When shopping for your new front door, you may have noticed two main types available: Steel door vs. wood. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to be aware of what you can expect with each one before purchasing it and installing it yourself or hiring someone else to do it. Here are the primary differences between steel and wood doors so you can choose the right one for your home and lifestyle!
Steel Door vs. Wood Cost
The cost of a steel door is going to be generally more expensive than the cost of a wood door. Steel doors will be more durable and last longer, but the initial investment will be higher. You get what you pay for. Steel is the way to go if you are looking for a door to last a lifetime. It will take up less space and not warp or rot as wooden doors do over time. Steel doors can also be easier to install if you have an inside frame. They come with pre-drilled holes, which make installation easy. If you don’t have an inside frame, the installation may require some frame modification before installation. Wood doors are more challenging to install because they often need trimming to fit around door frames properly.
If you are looking for a door that will last you a lifetime, this is your best option.
Durability and Life Cycle
There are a few key factors to consider when deciding between a steel or wood door for your home. Durability and life cycle are two important factors. Steel doors are more durable than wood and withstand more wear and tear. They also have a longer life cycle, meaning they will last longer than wood doors. The average lifespan of a steel door is 18 years, while the average lifespan of a wood door is 15 years. So, when it comes to durability and longevity, it’s clear that steel doors win out over wood doors.
Steel Door v Wood: Strength and Safety Features
When it comes to strength and safety, steel doors are the clear winner. Steel doors are made from one of the most robust materials on the planet. They’re also usually thicker than wood doors, which makes them more resistant to forced entry. For instance, a typical steel door can have a thickness of up to 3 inches, while most wood doors are around 1 inch thick. And unlike a wooden door that can be cut through with an ax or other heavy-duty tool, a steel door would need special equipment like an acetylene torch or electric welder to break through it. Moreover, steel doors come equipped with anti-slam locks and high-quality hinges that won’t rust or corrode over time. In contrast, wooden doors are susceptible to damage from water and humidity in the air as well as wear and tear due to constant use.
Energy Efficiency
Steel is a much better conductor of heat than wood, so a steel door will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. If you’re looking for ways to save on your energy bill, switching to a steel door is a great place to start. A steel door also has a fire-resistant coating that lasts up to 30 years, whereas a painted wood door’s finish typically only lasts five years. Steel doors are also water resistant, perfect for humid climates where mold can grow quickly on untreated wood doors.
Maintenance
You might wonder, which type of door is better for your home? Steel doors are more durable and fire-resistant than wood doors, but they can’t be repaired if they get scratched or damaged. Wood doors have a natural charm. Steel doors don’t but require much more maintenance because they must be painted regularly to avoid mold growth. Additionally, steel doors will not expand with humidity changes like wood doors do. When choosing between steel and wood doors, you’ll want to think about how often you plan to paint the door, what it’s exposed to, and how many times you want to replace it in its lifetime.