Choosing the right interior doors for your home is an important decision that goes far beyond appearance. Doors play a key role in the functionality, aesthetics and comfort of your living space. From internal structure to exterior finish, every component of a door contributes to its overall performance.

In this guide, we'll explore the different parts of an interior door, their impact on style and sound insulation, and the importance of understanding these elements to make informed choices. Whether you're renovating or building a new home, this overview will help you learn more about doors, and point you in the direction of models that will perfectly suit your needs and those of your home.

Glossary of interior door components

There are many components and features that give each door its distinctive character, making them respectively suitable options for different locations and needs. Familiarizing yourself with the language that refers to them is a good way to start your research and determine exactly which door model would be ideal for your home.

Frame
The frame is the fixed structure attached to the wall. It supports the door and ensures its smooth operation. It's usually made of wood, PVC or metal, and plays a crucial role in the door's stability and insulation.

Opening or casement
The sash is the movable part of the door, the one you push or pull to open and close. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as wood, glass, PVC or metal, and can be solid or glazed, depending on the desired style.

Pusher
The term “pushing” refers to the direction in which the door opens. A door is said to push when, to open it, you have to push it in the opposite direction to you. This is essential for space planning and circulation in a room.

Clearance
Clearance is the space required for the door to open fully and unhindered. It includes the space occupied by the sash when in the open position, which is crucial for practical, ergonomic use of the door in the space available.

Core
The core of the door is the material that makes up its interior. There are two main types of core: solid and hollow.

Solide core: A solid core door consists of a single solid panel that fills the entire interior of the door. They can be made of solid wood, chipboard, laminated wood, aluminum, PVC, or filled with polystyrene.

Solid-core doors are heavier, stronger and offer better acoustic and thermal insulation, depending on the material used. They are also more aesthetically pleasing and impact-resistant, but they are also more expensive.

Hollow core: Hollow core doors are generally lighter and less expensive. They are often made up of thin panels and a honeycomb structure on the inside, which makes them less insulating and impact-resistant than solid-core doors.

Facing
Cladding is the visible outer layer of the door. It can be made of wood, PVC, aluminum or glass, and serves aesthetic purposes as well as protection from the elements.

Post-formed door
A post-formed door is manufactured by molding a panel around a core to create a particular shape, often with reliefs or patterns. This type of door offers an aesthetic appearance and can imitate solid wood at lower cost.

Isoplane door
An isoplane door is a flat, relief-free door, often used for modern, minimalist styles. It consists of two flat panels, usually in wood or MDF, with a hollow or solid core on the inside.

Carpentry door
A joinery door is made by assembling several pieces of solid wood, often with frames and decorative panels. This type of door is often used for its traditional aesthetics and sturdiness.

Frame
There are two types of frame:

Traditional frame: The door is mounted on a frame whose thickness varies to match the thickness of the partition. This ensures perfect integration into the wall.

½ frame: The door is mounted on a ½ frame of varying thickness, completed with a joint cover to ensure the finish. This solution is often used for faster, less costly installations.

Door block
The door block is a complete assembly comprising the door, frame, hinges, and sometimes even the lock and handle. It is designed for quick, easy installation, ensuring compatibility between the various components.

Installation
Interior doors can be installed in a variety of ways, including surface-mounted or rebated. Each method has its own advantages in terms of aesthetics, insulation and ease of installation.

Door casing/counter casing/sash opening
The jamb, also known as the sill, is the decorative frame that surrounds the door. It is often complemented by a counterframe, which is an additional piece attached to the frame to enhance aesthetics and finish.

Striker plate
The strike plate is the part of the lock attached to the door frame. It receives the latch bolt when the door is closed, ensuring secure closing.

Door hardware
Door hardware encompasses several essential elements such as locks, levers, knobs, hinges and much more. Each component plays a crucial role in the door's operation and security.

Locks can vary in complexity and security, including options such as key locks, knobs and levers. Hinges, meanwhile, ensure that the door is securely fastened and moves smoothly.

The choice of door hardware depends on specific needs in terms of security, aesthetics and convenience, and can greatly influence the door's durability and functionality.

Fire safety for interior doors

A ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada) certified door meets strict safety and performance standards for fire resistance. These doors are designed to delay the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire, offering crucial protection to building occupants.

ULC-certified doors undergo rigorous testing to guarantee their ability to withstand fire for a specified duration, typically 20, 45, 60 or 90 minutes.

In some cases, the installation of ULC-certified doors may be a regulatory requirement in certain types of buildings, such as multi-storey commercial or residential buildings.

The importance of understanding components when choosing interior doors

Understanding the different components of an interior door is essential to making an informed choice when renovating or building your home. Each component plays a specific role, influencing not only the door's operation, but also its aesthetics and overall performance.

A judicious choice of interior doors has a direct impact on the style of your home, and even your everyday life. For example, a solid wood door brings a touch of elegance and tradition, while an isoplane door gives a modern, streamlined look. The choice of cladding, whether wood, PVC or glass, also allows you to personalize the appearance of each room to suit your tastes and desired ambience.

In addition to aesthetics, interior doors play a crucial role in noise management. A solid-core door, for example, offers better acoustic insulation, which is particularly beneficial for bedrooms, offices or bathrooms where peace and quiet are required. On the other hand, a hollow-core door will be less expensive.

Finally, it's important to consider practicality and durability. Doors with a solid core are not only more impact-resistant, they also offer better thermal insulation, contributing to greater energy efficiency in your home. For safety concerns, such as fire protection, it's essential to turn to ULC-certified doors. These doors are designed to retard the spread of flames and smoke, offering crucial protection in the event of a fire.

To discover a multitude of door models from which to choose your ideal doors, we invite you to visit the Doors section of our website! For a quotation request and expert advice on choosing the perfect model for your home, don't hesitate to call on the Intermat team! Our specialists will be happy to answer all your questions and guide you.