Various Door Materials Make Durable Doors: Which One is the Most Durable?

By  //  July 11, 2022

A door is an essential component of every home. Besides just being an entry and exit point, it also serves other purposes. It makes an aesthetic statement about a home and the interiors. It is also a defense system against break-ins.

Nevertheless, for all these aspects to be catered to, a door’s durability is of uttermost importance. The material used to make the door highly determines how long it can be of service. Various materials can be used to make doors, and people often get confused about which one is the most durable. Below is an analysis of durable door materials.

Steel

Steel doors are the best for those who are mainly concerned about security. Steel is a tough metal, and it is very strong compared to all the other materials on this list. What is more, a steel door offers excellent protection against natural weather elements like rain and snow.

It is difficult for steel to crack, and it does not run a warping risk. The majority of steel doors are made with two outer layers of metal, and they have a foam insulation core making them very strong. Galvanized steel doors do not rust.

Because of how strong steel is, doors made from the material may be challenging to repair if they get severe dents.

Wood

Homeowners highly use wood doors because of their durability and aesthetic satisfaction. Solid hardwoods like oak, mahogany, walnut, cherry, and maple are the best for those who want their doors to last. The downside of some hardwoods is that they can make a door to be very costly. Wood may get distorted on continuous exposure to heat, sunlight, moisture, and extreme weather. For example, wood doors may warp, crack, peel, or catch fire. Termites may also infest wood, and wood may also rot.

Oak doors are not prone to splits along their grain or warping, and they can be very durable for areas that experience extreme climate changes. In addition, their longevity can outlast that of doors made from solid wood only.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are treated to look like wood doors but are generally more durable, and they can be perceived as synthetic wood doors. They do not require much maintenance and can last long after simple painting.

Fiberglass is usually safer from external factors, and it makes doors that are not susceptible to warping. In addition, fiberglass doors can withstand minor dents and nicks, and an insulated core can be installed to enhance durability.

Glass

Glass is an excellent door material that can make a door last longer. It is ideal for those who live in warm climates. Glass doors will usually not be susceptible to warping even under extreme moisture. They do not rot or suffer termite infestations.

Glass doors made of reinforced, safety, or tempered glass are the most durable. However, some kinds of glass materials can be susceptible to scratches and may not withstand too much pressure if they are hit with enough force.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a composite door material that is lightweight and still very strong. The material makes tough doors, and they are also excellent for security purposes. Aluminum does not contract or expand regardless of the climate, and therefore, an aluminum door will not usually warp or crack.

The material is also naturally corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal door material for those who reside in coastal areas. Furthermore, aluminum doors can be treated to prevent rusting.

Final Thoughts

The materials highlighted here make durable doors that can even serve homeowners for decades. However, looking at all of them, steel works best, with the least costs and maintenance needs, and is also less prone to damage.

All in all, every material has its pros and cons, which may affect durability too. Therefore, homeowners should always analyze additional aspects to get a door that lasts.