Door advice and regulations

Roller doors, like tilt doors, are used almost exclusively as garage doors. Because of the way they operate, roller doors generally take up less space than tilt doors, and are often automated.

Solid core wooden doors are heavily constructed doors made from whole bits of timber. These doors are most commonly used as front entrance doors or where soundproofing, insulation or security are important.

Aluminium is a lightweight, strong, durable and affordable material that's often used to construct security doors and garage doors. On its own, aluminium is a poor insulator and conducts heat easily.

No material on the market is tougher than steel. Steel offers outstanding security, and is commonly used in the construction of screen doors and grilles.

Fibreglass doors are a relatively new addition to the market, offering excellent strength, waterproofing, soundproofing and insulation.

Glass doors look fantastic, although their performance in terms of things like insulation and strength depends very much on the way they're constructed.

Lead lighting and stained glass aren't cheap, but they can add a tremendous amount to a home in terms of character visual appeal.

UPVC can be used to construct solid, lightweight doors, but it's more commonly used as a strong, cost effective framing material for things like glass doors.

Appearing almost exclusively as sliding wardrobe doors, mirrored doors help create the illusion of more space in bedrooms.

Cheaper and more lightweight than solid core doors, hollow core doors are often used for internal doors to keep costs down.

Often it makes sense to attach a small door to your home, not only for your pet's convenience, but also to save you the trouble of letting then in and out. Find out more about dog doors and cat flaps.

These doors, which open either down through the floor or up through the ceiling, are most commonly used for access to basements and ceiling space.

Certain devices and technologies are available to ensure that doors automatically close themselves, either for security's sake or to help control accidental heat loss or gain.

Not only can slamming doors be loud and intrusive, but it can also cause damage to the door hardware. Find out how soft closing door mechanisms work to prevent this.

In some places - particularly in home theatre setups or near busy roads, acoustic doors can help to reduce the amount of noise that's allowed through a doorway.

If a house is build on stumps, it will need a small door to allow access to the area under the floor. These doors are typically quite simple and unobtrusive.

Door knobs are the simplest and most common type of door handle in homes. Find out how they work, and everything else you need to know about door knobs.

Door levers, like door knobs, are very familiar to most of us. Find out how they work, and in what circumstances they're the most appropriate choice of door handle.

Entry pull handles are more commonly used in commercial settings, but they may also find an appropriate use in certain parts of your home.

Push and kick plates allow doors to be opened either without using your hands, or with a simple push. These handles offer convenience and simplicity.