![WHAT MATERIAL FOR A FRONT DOOR? [INFO-GRAPHIC]](https://parkwooddoors.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Material-comparison-1.png)
WHAT MATERIAL FOR A FRONT DOOR? [INFO-GRAPHIC]
An important consideration when selecting the perfect entry door is the material used in its construction.
Common materials include timber, composite fibreglass and aluminium, and each have varying benefits and uses.
Using the wrong door materials and finishes in certain situations can lead to unexpected issues. For example, if the wrong material is exposed to harsh weather, the lifetime of the door can be significantly reduced. Similarly, different door materials have different benefits in regards to soundproofing, insulation and paintability. Front door security should be a given with any material used, but some materials and door constructions still guarantee more security than others.
Formerly, steel was used, but manufacturers have largely moved away from this due to it rusting over a period of time as its protective coating wears away.
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What material for a front door?
Compare the different materials in the info-graphic below to ensure you select the right door for your situation.
View the largest range of front doors here
Make further comparisons on door materials and finishes, and their relative features and benefits below.
Material |
Feature |
Benefit |
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Composite Fibreglass |
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•Hard-wearing surface •Woodgrain or smooth skin options •Fibreglass skin that won’t absorb moisture •Good manufacturers seal all 4 edges with fibreglass •Foam filled core and Fibreglass edges and skin
Limitations •Cassette glazing system – although this helps water-proofing, it means the glass vision panels can’t be custom-made. |
•Resists surface damage and wear and tear •Can be painted or stained depending on the desired affect •Can be exposed to full weather and still warranted •Edges don’t need to be painted or sealed on site •The best insulation of the 3 material types – better than timber or aluminium
• Glass sizes are fixed although the combination of panels and number of them can be changed |
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Aluminium |
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•Powder coat finish •Woodgrain finish available •Aluminium on all exterior surfaces, and some doors are made of aluminium components only
Limitations •Colour is limited to the powder coat colours available on the market |
•Low maintenance (no further painting needed) •An accurate and beautiful timber look can be achieved which has the same durability of powder coating •Won’t absorb moisture, won’t bow or twist in the heat, can be painted dark colours
•An exact special colour can’t be matched without a large amount of powder being made |
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Timber |
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• A lovely variety of timber options •Solid timber through and through
Limitations •Solid timber is not suitable for exposure to weather |
•Will match any style or spec of home •Good insulation and the best sound-proofing of the 3 common materials •A vast range of designs or custom-styled doors can be manufactured
•This means the door must be sheltered by a porch roof, sealed with the correct product and well-maintained when the seal breaks down |
