Decorating Guides
Which Is the Best Material for Doors?
Discover the pros and cons of the trending door materials, review the options and narrow down your selection
Doors don’t just open and shut – they are the connect between two spaces, and the visual link between the one we leave and the one we enter. However, besides being right in looks they must be right in practical terms: the design, make and the materials are equally important. With so many choices of door materials available in the market, it is essential to choose the right door material that not only looks good and matches the overall decor of your home but is also durable. In this article, we weigh the strengths and shortcomings of five types of door materials that will help you to select the right option for your home.
In recent years, flush doors have emerged as an alternative to wooden doors because they are comparatively more affordable. These doors comprise a wooden framework that is covered with materials such as plywood or MDF. Flush doors give a very smooth look and can have either a hollow core or a solid core that is filled with blocks of softwood. The doors can be finished in materials such as paint, veneer and laminate.
Shop for door hardware on Houzz products pages
Shop for door hardware on Houzz products pages
2. Glass
Incorporate transparent glass doors in areas where you want to offer unobstructed views of the outdoors or the indoors. Opaque glass is suitable where privacy is required, yet lending its effect of lightness and polish. In this example, an opaque glass sliding door demarcates the bedroom from the bathroom.
Pros
Incorporate transparent glass doors in areas where you want to offer unobstructed views of the outdoors or the indoors. Opaque glass is suitable where privacy is required, yet lending its effect of lightness and polish. In this example, an opaque glass sliding door demarcates the bedroom from the bathroom.
Pros
- Glass is a transparent material that brings in a sense of openness within the home.
- Framed or frameless glass doors are a great way to bring in natural light, especially when used as balcony or patio doors.
- The best part about these doors is that glass neither corrodes or rusts like metals nor does it absorb moisture like wood.
- Glass doors need to be cleaned regularly.
- Glass is susceptible to scratches.
- If you want privacy in a room or the home, then it is not advisable to go for clear glass doors – opt for frosted or lacquered glass doors.
3. Aluminium
For an industrial or sleek modern look, consider an aluminium-framed door.
Pros
Browse through these images of doors available in Houzz products
For an industrial or sleek modern look, consider an aluminium-framed door.
Pros
- Aluminium doors are durable and long lasting.
- Slim sections of aluminium are used to create a door frame, which can be powder coated in various colours.
- Aluminium-framed doors do not swell or crack like wood.
- Aluminium doors have the tendency to corrode and discolour due to oxidation in the presence of salt-laden air; it is not advisable to use aluminium doors in coastal areas.
Browse through these images of doors available in Houzz products
4. uPVC
These doors frames are made of uPVC profiles – they are multi-chambered air-filled sections reinforced internally with galvanised steel sections to strengthen the uPVC frame.
Pros
These doors frames are made of uPVC profiles – they are multi-chambered air-filled sections reinforced internally with galvanised steel sections to strengthen the uPVC frame.
Pros
- uPVC doors are lightweight, strong and highly durable. They do not rust, corrode or flake and are suitable for coastal areas.
- Multiple-lock systems and shootbolt locks can be easily installed within uPVC doors for enhanced security.
- uPVC doors are easy to maintain; the routine cleaning includes a quick wipe with a damp cloth
- uPVC doors may have the tendency to discolour and turn yellowish over a period of time. Make it a point to buy only good quality uPVC doors.
- uPVC doors are available in very limited colours and designs.
5. Fibreglass
Fibreglass or fibre-reinforced plastic is a composite material that is relatively new in the market.
Pros
A Guide to Door Styles
Door Hardware Guide: Door Lever vs Door Knob
Tell us:
Which door material would you choose for the doors of your home and why? Share in Comments below.
Fibreglass or fibre-reinforced plastic is a composite material that is relatively new in the market.
Pros
- Fibreglass doors are highly durable and can be installed in any type of climate. They are waterproof, non-porous, strong and resist dents or scratches.
- These doors do not warp or swell like wood nor do they rust like steel or corrode like aluminium.
- Fibreglass doors can be manufactured to replicate the look of real wood, like in this example.
- These doors are very easy to maintain.
- Fibreglass doors are very expensive.
A Guide to Door Styles
Door Hardware Guide: Door Lever vs Door Knob
Tell us:
Which door material would you choose for the doors of your home and why? Share in Comments below.
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Wood is the most popular door material; it adds softness and brings an element of warmth to the decor of your home.
Pros
- Wooden doors are fabricated in various types of wood and can be finished in different colours.
- Wooden doors complement the decor of both modern and traditional homes.
Cons- Wood has the tendency to rot and get attacked by termites.
- Additionally, these doors may splinter over time.
- Wooden doors require a lot of maintenance; they need to be sealed and polished periodically.
- Another minus is that wood has the tendency to swell due to absorption of moisture and warp with age.
- Wood is a very expensive material.
Find a designer to advise you on choice of doors