Hello World! Welcome Friends! We often put a lot of effort on exterior doors. They provide security and also affect the architecture of our houses. Having a stylish door does not necessarily mean abandoning the security aspect. So, you can choose from different styles of doors made using different materials.
Wood used to be a popular material for making doors. But, currently, the market has come up with other materials to allow flexibility when you have a limited budget or simply want to try something different. Check these exterior doors materials.
Solid Wood Doors
Exterior doors made from wood can be designed with glass, without glass, panel or flush. Oak, maple, fir, pine, mahogany, cherry, and walnut are often used in making these doors.
Their measurements vary depending on the size of a house. Standard houses have doors that are 3 feet wide, and their heights are 6 feet and 8 inches. Larger houses have a varying height between 7 and 8 feet. The thickness can be anywhere from 1 3/4 to 2 ¼ inches, with the first value being the standard one.
As their name suggests, these doors are solid and do not contain a hollow. They are also called slabs. Doors made of this material have stiles and rails. The stiles are vertical and are found on either side of the door. Rails are horizontal and are found at the top and bottom of a door. The design of a door determines the number of stiles and rails it gets.
You can check the quality of a solid door by looking for tenons and mortises. These are found at the lower and upper ends. If they are missing, the door is of lower quality. So, what do they look like? Tenons look like tongues and are fitted into mortises.
Wood is affected by dampness. To overcome this defect, solid wood entry doors are made with their grain running in opposite directions. When the water penetrates, warping does not occur.
Steel Doors
Homeowners feel more confident when they have exterior doors made from this material for their entry. 24-gauge steel is used for sheathing them and are available in flush and panel designs. Steel doors come in a variety of colors and finishes, such as wood grain and vinyl.
They require minimal maintenance, such as repainting, to keep them in good condition. Steel doors have cavities and often use a wood rail and a stile frame. Foam is used in filling the cavities to provide better insulating properties.
Because steel doors are hung on metal frames, hinges, and screws holes should be well lined up. If they are not aligning, new adjustable hinges should be used.
These doors are affected by prolonged exposure to the sun. As a result, the paint can crack and they bow.
Fiberglass Doors
Entry doors made from this material can be used in humid areas. They do not warp or bow, making them have a prolonged lifespan. They are impact-resistant, which is provided by their exterior sheathing.
These doors are available in many styles, such as flush and panels. They can also be finished with finishes such as grain, faux wood, and staining. Available stains for this material are oak, walnut, cherry, and others.
Fiberglass doors require painting after some time to keep them well maintained. They come in different colors, and you can pick the most impressing one.
Aluminum Doors
These exterior doors have a wood frame and are sold on a custom basis. They have voids that insulation fills.
Aluminum doors are available in flush and panel designs and have a baked-on finish. You can have an aluminum door manufactured to fit any door size you want to fill.
Unlike traditional designs, modern aluminum doors come in different colors and finishes. If you fancy wood, you can have its imitation.
These doors come with warranties of up to 20 years. They do not rust and hardly get dented.
Sliding Doors
They are aesthetic entry doors often fitted to open to patios, backyards, or decks. Sliding doors are also called French doors.
There is no specific material used in making these doors, and you can choose depending on the weather in your area. Consider using energy-efficient measures such as glazing the panes and Low-E coating.
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