Which is the Best Material for Doors?

Doors don’t just open and shut – they are the link between two spaces and the visual

connection between the one we leave and the one we enter. However, besides being

good in looks they must be right in realistic terms. The design, manufacturing, and

materials are equally important. With so many options of door materials available in

the local market, it is important to choose the right door material that not only looks

nice and matches the overall decoration of your home but is also durable.

In this blog, we look at the strengths and shortcomings of types of door materials that

will help you to choose the right option for your home.

Wood:

Wood is a popular choice, especially for the entrance, among the types of materials for

doors. Wood also has the advantage of being easy to modify, whether it is color, design

or with the addition of glass panels or some other decorative feature, in addition to

adding charm to the main entrance of the house. The advantage of using wood as the

material for the main door is that it is strong and offers security, insulating, and

soundproofing.

One of the main drawbacks of using wood for doors is that the material warps over

time due to its exposure to the natural elements. As a result, doors will need to be

replaced frequently than those made of other durable materials such as fiberglass or

steel. Wood is also highly expensive compared to some of the other materials.

Fiberglass:

Although it is a relatively new entrance to the market fiberglass is becoming a popular

option among the types of materials for doors because it is highly durable and can be

installed in any type of climate. They are waterproof, strong, non-porous, and resistant

to dents or scratches. The material can be painted or stained in almost any color or

finish. It can even be made to look like wood. These doors do not swell or warp like

wood nor do they rust like steel or corrode like aluminum and these doors are very

easy to maintain.

The disadvantage of using fiberglass for the main doors and internal doors is that it is

an expensive material. However, considering its durability and the long life, the

additional cost is well worth it.

UPVC or Vinyl door:

Although it is most commonly used in the frames of glass doors, UPVC can be used to

make a door that is lightweight and solid. These doors are lightweight, strong, and

highly durable. They do not rust or corrode and are suitable for coastal areas. UPVC

doors are also very easy to maintain.

The main drawback of UPVC doors is that the tendency to discolor and turn a little

yellowish over a period of time.

Glass:

Very rarely we see a full glass door at the main entrance of a house. Of course, it

depends upon the home owner’s choice. For example, in some houses, the glass could

be used as the main door to maximize natural light or a beautiful view. The best part

about these doors is that glass neither rusts nor corrodes like metals nor does it

absorb moisture like wood.

However, using glass for the front door minimizes privacy and security. One of the

ways to overcome this is to combine glass with fiberglass or wood at the entrance. This

can be done by installing a glass panel built into the main door.

Aluminium:

As a material, aluminium is durable, strong, lightweight, and affordable. It can be used

for the external doors as well as internal doors for the garden shed or garage. Due to it

is lightness, it is rarely used for the main door, which requires a stronger and tough

material. Like wood and fiberglass, aluminium can be painted in any color to suit the

architecture of the house.

The main drawback of using aluminium for doors is that it provides bad insulation and

conducts heat easily. This makes it unsuitable among the other types of materials for

doors as it doesn’t offer energy savings. However, for some houses where insulation is

not a priority, it is an incredibly cheap choice that can work well.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide what type of materials suit your house, whether it’s

the main door or an internal one, in terms of style, safety, or any other feature. If you

are unaware about what type of material to use for your doors, consult a good building

contractor or an interior architect, or a designer for professional inputs on what will or

won’t work in your home.