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How to Choose Interior Doors & Find a Reputable Supplier

Interior doors often seem like an unimportant detail when compared to your home’s statement pieces—think stunning countertops, an exceptional entryway, or even the furniture you choose. But these “background” features play a critical role in your home’s overall look and functionality.

The right interior door can enhance flow, improve privacy, reduce noise, and elevate the feel of your space. With so many options available, though, it can be hard to know how to choose interior doors for your home.

When you’re making an investment in your new or existing home’s interior doors, knowing the key considerations can make all the difference. Choosing wisely can mean everyday convenience and beauty rather than daily annoyance and regret.

Exploring the Types of Interior Doors

Slab vs. Pre-Hung Doors

Before walking through how to choose interior doors, it’s crucial to first understand the two main types available:

Slab Doors: These are a simple, budget-friendly option. Slab doors don’t include a frame, so you or your installer will need to attach them to your existing frame or construct one to fit. Slab doors can come with or without pre-cut knob holes. The main advantages? They’re less expensive, offer more design flexibility (even allowing you to use antique doors), but require more carpentry skills for installation.
Pre-Hung Doors: These are slab doors that come pre-installed with hinges in a three-sided frame, usually with pre-cut holes for door knobs. Essentially, they’re sold as a “complete package” ready to fit into your prepared doorway. While you might need a few extra parts, the door itself is essentially ready to go. They’re typically more expensive than slab doors, but their convenience can be well worth it.

Popular Interior Door Styles

Now that you know the two main types, let’s walk through the most popular interior door styles.

Panel Doors

Classic style with square or rectangular patterns in groups of two to six panels.

Best Use: Versatile for almost any room.
Pros: Timeless, customizable in panel layout and design.
Cons: Slightly pricier than flush doors.

Shaker Doors

Feature a flat center panel with crisp, square edges—a style that has endured for centuries.

Best Use: Perfect for minimal, discrete profiles in modern or traditional spaces.
Pros: Simple, elegant, easily matches other Shaker-style cabinetry.
Cons: Can look too plain for those seeking ornate details.

French Doors

Characterized by multiple glass panes along the length of the door.

Best Use: Dining rooms, offices, and spaces where you want light to flow while maintaining separation.
Pros: Beautiful, allows light transfer.
Cons: Limited privacy.

Pocket Doors

Slide into the wall cavity when opened.

Best Use: Tight spaces like bathrooms and closets.
Pros: Space-saving, clean look.
Cons: More complex installation, harder to repair.

Barn Doors

Mounted on sliding tracks, these doors make a design statement.

Best Use: Open concept spaces, rooms where a rustic or industrial vibe is desired.
Pros: Character-rich, customizable styles.
Cons: Less soundproof, requires wall space to slide open.

Glass Panel Doors

Feature large glass sections for seamless interiors.

Best Use: Areas where light flow between rooms is desired without full openness.
Pros: Brightens spaces, visually expands rooms.
Cons: Reduced privacy.

Bifold Doors

Conveniently fold in half when opened.

Best Use: Closets, pantries, laundry spaces.
Pros: Compact, easy access.
Cons: Less durable than single-panel doors, can come off track.

Louver Doors

Feature horizontal slats for ventilation.

Best Use: Closets, laundry rooms, utility areas.
Pros: Airflow without sacrificing closure.
Cons: Harder to clean.

Flush Doors

Completely flat surfaces with no panels or detailing for a sleek, unadorned look.

Best Use: Modern, minimalist interiors or budget-friendly builds.
Pros: Clean lines, easy to maintain, typically the most affordable option.
Cons: Less visual interest, limited design variation.

Popular Interior Door Brands

If you’re wondering how to choose interior doors, the type and style aren’t the only factors to consider. It also helps to know the brands you can rely on. Jeld-Wen is a trusted name in the industry, available at Standard Supply & Lumber. They offer:

The largest selection of Shaker-style molded interior doors on the market.
Versatile materials including wood, wood composite, and premium composite.
Options across eight collections, covering a wide array of budgets and styles.
Customizable finishes from a broad range of wood species to ready-to-paint or prefinished options.

Key Considerations When Choosing Interior Doors

Here are the factors to keep in mind when going through the selection process:

Purpose & Functionality

Consider room type. Bedrooms and offices benefit from doors with solid, sound-dampening construction. Jeld-Wen’s ProCore® or Solid Core options provide a heavier feel, excellent sound insulation, and added durability, ideal for private or high-use spaces.
Think about privacy needs. Consider ProCore or Solid Core doors for bedrooms and bathrooms where noise control and privacy matter most.
Take traffic and usage into account. For closets, pantries, and utility areas where weight and cost are concerns, Hollow Core doors are a smart choice. Lightweight and affordable, Jeld-Wen’s molded and flush wood composite hollow core doors feature strong honeycomb webbing, making them easy to install while keeping costs down.

Style Goals

Think about the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve in your home. Jeld-Wen offers door styles that suit virtually every design preference. Their selections include:

Farmhouse: Emphasizes simplicity, natural light, and authenticity with clean lines and natural wood accents.
Coastal: Invites natural light, airy colors, and relaxed, beachy vibes.
Updated Traditional: Combines classic architectural details with modern accents for timeless charm.
Simply Modern: Clean lines, minimalist profiles, and natural textures perfect for transitional or contemporary homes.

Budget

Balancing cost with quality is key. Plan carefully to make sure your investment delivers both style and lasting value.

Determine how much you’re willing to spend per door. Set a realistic price range for each door to avoid surprises as you total up the project.
Prioritize key spaces. Invest more in high-traffic areas or main living spaces where design and durability matter most.
Stretch your dollars. Mix and match styles or materials across rooms to stay on budget while achieving the look you want.

Materials

The material you choose will impact weight, cost, durability, and maintenance. Jeld-Wen offers:

Tria™ Premium Composite: High-quality, stable material with a smooth finish ideal for modern designs and easy painting.
Wood: Classic, natural beauty with the warmth and character of real wood species for a timeless look.
Wood Composite: Versatile and durable, offering customizable options to balance performance, style, and budget.

How to Choose Your Interior Door Supplier

The supplier you choose is just as important as the doors themselves. Here’s what to look for:

Matching Interior Details: Your interior doors should coordinate with your moldings, stair parts, and trim. As a leading interior door supplier, Standard Supply & Lumber also provides a variety of handcrafted and ready-to-order interior details to complement your door selections.
Wide Variety of Styles: You want an interior door supplier who can meet your design vision and performance needs, not put limitations on your dream interior. Look for a partner offering everything from classic panel to modern flush, French, barn, and pocket styles so you can find the perfect match for every room in your home.
Versatile Material Options: Standard Supply & Lumber carries doors in MDF, pine, poplar, alder, and more, helping you choose the performance level and maintenance requirements that work best for you.
Expertise and Guidance: Your interior door supplier should help you understand which doors suit your needs for customization, noise control, and daily durability. Our experienced team will help you compare options and find the right fit.
Partnerships with Leading Brands: Working with a supplier that carries trusted brands like Jeld-Wen ensures you’re investing in quality. Jeld-Wen’s collections offer second-to-none options for every taste and budget.
Other Home Products: If you’re remodeling more than doors, a one-stop supplier saves you time. Standard Supply & Lumber also carries countertops, cabinets, windows, and a variety of other products to streamline your home renovations.
Door Hanging Service: The right door is only as good as its installation. Standard Supply & Lumber’s professional door hanging ensures your doors look beautiful and function flawlessly. Our team is experienced with hanging all types of interior doors, avoiding headaches and ensuring lasting quality.

Still Wondering How to Choose Interior Doors? We’re Here to Help

Interior doors shape the flow, comfort, and ambiance of your home. At Standard Supply & Lumber, we offer a wide variety of materials and styles from leading brands to ensure you’ll find the perfect option to meet your unique needs.

From farmhouse charm to sleek modern minimalism, our doors combine exceptional design, quality, and functionality. Ready to enhance your home’s interior? Get in touch today with questions or to request your quote, and we’ll help you bring your vision to life.