Wood
When it comes to picking a timeless material, nothing beats wood. Its versatility makes it the top choice amongst homeowners. Regardless of the look, wood can complement all styles.
Depending on the finish, you can choose from the various wood types. For example, you can go for a mahogany or spiced walnut doorway if you prefer a darker finish.
But if you’d instead install a lighter wood, honey maple, Salem, and light oak are your best options. If the door doesn’t match your aesthetic, you can add paint or varnish and take the entire design up a notch.
It is essentially the cheapest and easiest material to install at the entrance. However, wooden doorways require special care and maintenance. But if you’re prepared to bear the cost of periodic maintenance, there’s no option better than this.
Pros
- Cheap
- It can bring a lot of character to the facade of a house.
- They can be refinished.
- Many different materials to choose between.
Cons
- They can rot.
- Termites love wood.
- They can be heavy
- Sealing is a good idea to prevent wear.
Steel
Steel doors are slowly but surely making their way into middle-class homes. Of course, a metal doorway may not be everyone’s style. But if you’re looking for an energy-efficient and durable material, steel is the best option.
With a higher insulating value, you don’t have to keep the heater on all day when it’s sub-zero outside.
Along with lower electric bills, steel designs also ensure excellent security. In case of an unfortunate home invasion, breaking down a steel entrance will take considerable time.
Unlike wood, changing seasons won’t alter the physical dimensions of the material. So come rain or sunshine; steel is here to stay. You can even paint over steel to match your interior design. Despite its benefits, it’s much cheaper than a standard wood or fiberglass design.
Pros
- They provide great protection.
- They’re weatherproof and won’t rot.
- They can’t catch on fire.
Cons
- They’re heavy.
- Scratches and dents are hard to improve the look of.
- They’re thermally conductive if not insulated.
Aluminum
When you hear metal doorways, you probably think of using them to guard safes and high-security areas. We don’t blame you.
Aluminum is a highly sturdy and durable material. It is distinguished for its strength and is often installed in areas with frequent storms and tornadoes.
However, it works just as fine if you wish to use it instead of steel or fiberglass ones. It offers the same strength but with less maintenance. It may be a little expensive, but you won’t have to worry about the material rusting.
Pros
- They’re lighter than steel.
- It’s a strong, durable metal.
- Resistant to corrosion
- Great for the environment
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons
- It stains from water if not protected.
- There are cheaper options out there.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass has proven a great alternative to conventional materials. As a result, more people are moving away from installing traditional wooden entrances. The polyurethane core is better at resisting damage and providing insulation.
Fiberglass will act as a savior if you live in a cold region, and energy costs account for most of your paycheque. You only have to leave the heater on for a few hours with such excellent insulation. Unlike metal, there’s no risk of corrosion or rust.
However, the cost of installing a fiberglass entrance is something you need to consider before you jump into it.
You may save up a few dollars on annual repair and maintenance, but it is nothing compared to the cost of the material and installation. Unfortunately, you can’t DIY a fiberglass installation.
But if you can squeeze a few additional dollars, we highly recommend it.
Pros
- Durable
- Pet-friendly
- Resistant to scratches
- Superior insulation
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- May need to be repainted
- You may need to go higher-end
- More expensive option
Stained glass
If you’ve visited a cathedral, you probably understand how each element adds to the ethereal aesthetic. Stained glass has been a massive part of Catholic history. But that’s not all.
From ancient Romans to Egyptians, stained glass has been used to add character to churches, monasteries, and palaces. But even today, the material conveys more than just a stylistic choice.
Stained glass panels are great insulators, so you’ll probably spend much less on energy. It also adds an element of privacy that other glass stores failed to provide. However, it will likely cost you more than a conventional door.
But if you can make room in the budget, we suggest you take a leap of faith.
