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When choosing a door for the space between your garage and house, steel is your best bet for fire safety. While wood—and sometimes glass—doors are common, they have lower fire-ratings. Fire-rated steel doors can withstand flames for up to three hours—double what wood can manage (90 minutes). Glass, while non-combustible, can crack under extreme heat. Steel may cost more, but it also offers the best protection. Steel isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing choice, but as long as your door meets the International Residential Code (IRC) standards, it’ll do its job in protecting your family and home.

Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.

You can install many types of interior doors without a frame as long as the door is prehung or there is already an existing door in the opening. If the opening has never had a door installed, you will need to install a frame with the door. Consult a professional door installer to inspect the opening to determine whether or not it’s possible to place a door there without a frame.

Here's an idea if you love pocket doors but prefer the barn door style: A pocket door that looks like a barn door. You might prefer pocket doors but still desire the rustic aesthetic of a barn door. You can simply choose a function pocket door with the same style as a barn door. There are many options available on the market to fit the look you want to achieve.