If you have a basement or cellar, you are probably thinking about basement doors and windows. Take a look at some of the option we have put together to help you decide.
If you have a basement or cellar, you are probably thinking about basement doors and windows. Your basement is a part of your living space, and there are a number of factors you should consider when looking for basement doors. Even though aesthetics and security should be at the top of your priority list, you also need to think about insulation and durability.
Your basement door might have to stand up to severe weather, particularly if it faces the outside world. A good basement door can prevent heat and air conditioning from leaking to the outside world, helping you save money on your utility expenses.
Regardless of whether you use your basement as a place for storage or an extra area to entertain your guests, family members, and friends, you need to find the right basement door. Fortunately, you do not need to hire an interior designer to help you! Regardless of whether you are looking for a rustic interior, a traditional door look, or a more modern option, the best option is out there for you. Take a look at a few basement door ideas below, and help you find the right option to meet your needs.
Basement Door Ideas: French Doors
Pros: French doors are an interesting architectural feature that will not eat into the square footage of your basement.
Cons: French doors often have exposed caps that allow heat and air conditioning to link to the outside, increasing their utility bills.
One of the first basement door ideas you may want to consider is a French door. Regardless of whether you are completing a remodeling project or planning for a modern basement from the ground up, French doors can work well for you.
French doors are multi-panel doors. They will slide open, allowing you to maximize the square footage of your basement. You can slide the panels open, transforming your basement into a welcoming area.
When you slide open the doors, you can let in light and fresh air, immediately making your basement feel inviting. French doors are incredibly versatile, giving you plenty of options for how to use your basement!
Sliding Basement Doors
Pros: Because sliding doors do not swing open, they won’t take away any square footage from your basement.
Cons: You need to keep the track clean or you might have a difficult time getting operating your sliding doors.
You might also be interested in using sliding doors for your basement. Sliding doors are a way for you to create a dramatic entry into your home. Regardless of whether you are looking for custom doors for remodel or built-in doors, this is a great way for you to reduce the footprint of your doors and increase your living space.
You also control the height and width of your sliding doors, allowing you to control the security, visual appearance, and functionality of your basement doors.
For example, if you plan on moving furniture in and out of your basement, you may want to choose sliding doors that are a bit wider. That way, you have more room to get through the opening.
Furthermore, you can make your sliding basement doors out of a variety of materials. If you want to maximize security, you may want to choose metal sliding doors. If you want to maximize your aesthetic appearance, then you may want to go with a glass sliding door. You may also want to go with a traditional wooden door. There are plenty of options available if you are looking for sliding doors for your basement.
Bulkhead Door
Pros: A basement bulkhead door is hidden from view. It can also dramatically improve the insulation of your basement, helping you save money.
Cons: Bulkhead doors are typically very heavy. Because they are angled, they can be awkward to open from the inside of your basement.
Another option for your basement door is a bulkhead door. This is a great way for you to create a new entrance for your basement. Typically, a bulkhead door sits at the top of a staircase. It provides an additional port of access to your basement. Often, a bulkhead door is installed both at the top and bottom of the staircase to help you improve the installation of your basement. That way, you can save money on your utility expenses.
One of the top advantages of a bulkhead door is that it is typically hidden from you. If you are sitting in the basement, you might not be able to see the bulkhead door. Then, if you look at your home from the outside, the bulkhead doors open to the outside, typically on one of the sides of the house. A lot of people decorate the exteriors of their bulkhead doors to make them blend in. Most bulkhead doors are double doors.
Dutch Door Basement Door Ideas Interior
Pros: This is a versatile door with a lot of stylistic options that can add character to your basement.
Cons: Dutch doors are often more expensive than traditional doors because they require more hardware including knobs, locks, and hinges.
You might also want to think about going with dutch doors for your basement. A Dutch door is frequently split in half horizontally. For example, you might be able to open the top half of the door while keeping the bottom half closed. The top half might be a window while the bottom half might actually be a door.
This is a popular option because of its stylistic versatility. For example, you may want to go with folding accordion doors, half-screen glass, or vertical blinds. You can also pair these styles with multiple materials to compliment your decorating style.
You might want to consider Dutch doors for your basement if you have pets. That way, you can open up the top half of the door while keeping the bottom half closed. This can also be a great choice if you are looking for an alternative to a traditional interior door. A Dutch door can even act as a replacement for a baby gate. Consider this half door for basement stairs.
Glass Doors
Pros: Adds a lot of style and character to your basement while also helping you reduce your utility bills by letting in more natural light.
Cons: Not as terrible as other options for basement doors. Dirt and grime will also show up more easily.
You might also want to go with glass panels or glass doors for your basement. If your basement door opens to the outside, you may want to go with a glass door to let in some natural light. It can make your basement feel warmer and more inviting while also adding more character and aesthetic appeal to the living space.
In particular, interior basement doors with glass can keep your utility bills lower during the winter. By letting in more natural light, you can warm up your basement, which means that your furnace does not have to work as hard.
On the other hand, remember that exterior basement doors with glass are also fragile. If you have children and pets who will be playing in the basement, you need to make sure you have a glass door that can stand up to someone running into it. Dirt and grime will also show up more easily on a glass door, so you’ll have to clean it more often.
Metal Basement Door
Pros: Metal basement doors are strong and heavy. They can also reduce your utility bills.
Cons: Some people do not like the look of metal basement doors. They can also be difficult to install because of their weight.
If you want to prioritize your security, then you may want to go with a metal door for your basement. There are plenty of materials you can use for a metal basement door. For example, you might want to go with iron or steel.
The biggest advantage of going with a metal door is security. If you want to maximize the security of your basement, you should choose a metal door. It is durable, heavy, and nearly impossible to break into.
Metal doors can also help you reduce your utility bills. Because they are so strong and heavy, they can also prevent your basement from leaking air conditioning and heat to the outside.
There are a few downsides to metal doors as well. Because they are so heavy, they can be difficult to install. Even once installed, they can be difficult to open because of their weight. Some people also do not like the look of metal doors. They stick out against the rest of the decor, and they might not match the rest of the basement.
Traditional Wooden Doors
Pros: Wooden doors do a great job of insulating your basement against sound. They are also a natural, sustainable option for your basement.
Cons: They do not insulate your basement well for heating and cooling purposes. They are also susceptible to moisture.
It is important not to overlook traditional wooden doors. A door made from reclaimed wood could be a great option for your basement. There’s nothing wrong with going with a traditional door. Wooden doors are popular, and they come in a variety of styles. You can find wooden doors that fit a more modern decorating style. Or, you can go with a rustic option for your basement.
There are lots of reasons why people like to go with wooden doors. They are a great option for reducing sound, which could be helpful if you don’t want to hear noises from the outside world while sitting in your basement. They can also insulate children and pets playing in the basement if you are working upstairs.
They are also environmentally friendly. Wood is a natural material, so you can reduce your footprint on the environment by choosing this option.
On the other hand, wooden doors are not as energy-efficient when compared to more modern options. If you want to reduce your energy expenses, you may want to choose another door.
Wooden doors are also very susceptible to moisture. You may need to get the door sealed if you want to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Barn Door
Pros: Barn doors are easy to install and protect your basement against common allergens.
Cons: Not everyone will like the rustic appearance. The hook fasteners are not always the most durable option in the world.
If you are looking for a rustic option for your basement, you may want to go with a barn door. Barn doors can create a rustic feel in your basement. You can also get rid of those annoying curtains, helping your basement feel larger. Barn doors are typically constructed with groove joints, creating a seamless appearance when you open and close your basement door.
You might also be able to save money on decorating. You don’t have to worry about installing wall moldings. You can easily organize the rest of your basement while creating a barrier against dust, dander, and other common allergens.
If you are looking for DIY projects, this might be a good option. You can install your own door using simple hook and loop fasteners. Think about adding a barn door to your entryway.
Walkout Basement Door
Pros: Lets you bring in fresh light and air.
Cons: Might not be as secure as some of the other options.
Another one of the door options you might want to consider is a walkout basement door. If you want to bring the outside into your basement, this is one of the best options from which to choose.
You may want to use reclaimed wood, brick, or glass options. You can allow light and air into your basement to make it feel more open. Furthermore, you can bring the outdoors into your home without sacrificing your utility expenses. Consider taking a look at several walkout door options if you want to incorporate this in your basement design.