Can You Use an Internal Door as an External Door?
Can interior doors be used as exterior doors in your home? Perhaps this is one of the most frequently asked questions by many homeowners looking to balance cost and practicality in their homes. While interior doors are cheaper, exterior doors have to withstand bad weather conditions and ensure security against any would-be intruders.
Can an interior door be used as an exterior one? Sometimes, yes, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. Read on to discover everything you need about using interior doors externally and whether it's the right choice for your home.
Can an Internal Door Be Used as an Exterior Door? Here's What You Need to Know
Upgrading your home at some point may raise the question of whether an internal door can be used outdoors. Though this idea might seem budget-friendly, several things must be considered before it is attempted. First we will show the difference between internal and external doors.
What is an Internal Door?
An internal door partitions rooms within your home or any building and comes in several materials, such as oak doors, glazed internal doors, or metal, and many designs, such as the hollow core or solid core type. However, they do not have the protection needed when placed on the exterior and can't bear various types of weathering elements.
What is an Exterior Door?
An exterior door provides entry between the interior of a building and the outdoors. Generally speaking, exterior doors will have exterior coating manufactured primarily from hardwood exterior doors, fibreglass, and metals, which can resist dramatic climate and other elemental impacts. Door weatherstripping around edges prevents leaks and moisture from draft points which can otherwise waste energy.
Can an Interior Door Serve as an Exterior?
No rule says you can’t use an interior door as an external door, however, we would advise against this. You need to be very aware of the challenges and/or limitations that accompany it, including:
- Durability: Most interior doors, especially hollow core, are not made to bear the rain, wind, or extreme temperatures.
- Insulation: Interior doors lack insulation and weather stripping to keep drafts, moisture, and heat out.
- Longevity: If not adequately reinforced, the internal door that acts like an exterior will buckle, split, or fall apart due to its susceptibility to nature's elements.
- Security: Doors designed for external use are more robust and therefore more secure.
Advantages of Using an Internal Door as an Exterior Door
Although we would never advise someone to use an internal door for external use, we can see why some people may consider it. It is undoubtedly a more cost-effective solution in the short term; however, as it is not fit for purpose, we can guarantee the door would need replacing long before a more expensive external door was installed in the first place. You may find interior doors are more readily available, but again, a short wait for the right solution will serve you better in the long run. Some people may find the aesthetics of interior doors more appealing than external doors or that they simply match their taste and décor. If this is the case, there is always the option to purchase a bespoke external door, which you can fully customise to match your taste, using your choice of material and style.
Drawbacks of Using an Internal Door for an Exterior
There are many more drawbacks to using an internal door for external use than benefits.
Interior doors are built for indoor use. They are not treated or designed to be durable and robust enough to withstand outdoor elements and security. They are also not insulated like exterior doors, which are designed to keep out cold and exterior noise and keep in heat. Depending on your choice of interior door, hollow core and wood doors are much more likely to warp and rot if not treated correctly to withstand rain, snow, and excess heat.
Things to Keep in Mind During Installation
- Weather stripping can be added to enhance insulation and prevent drafts.
- Use a good-quality sealant to protect the door from water and rot.
- You can reinforce the door frame and door hinges for stability and security.
Can You Use an Internal Door Externally?
Using an interior door for an exterior may work for you for some time in a very constructive way, but it is not without several risks involved. For your house to stay safe and secure, the material, placement, and withstanding of elements call for much consideration: durability and insulation are very important. Investment in a purpose-built exterior door will save time, money, and repairs later.
Therefore, carefully weighing the pros and cons is all it will take to find the perfect balance between keeping your house entrance functional and stylish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Turn an Interior Door into an External Door?
Yes, but it needs reinforcement, weatherproofing, and proper sealing to handle outdoor conditions.
How to Make an Interior Door Weatherproof
To make it weatherproof, seal the door, apply weather stripping, and protect against moisture and drafts with exterior-grade paint or finish.
What is the Difference Between an Interior Door and an Exterior Door?
Interior doors are lighter, less durable, and lack insulation, while exterior doors are thicker, weather-resistant, and reinforced for security.
Can I Use a Solid Core Interior Door Outside?
Yes, a solid core door can be used outside, but it must be sealed and treated to withstand the elements and may still not last as long as a proper exterior door.
