From noise to temperature, many comforts hinge on the doors you choose, writes Geraldine Cardozo.

Whether you're contemplating a grand front entrance for your new home, replacing sliding doors to an outdoor entertaining area or updating interior rooms, doors play an essential role in the look, feel, thermal performance and security of your home.

Making an entrance

Entry doors, or front doors, create a powerful first impression. They need to be secure and sturdy, and can be traditional jointed timber doors or flush solid core construction – (plywood or MDF fixed over a light timber frame then filled with low-density particleboard or foam). You could also choose a fibreglass composite door, such as one from the ClimActive external solid core range from Doors Plus, which is designed to suit Australian conditions. Glazed doors are another option, with glass the primary material, either in the door itself or as a sidelight (vertical panel alongside the door) – a good choice for natural light. Choose from clear laminated, opaque, decorative or heritage styles. "As well as glazed entry doors with sidelights, we're seeing front doors getting larger and wider," says David Richardson, National Marketing Manager, Trend Windows & Doors. Pivot doors, which use pivot bearings rather than a traditional hinge, allow larger, heavier doors to be hung and opened easily. If you're opting to change to a wider or taller door or want to add sidelights, you'll have to redo the framing that holds the door in place.

Internal applications

Internal doors facilitate privacy and help keep cool or warm air in certain rooms.They also control noise levels and can close off messy rooms in a jiffy. Cavity sliding doors are great when space is at a premium. "The cavity sliding door glides into the wall creating the illusion of an elegant, flush wall," says Bruce Tosello, Director of Marketing for Jeld-Wen Australia, manufacturers of Corinthian and Stegbar. Other options are glazed interior doors, which let light in without compromising privacy, or panels with venetian blind inserts, encased between two layers of glass, such as the Doors Plus Venetian range.

Patio doors

Australian living is all about bringing the outside in with a wide opening to your deck, garden or outside entertaining area. There are three types of doors to choose from: multifolds or bifold doors (good for width, with two to seven doors), sliding doors (which also come in stacking formation, and are easier to screen and maintain than bifolds) and french doors (hinged glazed doors). Be sure to allow enough room for the doors when they are opened and/or folded back. Corner bifolds, which allow you to open up two walls, are the ideal solution for homes requiring easy access to an outdoor dining or children's play area.

Timber or aluminium?

Most bifold doors come in either aluminium or timber (or a combination). Timber doors look great and complement most architectural styles, but cost more and need regular painting and upkeep. Aluminium frames don't need painting, are less likely to warp or rot and come in a range of metal finishes and powder-coated colours to match your decor.

Nuts & bolts

Most doors are sold without locks and handles, so check what your door comes with. Choose handles and locks that open smoothly and easily. For help matching doors with handles have a look at Woodworker's Mix & Match Virtual Showroom. Expect to see lots of chrome and satin-chrome door furniture and long commercial-style pull handles on front doors, says Richard Martin from The Door Store, Victoria."We're also seeing smoother lines with squarer back plates." When it comes to keeping out unwanted guests, reinforced mesh security screen doors and flyscreens allow you to enjoy a breeze, while keeping flies and other nasties out. Crimsafe Ultimate bifold security screen doors from Wynstan are a good option for screening large open areas.

The glass is greener

Energy-efficient windows and doors can save up to 60 per cent of your energy costs, according to aluminium window and door manufacturer Capral. For a guide to the thermal performance of your glass doors, check the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS). An overall 5-star rating indicates the best performance.

Looking for more indoor inspiration? Check out our Indoor section.