Choosing a front door is a very important part of creating the overall aesthetic of your home. However, deciding on the right kind of material for your front door can be difficult with so many options available. There are many different types of front doors. The two most common types of front doors are wood and uPVC doors.
Below, we will take a look at the differences between wooden and uPVC front doors. We will go over the advantages and disadvantages of each of these two popular types of front doors to help you with your decision on the right door material for you when replacing your front door.
Wooden Front Doors
Wooden front doors are most commonly made from timber or hardwood. These doors use a frame and panel structure and are made up of natural woods that can last for several decades if you treat them correctly.
Wooden front doors usually tend to be either solid wood or engineered wood. Solid wood doors are built with one species of wood in sections that are glued together. Engineered wood doors are made up of various wood pieces or may include an insulated core with an outer layer of wood.
Wooden doors tend to be more expensive than most other front door materials. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you should choose a high-quality wood front door. Cheaper wooden doors may not last as long and may not be as secure and durable as higher-quality wooden doors.
Pros and Cons of Wooden Front Doors
Below is an overview of the pros and cons of wooden front doors:
PROS
- Depending on the type of wood, these front doors can be extremely durable
- The natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance
- Wooden doors provide great levels of insulation
- Engineered wood doors are resistant to warping
- They come in a wide range of colours and styles to suit every home
- They can be installed with glass panels for a stylish look
CONS
- Solid wood doors may be prone to warping over time
- Wooden doors tend to be quite expensive
- These doors may need to be painted or stained regularly
uPVC Front Doors
uPVC front doors have a fully insulated steel frame, and this is encased in uPVC. This produces a sealed door which provides durability and strength. This type of door is highly energy-efficient and provides your home with good thermal retention.
Although uPVC doors aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as wooden front doors, they can look quite modern and can be purchased in various colours and styles. These front doors are also highly affordable and can suit a wide variety of home styles, including new-build homes.
Pros and Cons of uPVC Front Doors
Below is an overview of the pros and cons of uPVC front doors:
PROS
- These doors are very easy to maintain
- Provide good insulation for the home
- Sturdy construction means that they provide added security
- Low cost in comparison to other door materials
CONS
- Less aesthetically pleasing than other door types
- Handles and locks are difficult to change
- Not usually suitable for traditional properties
- Break down over time, so may need to be replaced more often than other door types
Very informative! Thank you.
Steel is another commonly used material for doors. Steel doors have a foam core which makes them the best from the point of view of energy efficiency. They offer some of the best protection against the elements, especially in wet weather like rain or snow. And this is only one of the advantages!