Types of Doorways

Exterior Doorways

• Security and weatherproofing are main concerns for exterior doorways, requiring sturdier framing material and treatment than interior doorways. The exterior doorway sets the tone for the entrance to the home, from formal front doors to the sliding door that accesses the back yard. The materials available for exterior doorways include wood, steel, glass, fiberglass or vinyl. The types of exterior doorways include arched doorways, sliding glass doorways, doorways designed for double doors, combination doorways that include windows at the sides and top or the simple single-door doorway.

Interior Doorways

• Interior doorways provide a variety of methods to separate rooms and provide privacy, sound reduction and fire safety. The interior decor of the surrounding rooms influences the type of doorway and material used to frame the doorway. Lightweight wood that is easily painted or varnished is popular, although MDF (medium density fiberboard), aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass are also options. Single or double doorways enclose hollow- or solid-core doors, folding doors commonly used for closets, French doors, Dutch doors, glass doors, or beaded curtains.

Open Doorways

• Open doorways provide a method of separating rooms without enclosing them. This gives the area a more open feel, improves the flow of traffic between rooms and can help a room appear more inviting. This type of doorway is useful between rooms such as the kitchen and dining room, or the entryway and the living or family room, or in small homes or apartments with limited space. The style and shape of the doorway helps set the tone of the surrounding rooms from simple to arched or formal treatments with columns or intricate woodwork.

Specialized Doorways

• Specialized doorways are designed for specific purposes that cannot be fulfilled with a normal door, such as ADA (American Disabilities Act) accessible doors, garage doors or pet doors. The material used varies depending on the application, from wood, steel, vinyl or fiberglass to plastic, wood composite or hardboard. They may include metal framing, electrical components or special insulation depending on the door's use, such as an automatic door or fire door.