These days, a door is not just a panel that swings open and close for movement and security. Plenty of options out there cater to the function and aesthetics of the home. Available in various sizes and designs, doors can dramatically enhance the look of the home. We look at traditional door options and the latest innovations to hit the interior design scene.

Hinged Door

The most common type, the hinged door has been in use for centuries. These days, they come in a wide selection of designs and materials, including aluminium framed and semi-hollow veneer to a wide selection of solid timber varieties. It remains the most popular front door type among homeowners for its easy handling, price and standard dimensions.

Price Range      : $240 upwards
The Good         : Comes in various designs, materials and finishes
The Bad           : None
The Bottomline: The doors come in standard sizes, so replacement when required is hassle free.

 
 Customized veneer w glass n SS inlay from Siong Door  (left),  30 mins fire rated Veneer Main door from Siong Door  (right)

Bifold Doors

Bifold doors are another traditional type. Connected with hinges so that the door panels fold open, they then stack against the walls. Bifold doors are another option to connect interior and outdoor spaces, which would require the doors to be weather tight. However, they can also be used within the home, such as in closing off the dining room from the living room.

Price Range      : $2,000 upwards
The Good          : Available in full wood panels or wood and glass versions. Allows the entry to be opened fully while doors stack neatly at the side
The Bad            : More costly than traditional door options. Typically requires customisation according to the dimensions
The Bottomline : Quality bifold doors, especially in wood, add value and beauty to the home

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors, whether with bottom or upper tracks, are an excellent space-saving option for small homes. Spaces that could benefit from sliding doors are new HDB apartments where bathrooms are small.

Other applications would be in closing off the kitchen or walk-in wardrobe. Sliding doors can be used in other parts of the home too. Some are designed with seals at the bottom of the door to prevent dust and minimise noise. In the office, sliding doors are great for conference rooms.

Price Range      : $480 upwards
The Good         : Saves space. Beneficial for small spaces
The Bad            : Poor quality tracks can impede operations over the long term. Avoid those with bottom tracks in wet spaces
The Bottomline: Don’t skimp on quality when choosing sliding doors

French Doors

Traditionally, French doors are used as an entry point from the garden or backyard in landed homes. Because of that, they are fitted with glass panels to allow light into the home. They comprise two door panels that lock when they meet in the middle.

In the apartment, French doors are stylish additions that allow visual flow from one space to another. Use French doors in spaces such as the study and dining room. Another great use for French doors would be the walk-in wardrobe connected to the bedroom.

To capitalise on the design, focus on creating symmetry within the spaces. French doors in the office add a classical and upmarket touch.

Price range       : $1,800 upwards
The Good         : Strong aesthetics. Adds value to property
The Bad           : Requires renovation works to expand the wall opening before installation. Needs additional space to accommodate the swing of two doors
The Bottomline : A worthwhile investment when space and budget allows

Combi Doors

This made-in-Singapore design offers the ultimate convenience for homeowners. On a basic level, the Combi Door works just like a normal door and gate.

The gate can remain locked when the door opens, giving you the needed security when opening the door to enquiring strangers. But the door and gate can also be opened simultaneously, reducing the extra step of opening the gate when you are getting into the home.

The Combi Door also swings inwards, so it’s user-friendly for the elderly and wheelchair-bound. Only one key is required to operate the door and gate. The hinge is specially designed to make house burglary difficult.

Price Range     : $2,088 upwards
The Good        : Innovative design for the apartment dweller that provides a host of convenient features
The Bad           : One key operation might not be suitable for some individuals
The Bottomline: Smart design catered to providing convenience for homeowners

source: Doctor Doors Gallery

PD Doors

The PD door is another innovation from Singapore. With a variety of sizes to choose from, the PD door system caters for spaces as small as the bathroom to those as large as the balcony in the typical apartment or landed home. To operate the door, slide to the sides to open it halfway. Swing open to the maximum entryway. There’s no upper and bottom tracks that might jam over time.

Price range       : $330 upwards
The Good         : Allows versatility in operations, whether to open halfway or fully. Extends the entryway fully in spaces such as the balcony.  No upper and bottom tracks.
The Bad           : Requires additional step to open the door fully
The Bottomline: Great alternative to traditional sliding doors for balconies.

source: PD Door

Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors fall under another category of doors that are important to consider for your renovation, and sometimes also mandatory, depending on the location of your door. Generally, all exit doors leading into an external exit passageway should have a fire-rated door installed.

As specified by the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF), these doors are to be kept shut all the time and hence are equipped with a door closer. 

Fire-rated doors come in three main categories: metal, wooden or glass. These 3 main categories come with a variety of insulation methods via the different cores that are built into the door. 

Price Range      : $2000 upwards (including installation)

The Good         : Safeguard your colleagues and loved ones, also highly customizable – can be made to match the walls and interior of the location they are being installed at.

The Bad           : At a higher price range than regular doors

The Bottomline: Although they come at a higher price, these doors offer an additional layer of safety and protection against fires. Also, they may be mandatory depending on the location.