8 Types of Door Materials

Doors have been used since ages and the materials used for the manufacture of doors have evolved with time. Today a home owner is spoilt for choices when it comes to cost, types of door materials and finishes available in the market. One could choose the most suitable material as per ones requirement and budget.

Wooden Doors –

The most popular, elegant and commonly used doors are made of Wood. They go very well with both traditional and modern interiors and exude a feeling of warmth and comfort to the space. The stiles and the rails of the door are made of real wood while the infill panels are made of plywood which can further be finished with veneer or laminate.

The only drawback with wooden doors is that they require regular maintenance .When external wooden doors are exposed to the weather conditions they tend to absorb moisture, this is when bubbles are created in the door finish and then the polish peels off. Hence they require regular repair and maintenance. Wooden doors are very expensive but intricate designs can be easily carved on it so as to give a very classic style.

Aluminium Doors-

Aluminium is one of the lightest in weight. Durable and sustainable materials are used for the manufacture of doors. They are strong, maintenance free, do not rust and can be powder coated in any colour as per the client’s choice. Aluminium is mainly used for commercial and retail spaces.

Aluminium frames go very well with glazing infill panels that provide unobstructed views of the surroundings.

Steel Doors-

Steel doors give a very smart, streamlined and modern look to the space. These doors are usually used in areas where security is of great concern. Steel is also mostly used to manufacture fire rated and security doors.

The basic structure of a steel door comprises of two steel sheets fixed to an insulated hollow core. In certain doors an extra cladding layer could be applied on the steel frame to give it a wooden look. Hollow metal steel doors are used for fire exit doors.

Fiberglass Doors-

Doors made of fiberglass are one of the latest materials that have been introduced in the market. They have the looks of wood and strength of steel.

This material is highly durable, strong, and moisture resistant with excellent insulation and sound resistant properties. It comprises of a rigid insulation core covered with a layer fiberglass polymer. It is then finished with natural wood grain veneer. They make excellent entrance security doors.

Glass Doors –

Glass could be used as an infill panel in French doors and aluminium or uPVC frames. It could also be used as fully glazed doors in which toughened glass is used and the door is fixed with patch fittings.

The Glass can also help in improving the energy efficiency of the building with the use of low E glass or solar control glass panels. Double glazed and triple glazed glass units could create very good sound and heat insulation.

uPVC Doors-

uPVC is a material that has been highly appreciated globally. It is being used as a replacement to wood and steel unless these materials are specially specified. The reduced maintenance and high durability of uPVC doors makes it a favourite material. A good uPVC door can last for a minimum of 25 years.

Hollow Core Doors-

Hollow Core doors are very cost effective and are very economical doors which are mainly used in commercial areas or low cost housing. These doors have a very good sound insulation but they are light in weight. Hollow Core doors are not strong enough to be a security entrance door.

The outer layer is plywood or hardboard while the inner core could be cardboard, waste paper or honey comb material.

Composite Wood Doors (Solid Core Doors) –

Composite Wood Doors are also known as solid core doors. The basic material is particle board that is pressed at a very high pressure. The particle board is highly dense and hence very heavy. The Composite wooden door is further finished with a skin of veneer can be polished. This makes it difficult to distinguish a wooden composite door from a solid wood door because of the finish.

Composite wooden doors do not warp easily and are a very good economical replacement to solid wood doors.