Top 20 Best Basement Door Ideas

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If you have just moved into a new house and want to add more privacy and security to your basement, you may be interested in swapping out your basement door. Even if you have lived in the same house your whole life, you still may want to try something new.

Basement doors are not just made out of wood anymore. Over the past few decades doors have become more elaborate and specialized. You have more synthetic options to choose from, as well as natural materials.

Adding a new door can transform the room and make it feel brand new again. Basements can have multiple doors, from the outside to the interior. Not all doors are created equal. Some doors add light, some add beauty, and some are just for protection.

There are many door options for basement doors. Depending on what level of privacy you want you may opt for no windows. If you want something trendy you may choose a barn door. The options will vary depending on your needs.

Take a look at what I have listed below to get inspiration for your next basement door. I will discuss materials, features, and styles. You will get an in-depth look at quality and durability.

1. All Wood Door

An all-wood door is classic. It provides a warm and cozy entry. Wood doors are great because you can choose from many types of wood. Most doors that you see on only homes are made from wood. You can choose from a walnut door or even mahogany. You have options to stain the fiberglass door whatever color you want.

All wooden door
(c) ifinishedmybasement.com

Check the project idea here: ifinishedmybasement.com

If you want an all-wood door for your home, look at different types. This all-wood door is simple and matches the house. It flows well with the walls and is a seamless add. If you prefer you can choose a solid option.

2. All Metal Door

All metal doors are strong. Steel doors are built to protect. They are one of the strongest materials used to make a door. They are rot-resistant and will last for many years. Be sure to opt for a solid metal, rather than a hollow metal style. The solid metal will be stronger.

You can check the other idea here: ronhazelton.com

All metal doors are heavy. They provide protection and are made to last. If you want an all-metal door look here to see the various types. Metal doors come in different thicknesses, if you really value security, you can choose the thickest option.

3. All Fiberglass Door

Fiberglass doors are built to handle the weather. They are good with rain, hail, or snow. They are dent-resistant and hold up well in the elements. They are low maintenance and need minimal cleaning.

A fiberglass door
(c) thermatru.com

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They are one of a kind find and will be perfect if you like them. Most newly built homes are opting for fiberglass doors. It is just as good as other options.

4. All Glass Door

An all-glass door is best when combined with another door type. All glass doors won’t last as long as other types of doors. Glass breaks, so if you choose to buy a glass door pair it with something else. You don’t want a giant puddle in your basement the next time it rains.

All glass basement door ideas
(c) 12pointsignworks.com

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Glass doors are elegant and would be great added to your existing door. Add etching on the border of the door to add extra character. You can add names, phrases, or designs to your glass door.

Like you see here, you have many options to design a glass door. Customize yours to fit your family’s needs.

5. Wood and Glass Combo Door

Wood doors with windows are a great choice. If you love the idea of having a wood door, but you also want the door to let in the sun, choose a wood door with windows. Windows are great on wood doors, they provide a look into the outside and give a little glimpse of the inside. Just enough to see what needs to be seen.

Wood and glass combo door
(c) pella.com

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You have the option to have a small window or a large one on your wood door. Look at this wood door to see a unique window shape. By customizing the window shape and hardware, you can have a variety of options to choose from.

6. Steel and Glass Combo Door

Steel doors with windows are a solid choice. The steel is built strong, and the window allows just enough light. You can customize your steel door by choosing the color and window style. If you want to customize it further, try unique hardware.

This steel door with windows is amazing. It has details and is a great upgrade to any basement. It will allow natural light to come into the room, allowing it to feel much more appealing.

Steel and glass combo door

You can view more ideas here: pella.com

7. Fiberglass and Glass Combo Door

Fiberglass doors with windows are the perfect low-maintenance door option. They are beautiful and energy-efficient. Fiberglass doors are perfect for someone who wants a wood door without the hassle of one.

Fiberglass and glass combo door
(c) pella.com

For combo door ideas here: pella.com

This fiberglass door with windows really looks like a wood door. You have no reason to stain the door every year or worry about the door rotting.  Fiberglass doors are very modern and long lasting.

8. Pocket Door

Pocket doors are great for small entryways. If you don’t have the space for an open door, a sliding pocket door is a great alternative. Pocket doors slide open rather than being pushed or pulled.

Pocket basement door ideas
(c) b4andafters.com

You can get the detailed project here: b4andafters.com

The pocket doors here are very creative. They almost create a whole room separation for the basement. They are a great option when you need the basement for multiple purposes and want privacy.

Take a look at my list of DIY basement pole cover ideas while you’re at it.

9. Barn Door

Barn doors are very stylish. Barn doors slide on the exterior of the wall when opened. They are detailed and add a rustic feel to the room. The past few years have made this door type very popular.

Barn door ideas
(c) barndoorz.com

More barn door inspirations here: barndoorz.com

These barn doors are a great example of a door that can be made out of anything. Although wood barn doors are most common, you can see that some are made of other materials.

Barn doors are also really convenient. If you use your basement for laundry, this will make going in and out simple.

10. Stained Glass Door

A stained glass door is great for privacy and beauty. They block out any unsightly rubbish outside and only allow sunshine and beauty in.  Stained glass doors are stunning creations.

Stained glass design idea
(c) diydoorstore.com

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Have a look at these stained glass doors. They add a layer of beauty that a regular door just can’t. The colors reflect off of the walls and add happiness to the room. Be sure to pick a design that you love.

11. Double Pull Out Doors

Double pull-out doors are good for a grand entrance. Double doors can allow extra wide furniture or belongings into the home with ease. Having double doors is great if your basement is frequented for gatherings or events.

Double pull out door ideas
(c) diydanielle.com

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Look at these double doors, see how they make the entry look more inviting. Having both doors open gives you the feel of being outdoors without taking a step outside. The extra wide staircase going up makes the entryway forget that you are in a basement.

12. Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are the best option if you want maximum light. Basements can be dark, but having a sliding glass door may perk it up a bit. They have many types of sliding glass doors.

Sliding glass door
(c) pgtwindows.com

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These sliding glass doors add extra security to your home. As you can see they are build more durable than the average glass door. You can switch out the color of the track to match your house.

13. Arched Door

Arched doors provide character and charm. The arch of the door can be attached or separate. Sometimes the arch itself is a window and the door is a solid piece. You can customize your arched door any way that you wish.

Arched doors are made from any material. You can even have double arch doors if you have the space. Your options are higher if you choose a rectangle door with an arch window above it.

An image of an arched door

For more ideas, you can check it here: homedepot.com

14. Wood Plank Door

Wood plank doors are very trendy. These doors can be made from repurposed wood and painted any color. You can add any hardware to make a door that fits your style. You can also mix and match materials to create a patchwork type pattern.

Wood plan basement door ideas
(c) trustile.com

Find out here for more wood plank door ideas: trustile.com

The wood plank doors shown here were made with luxury in mind. They are very detailed and are fit for a large opening. They add a spa like feel to the area. The dark wood with silver hardware is the perfect balance of color.

15. French Doors

French doors are exquisite. The look of French doors reminds me of something glamorous. French doors would add a nice touch to a basement, almost making it feel like an upstairs room. The checkered pattern give a great visual.

French door ideas
(c) finishedbasementnj.com

You can check the detailed ideas here: finishedbasementnj.com

These French doors are a great example of making a basement feel like the upstairs. The open up the space so that the rooms don’t feel cluttered and small.

16. Bookshelf Door

A bookshelf door can be great for people who love exploring. A bookshelf door can make you feel like you are on an adventure and are going into a secret place. It can bring out the child-like side of you.

Bookshelf door ideas
(c) brightgreendoor.com

Find out more inspirations here: brightgreendoor.com

Bookshelf doors are great for privacy. If no one knows that it is a door, then they won’t know to go in it. This bookshelf door is a perfect example of privacy. Would you have guessed that a door was there?

17. Hidden Door

Hidden doors are similar to the bookshelf door idea. The difference is, it is completely camouflaged. Hidden doors are made to match the surrounding area. If the wall is made of shiplap, then the door will be shiplap, too.

Hidden door ideas
(c) houzz.com

Find out here for more hidden door ideas: houzz.com

Look at these hidden basement doors. They are great for survivalists who want the extra layer of security. Use this to compliment a hunting room man cave.

Hidden basement doors are great when not being used because they can tuck into their surroundings.

18. Floor Door

Floor doors are unique. They don’t even look like doors. Floor doors are similar to hidden doors, but they are built into the floor. To be opened you pull up and the stairs below await. Floor doors are great to conceal the location of your basement.

Floor door ideas
(c) desiretoinspire.net

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This floor door is so well placed, that I bet even the best set of eyes wouldn’t notice it. Floor doors can be your secret. They will hide your most valuable possessions.

19. Decorative Door

Decorative doors are more for beauty than anything else. A decorative door may only be part of an entryway. Its only purpose may be to add aesthetic. Some decorative doors aren’t even made of strong material, they are just temporary structures.

Decorative door ideas
(c) thriftydecorchick.com

Find out more projects here: thriftydecorchick.com

You can make a decorative door out of sturdy material too.These decorative basement doors are for gorgeous. They provide enough privacy for the purpose needed, while adding style.

20. Heavy Duty Door

Heavy-duty doors are the best for security. A heavy-duty door will keep out anything and everything. If you want a heavy duty door, you will want something about 2-3 inches thick. Add extra locks for more safety.

Heavy duty door
(c) disasterbunkers.com

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This heavy-duty door is made for a bunker. You will not have an easy time getting through this type of door. The thick steel is made to resist break ins of any kind.

How to Stain Plywood for Your Next DIY Home Improvement Project

Choosing Your Door

The door you choose can be customized, based on your style. If you want to switch the hardware to a different style, or material you can. If you want a big, change you can paint the door a wild color. You can select a door that gives you more privacy, or maybe you just want something more secure.

You have many possibilities and are sure to be happy with your final decision. The ideas listed above will get your mind working and thinking of new creative basement door ideas. From interior to exterior options, the perfect basement door is waiting for you.

Allen runs a popular home website, and understands what it takes to educate audiences through online content. Through his focus at home, Allen developed an insatiable appetite for home improvement projects that he could do for cheap on weekends. Over the years, he has gained valuable experience, which he shares in detail in articles like How to Build A DIY Dining Room Table. His ability to clearly share these DIY ideas is a huge asset, and he is a valuable resource to the home improvement community.