Website Structure - redirecting domain to the actual Home Page

[Mo_Green]

In an attempt to keep my files neatly placed, I've created a site that needs a redirect after someone enters the domain name. ie ... presently there is no index.html or index.php in the public_html folder.

The page I want them to see first is in public_html/site/index.php and part of a CMS.

My question is this ... what is the best way to redirect someone who has typed only my domain name?

301,302,creating a doorway, meta refresh or using .htaccess?

What are the acceptable ways or the best way (lol) to redirect to my CMS folder's index.php? Which is better for search engines because for us humans it doesn't really make a difference?

[httpwebwitch]

If this is a permanent change, use a 301.

If you value your presence on the www, all changes should be permanent, and all URLs should continue to live in the same place forever

[Mo_Green]

It was difficult to clearly explain ...

I don't want to have an index.html in my root folder. I would prefer to have my root folder redirected to /site/index.php

I currently have a .htaccess 301 redirect to /site/index.php

Would it be better for me to have an index.php or index.html in the root folder, rather than permenantly redirecting it to a folder?