The Difference Between Interior and Exterior Doors

At Larnec Doors, we understand that every commercial and industrial space is different, which is why we offer a variety of custom and standard doors to choose from, each with its own distinct set of features.

If you need assistance finding the right internal or external door for your business, contact the team at Larnec Doors. We're the leading manufacturer and supplier of commercial and industrial doors to Australian businesses.

Common Door Types

There are two main types of doors — interior and exterior. Interior doors are typically used to separate rooms or sections within a building, while exterior doors provide entry and exit points to the outside. While it may seem fairly intuitive, the standards and requirements for each type of door can differ quite significantly.

Here's a closer look at the key differences between exterior and interior doors:

Interior Doors

Made from a variety of materials
Usually lighter and not as sturdy as exterior doors
Mostly constructed with a hollow core
Not exposed to the elements
Frequently made with only one material
Typically less expensive than exterior door types
Rarely insulated
Come in a range of sizes

Exterior Doors

Typically made from durable materials
Often heavier than interior doors
Typically constructed with a solid core
Often feature a reinforced metal frame
Provide a secure barrier against external risks
May be insulated to create a temperature barrier and muffle sound
Made with multiple materials to ensure durability and performance
Come in a range of sizes

Door Materials

There are a number of different materials that can be used for both interior and exterior doors, including wood, steel, aluminium, vinyl and glass. The type of material you choose will depend on your business's needs and the look and feel you're trying to create.

Wooden Doors

Wooden doors are a popular choice for both interior and exterior doors, as they offer a classic look and feel. However, wooden doors can be susceptible to damage from the elements, so they may not be ideal for businesses located in areas with high winds or extreme temperatures.

Steel doors

Steel doors are a popular choice for exterior doors, as they're durable and can withstand the elements. Steel doors can also be painted to match the aesthetic of your business.

Aluminium doors

Aluminium doors are a lightweight alternative to steel doors, and they're available in a variety of styles, colours and designs and most frequently used for exterior purposes.

Glass doors

Glass doors are often used for interior doors, as they allow natural light to flow into a space. However, glass doors can be fragile and may require more maintenance than other types of doors.

Interior and Exterior Door Features

There are a number of features that can be added to both interior and exterior doors, including:

Locking mechanisms for security
Automatic doors for high traffic
Fire safety standards compliance
Soundproofing to reduce noise levels in sensitive areas such as laboratories or hospitals
Access control systems to manage who has access to certain areas of your business

Types of Interior and Exterior Doors

There are a variety of different types of internal and external doors available, including hinged doors, sliding doors, bi-fold doors and more. Let’s take a closer look at the main categories.

Hinged Doors

Hinged doors are a popular exterior and interior door choice as they're easy to use and require little maintenance.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are great for businesses looking to save space, as they don't require any swing room. They may also be a practical choice for businesses located in areas with high winds, as they're less likely to be blown open by the wind.

Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors open by folding the door panels back against the wall and are popular for businesses looking to create an open and airy feel in their space.

Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire. Fire-rated doors are required in many commercial buildings, as they help to protect people and property in the event of a fire.

Typically made from steel or aluminium, they come in various styles.

Impact Doors

Impact doors are an important consideration for businesses located in areas with high winds, as they can help prevent wind damage. Impact doors are typically made from steel or aluminium and come in a range of sizes and styles.

Security Doors

Security doors are an important consideration for businesses at risk of theft or vandalism. Security doors are typically made from durable and strong steel or aluminium and are available in a range of designs to suit your needs.

Interior vs Exterior Door Features

There are a few key differences between interior and exterior doors. Each must be fit for purposes and meet specific environmental demands, which may include:

Heavy use in high-traffic areas
High winds and cyclones
Fire
Vandalism
Theft

Weight

One of the key differences between exterior and internal doors is the door's weight. Interior doors are typically lighter than exterior doors, mainly due to the material and hollow core design. A lighter weight also ensures comfortable use. An interior PA door might weigh around 20kg, whereas an exterior PA door might weigh around 35kg.

Thickness

Another key difference between interior and exterior doors is the thickness of the door. Interior doors are typically thinner than exterior doors, as they don't need to be as strong or durable. Interior doors might be around 40mm thick, whereas exterior doors require an extra thick core to keep out the heat and cold. Exterior PA doors are often around 50mm thick.

Materials

Interior doors are typically made from lighter-weight materials, including wood, aluminium and glass. Exterior doors are often made from heavy steel or multiple construction layers which provide better durability, insulation and weather resistance. To ensure they are fit for purpose, doors must meet the demands of their interior and exterior environments.

Styles

Interior doors can come in a variety of styles, including hinged, sliding, and bi-fold. They may feature decorative panels. Exterior doors typically differ in construction and appearance from interior doors. Many exterior doors come in hinged or sliding styles as they are more durable and weather-resistant.

Get Advice On The Right Door For Your Building

As you can see, there are many differences between interior and exterior doors. When choosing commercial or industrial doors for your business, it's important to consider their use, your business's needs and the risks present in your industry.

Commercial and industrial doors play an important role in the safety and security of your business. When choosing doors for your business, it's best to talk to the experts.