The Pros and Cons of Different Door Material Option

The Pros and Cons of Different Door Material Option

Doors are an important part of every building, being an important element to think about, whether renovating your home or making fittings for an industrial setting. Entrance doors, internal doors and functional doors should all be purchased and installed with a range of practical considerations in mind. The door material used for each fitting is an essential element to keep in mind, defining how the door will last, its suitability for different environments, interior design schemes and more. 

This article will offer some guidance on which material doors might fit into different settings, highlighting the pros and cons of the common options on the market. The focus will range between residential and commercial applications for a comprehensive view of the market.

Wood doors

Timber doors are the most traditional choice, perfect for use in homes as an internal or entrance door. 
Pros: 

• Unmatched natural beauty when well-kept
• Highly customisable
• Decent natural thermal insulator
• Can be repaired
• Reasonable option for security

Cons: 

• High-maintenance, requiring repainting, staining or varnishing
• Can crack, warp, swell, or shrink over time due to temperature or humidity
• Quality timber doors and door frames are expensive

Steel doors

Steel doors are generally found in commercial or industrial settings, while some steel-skinned doors can be used in residential applications. For businesses seeking durability and security, a steel commercial door offers a reliable and long-lasting solution.

Pros: 

• One of the most secure doors against intrusion – super strong and resistant
• Highly durable and long-lasting
• Often smoke-tight and fire-resistant, making them especially safe for fires
• Well-insulating (with foam core) and effective for energy efficiency

Cons: 

• They can become dented or scratched, which is hard to repair
• Can rust if not coated or cared for properly
• Not known for their aesthetic beauty
• The weight can make them harder to install

Composite doors

Composite door material is generally a mixture of various materials like fibreglass, used in conjunction with one another to create something robust, used in homes and industry alike. 

Pros: 

• Highly durable and resistant to warping, rotting or cracking
• Generally very strong and secure, with many reaching PAS:24 security standards
• Good insulation, allowing for low U-values and better energy efficiency
• Low maintenance requirements beyond cleaning
• Generally come in a variety of looks and textures

Cons:

• Usually a little more expensive – similarly priced to premium timber
• Expensive and difficult to repair if damaged
• It can be fairly heavy and hard to install

Aluminium doors

Making a door frame from aluminium might not be the first thing you think of; however, it’s become a popular choice for lightweight residential front doors and some industrial doors.

Pros:

• Generally insulated with a solid foam core, allowing for increased insulation
• Very strong and rigid, making them super secure against forced entry
• Durability and lifespans of 25-35+ years
• Low-maintenance, other than the odd cleaning

Cons: 

• Aluminium can be highly expensive for an initial installation
• Older models can have poor insulation, being too lightweight
• Aluminium is generally just a frame material, not a full door option

uPVC doors

Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride is a popular synthetic material, often reinforced with steel and used in budget-friendly homes and businesses. 

Pros: 

• uPVC is a super budget-friendly option
• Low-maintenance except for cleaning with soap and water
• Synthetic materials are resistant to rot, rust, warping, weather and fading

Cons: 

• Plastic aesthetic, with less premium looks than wood or composite
• Not particularly rigid, meaning they can be less secure
• Shorter lifespans compared to stronger materials

Door material is not the be-all and end-all

It’s not just about the materials themselves; it’s also vital that the company you buy from knows how to make a door. Make sure to seek out a good, reputable manufacturer with a strong history of creating doors for various settings. Looking for strong reviews, client testimonials, and a range of contact/material options is essential for finding the door materials and make that will suit your requirements. 

By Jenny Jones.