Choosing the right interior doors can transform your Scarborough, Ontario home from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're renovating a cozy bungalow in Wexford or updating a split-level in Agincourt, interior doors impact both your home’s functionality and aesthetics.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy doors in Scarborough, from measuring doorways to selecting materials that suit Toronto's climate.
Before you visit showrooms or browse online catalogues, you need to understand what's available in the Scarborough market. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and communicate effectively with suppliers.
Tip 1: Know Your Door Styles
Panel doors remain the most popular choice for Scarborough homes. These features raised or flat panels within a frame, offering traditional appeal that matches most architectural styles. You'll find them in three-panel, five-panel, and six-panel configurations at local suppliers.
Slab doors provide a minimalist alternative. These flat, smooth doors suit modern homes and condos throughout Scarborough. They're also the most budget-friendly option locally.
French doors bring elegance to interior spaces. With glass panels from top to bottom, they allow light to flow between rooms. Many Scarborough homeowners install them between living rooms and dining areas or as bedroom closet doors.
Barn doors have gained popularity in recent years as well. These sliding doors save space and add rustic charm. However, they offer less sound insulation than traditional hinged doors.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Material
Solid wood doors offer unmatched durability and beauty. Oak, maple, and pine are readily available from Scarborough suppliers. These doors handle Toronto's humidity fluctuations better than composite options, though they cost more upfront.
Hollow-core doors work well for closets and low-traffic areas. They are lightweight and affordable, making them ideal for budget-conscious renovations. However, they don't insulate sound effectively between rooms.
Solid-core doors provide better sound dampening than hollow options. Made from engineered wood or particleboard covered in veneer, they balance cost and performance. Many Scarborough homeowners choose these for bedrooms and bathrooms.
MDF doors resist warping in humid conditions. Medium-density fiberboard accepts paint beautifully, creating smooth, professional finishes. This makes them excellent for painted applications rather than stained looks.
Tip 3: Measure Accurately Before Shopping
Incorrect measurements lead to costly mistakes. Measure your door openings three times: at the top, middle, and bottom. Remember that walls settle over time, creating variations you must account for.
Standard interior doors in Canadian homes measure 80 inches tall by 30, 32, or 36 inches wide. However, Scarborough homes built before 1970 may have non-standard sizes. So be sure to bring exact measurements when you buy doors in Scarborough.
Don't forget to measure the door thickness. Most interior doors are 1 ⅜ inches thick, but some applications require 1 ¾-inch doors. Your door jamb determines which thickness you need.
Several considerations beyond appearance should influence which doors you buy in Scarborough.
Tip 4: Consider Sound Insulation Needs
Bedrooms and home offices require doors with good sound-dampening properties. Solid-core or solid wood doors block noise better than hollow-core alternatives. This matters especially in multi-generational homes where you have older people sleeping longer or houses near busy streets.
If you work from home, invest in quality doors for your office space. The sound insulation improves concentration and professionalism during video calls.
Bathrooms also benefit from solid-core doors. They provide privacy and muffle bathroom noises better than lightweight options.
Tip 5: Plan for Hardware Compatibility
Door handles, hinges, and locks must match your door's bore hole specifications. Standard bore holes measure 2 ⅛ inches in diameter, but verify before purchasing hardware.
Consider whether you need privacy locks for bathrooms and bedrooms. These differ from passage hardware used for hallways and closets. Buy coordinating hardware sets to maintain consistent styling throughout your home.
Hinges must support your door's weight. Solid wood doors require three hinges, while lighter ones may need only two. Most Scarborough suppliers can advise on appropriate hardware.
Tip 6: Think About Long-Term Maintenance
Painted doors require repainting every few years, especially in high-traffic areas. If you prefer low maintenance, consider pre-finished doors or stained wood options.
Wood doors need occasional touch-ups where they meet high-humidity areas. Bathroom doors particularly benefit from water-resistant finishes.
MDF and engineered doors resist moisture damage better than solid wood. However, they can't be sanded and refinished like real wood if damaged.
Interior door prices vary dramatically based on material, style, and quality.
Tip 7: Set Realistic Budget Expectations
Hollow-core slab doors start around $50 to $80 each at Scarborough retailers. These work fine for closets but lack the substance needed for main living areas.
Mid-range solid-core doors typically cost $150 to $300. These provide good value for bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms throughout your home.
Premium solid wood doors range from $400 to $1,000 or more. Reserve these for high-visibility areas like main floor rooms and primary bedroom suites.
Don't forget installation costs if you're hiring professionals. Door installation in Scarborough typically runs $100 to $200 per door, depending on the installation’s complexity.
Tip 8: Look for Package Deals
Many suppliers offer discounts when you buy multiple doors. If you're renovating your entire home, ask about bulk pricing. You might save 10 to 20 percent on large orders.
End-of-season sales also provide opportunities for savings. Watch for promotions in spring and fall when retailers clear their inventory.
Floor models and discontinued styles often sell at significant discounts. As long as they are in good condition, these can stretch your renovation budget.
Even the perfect door fails if improperly installed. Understanding installation requirements helps you plan effectively.
Tip 9: Decide Between Pre-Hung and Slab Doors
Pre-hung doors come attached to their frame with hinges already installed. They are easier to install than slabs but cost more. Choose pre-hung doors if you're replacing the entire door frame.
Slab doors cost less but require more installation skill. You'll need to mortise hinges and drill for hardware. This option works best when your existing frame is in good condition.
If you're new to home renovation, pre-hung doors save frustration. The extra cost often justifies the simpler installation process.
Tip 10: Account for Toronto's Climate
Toronto's humidity fluctuates seasonally, affecting door performance. Wood doors expand during humid summers and contract in dry winters. Leave appropriate gaps to prevent sticking.
Doors installed during the summer may develop gaps in winter. Conversely, winter installations might stick come summer. Experienced installers will account for this seasonal movement.
Solid wood doors handle humidity changes better than some engineered products. However, they require proper finishing on all six sides to prevent moisture absorption.
The supplier you choose impacts your entire door-buying experience.
Tip 11: Evaluate Customer Service Quality
Visit suppliers in person before making large purchases. Ask technical questions about door specifications and installation requirements. Quality suppliers answer confidently and offer helpful advice.
Check online reviews for Scarborough door retailers. Look for patterns in customer feedback regarding product quality, delivery reliability, and problem resolution.
Good suppliers stand behind their products. Ask about warranties and return policies before buying doors in Scarborough. Understand what's covered and for how long.
Tip 12: Verify Delivery and Return Options
Confirm delivery fees and timelines before ordering. Some Scarborough suppliers offer free delivery above certain purchase amounts. Others charge based on distance or order size.
Understand the return process for damaged or incorrect items. Reputable suppliers accept returns of defective products without hassle. Know whether you'll need to pay restocking fees for change-of-mind returns.
Ask if they offer storage for orders arriving before you're ready to install. Some suppliers provide short-term storage included with your purchase.
With all this information, you're ready to make confident purchasing decisions.
Start by creating a door inventory for your home. List each opening with its measurements and intended door style. This helps you track your needs and budget accurately.
Visit showrooms to see and touch different door styles. Photos can't convey texture and quality like in-person viewing does. Bring paint samples or flooring pieces to compare finishes, if you have them.
Request quotes from multiple Scarborough suppliers. Compare not just prices but also product specifications, delivery terms, and service offerings. The cheapest option isn't always the best value.
Buying the right interior doors in Scarborough, Ontario, requires careful consideration of styles, materials, measurements, and suppliers. Take time to measure accurately, research options thoroughly, and choose suppliers with strong reputations. Your doors will serve your home for decades when you make informed decisions today. Ready to transform your Scarborough home? Visit local door showrooms this weekend to compare options in person and get expert advice tailored to your renovation project.
