Basement Door Types

Interior Prehung Door

• For a basement that only has interior access, a prehung door is an ideal option for homeowners who wish to install their basement door themselves. Prehung doors come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal and fiberglass. Inexpensive versions with a hollow core are also available. With a prehung door, all of the required parts for installation come together, such as the hinges, jamb, casing moldings and stop. In some cases, locks or latches may also be included. Because the door comes fully outfitted, it is typically easier to install than other types of doors. Prehung doors that come with a latch or lock may be a good basement door option for homes with small children so they do not fall down the stairs if unsupervised.

Steel-sided Door

• A steel-sided door is an ideal type of door for a basement that has exterior access and the stairs are set into a foundation that does not reach above the ground. In this type of basement, the staircase requires some type of door because it would look like a simple hole in the ground enclosed by concrete otherwise. Steel-sided doors are typically constructed of a frame that is installed over the stairs and slants up toward the walls. A metal component that contains the door is fitted over the frame and placed at an angle toward the ground. Steel-sided doors provide direct access to a basement and are ideal for moving large items, such as furniture and appliances, into the space. Despite the name, steel-sided doors are available in both steel form or in a durable plastic material, such as polyethylene.

French Door

• An interesting option for both interior and exterior access to a basement is French doors. While French doors are commonly thought of as a two-door unit, the term actually refers to a door that features full-length glass in one or several panels. Used as an interior door leading from the main floor to the basement, a French door allows more light to reach the lower level, which is often beneficial since most basements do not receive much natural light. It also allows homeowners to see ahead as they walk up or down the stairs, so there is less chance of opening the door into another person's face. A French door may also be used as an exterior entrance to a basement if the basement has walk-in access. It is an ideal type of basement door if the basement opens to a landscaped yard or garden and can allow a great deal of natural light into the space.