Is a bathroom makeover in your future? Bathroom doors pose unique challenges compared to the rest of the home, as they need to be both stylish and incredibly practical.
Material type, door style, and the door’s finish all contribute to a bathroom door’s lifespan, so it’s important to pay attention as you shop around. Some interior doors are not designed to take the moisture fluctuation that occurs in bathrooms — but what are the right questions to ask when making your selection? Ahead, we’re answering a few commonly asked questions.
What design style is best for a bathroom door?
Practically speaking, a swing door that opens on hinges offers the most privacy and acoustic insulation for a bathroom. It’s important to measure out where the door will open and close internally — the last thing you want is to have a door banging into a delicate mirror or cabinet handle constantly.
Sliding barn doors can be a savvy space-saving option for bathrooms as well. If your bedroom leads into a bathroom hall with a separate water closet, this can be a smart solution. Keep in mind that a sliding door will not offer the same level of privacy or sound insulation as a swing door, so the right choice depends on your layout.
Of course, design style is up to your taste in decor, but you’ll likely want to avoid frosted glass or French doors. Though they can provide a wash of light, they don’t offer much privacy in a place it’s typically required.
Are bathroom fans important?
Because it’s a place that often stays hot, damp, and steamy, bathroom doors are more susceptible to warping and damage from moisture. Exhaust fans can help tremendously in reducing the level of humidity in your bathroom. They are specifically designed to remove excess moisture from the air, which can help preserve your paint, doors, and even your mirrors.
Should you air out your bathroom after a shower?
Even if you do have an exhaust fan running after your shower, it’s a smart idea to open up the doors and increase air circulation. This is especially important if a room tends to be more stuffy than others in the house, which is a common occurrence in upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms.
Bonus points if you also turn on your bedroom ceiling fan after your shower— the more air flow, the better!
How to avoid warping in bathroom doors?
This finish of your door plays a big role in your door’s aesthetic, but also its longevity. Using a high quality sealant is the best way to ensure your bathroom doors don’t warp due to moisture. When painting your door, choose a high-quality, oil-based pigmented primer for your Door to Door purchase (NOT a water-based primer or paint!). If you’re staining your door instead of painting, use a recommended oil-based pre-stain or conditioner prior to staining.
Before you get out the paintbrush, find all the details you need by reading our guide to finishing your doors.
Do bathrooms pose a rise of long-term damage to wood doors?
The reality is that consistently humid conditions can cause premature wear and tear on a door. Your best bet for a bathroom door that lasts is to select a solid-core wooden door, finish it appropriately, and provide regular maintenance.
For example, our Pine doors are made from veneered engineered solid core pine wood for extra strength and durability. The inner core is made of hardwood in a cross grain pattern bonded together under heat, pressure and glue. The result is a stronger product that limits cracking and splitting of the wood material. Unfinished pine doors require oil-based finishing, which adds another layer of protection from wet bathroom conditions.
With these considerations in mind, peruse our lineup of interior doors now and find something that perfectly suits your home style, budget, and bathroom needs.