and the wall.
The French Door in the Common Area
In our common area, which combines the kitchen and family room, we initially planned for a stunning folding door. However, after considering several factors, we decided to switch to a French door. The sales reps at Ridley advised against the folding door, particularly because we have small children and the door isn't as easy to open. We wanted a version of the folding door that opens in the centre, unlike the one shown in the initial design, which had a swing door. This type of door requires fully folding both sides to open, which we realized wouldn't be practical for daily use. Additionally, while folding doors with a swing door are more functional, they lack the symmetry I prefer aesthetically.
Ultimately, we chose a 4-panel French door, which offers a traditional look that matches our home's aesthetic. We considered sliding doors, but the French door provides the classic style we were looking for, enhancing both the functionality and the visual appeal of our indoor-outdoor living space. This choice allows us to enjoy the seamless transition to our large back porch, perfect for entertaining and creating a welcoming environment for gatherings and parties.
The Dutch Door in the Pantry
The second door leading to the back yard is in our pantry and will have direct access to our outdoor kitchen. For this, we opted for a charming Dutch door, which I have been dreaming of for so long! Dutch doors add so much character and uniqueness to the home. They offer the practicality of a solid door while also allowing the top half to open independently. This is perfect for easy access and ventilation, and it just looks so quaint and inviting.
Choosing doors might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of building a home, but it's all of these small details that add personalty to your home, and ensure that everything functions perfectly for your families lifestyle.
Xo
Caroline
