Whilst home improvement projects can be both fun and exciting, they’re usually not without their challenges. Whether you’re installing a brand new door or replacing an existing one, there are countless things to consider when making your selection and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choice on the market. With this in mind, making one decision at a time may be the best way to simplify the process, and where better to start than choosing a material?
Both wood and composite are used for household doors and it’s not difficult to see why. As well as allowing us to enter and exit from our homes with ease, a door also acts as a defence against adverse weather conditions and possible intrusion, so it’s essential for it to be constructed using solid and sturdy materials.
Additionally, it’s imperative for doors to fit in with and complement the overall style of a property, making aesthetic appeal another crucial consideration. The process of selecting a door (or set of doors) can be tricky if you’re not sure which material to go for. So, to help you renovate your property with ease, we’ve put together some information on why Composite or wood may be the perfect material for your new doors.
Wooden doors: what are the benefits?
When it comes to wooden furnishings, you can either opt for softwood or hardwood. As the name suggests, hardwood is usually more dense than softwood and is often more sturdy. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t necessarily always the case. Oak and Ash are hardwoods that are commonly used to create doors and window frames as they are both strong and visually appealing and in the case of softwoods, pine and fir are both popular choices for constructing wooden furniture.
There’s no denying the natural beauty that wood possesses and its appeal is arguably timeless. Whilst wood is becoming increasingly popular for household furnishings, every cut has a different grain pattern and with this in mind, you can guarantee your wooden door will be utterly unique.
The aesthetic benefits of wood are obvious- but what about practicality? Whilst it is undoubtedly stylish, wood often requires upkeep to maintain its natural beauty and if this is not upheld, it can begin to warp or rot. On the other hand, wood that’s properly treated and well cared for will do wonders for your home’s kerb appeal and will indeed stand the test of time.
Wood is also known for being a good insulator, making it an energy-efficient option for your new front door replacement, however, it also lends itself to creating internal doors. This highly versatile material is suitable for both doors and window frames and further to this, it can blend in with any style of decor. Whether your property has a contemporary or more traditional style, a wooden door can be designed to blend in seamlessly to complete your home.
The cost of wooden doors will vary depending on your supplier, however, they will likely be more expensive than their Composite counterparts. This may deter some homeowners, but it’s important to note that whilst wooden doors may not necessarily be cheap, they are long-lasting and will likely increase the value of your home, making this a cost-effective purchase.
Why invest in Composite doors?
Whilst you may not associate Composite with style and elegance, it comes in a wide variety of colours to suit any home and further to this, it can even have a wood grain finish that very closely resembles the real thing. More often than not, Composite is cheaper than wood which is why it’s often favoured by homeowners as you can get a luxury wood-like finish for a fraction of the price.
Composite is also a very low-maintenance building material. It’s extremely easy to clean and as a result, it’s almost effortless to keep in tip-top condition and withstands the effects of all weather conditions. On the subject of weather, it’s is also known for being energy-efficient. Composite doors will help to keep your home warm in winter and cool in the summer which, in turn, will lead to cheaper energy bills.
Whether you want a bold front door with glass panels or some French doors leading out to your back garden, the versatility of composite makes it applicable to any and every household.
As previously mentioned, composite is extremely durable by nature. As a possible entrance point for intruders, a door needs to have high levels of security and with this in mind, composite is the perfect choice to give you peace of mind that your home is well protected.
Composite doors explained
Composite doors are made using a combination of different materials and as a result, they are usually much more durable and weather-resistant than their single-material counterparts.
These doors come in a range of colours and can also be made to resemble natural wood. A glass reinforced polyester (GRP) coating can then be applied to the door to increase durability and protect the door from adverse weather conditions. As well as being more or less maintenance-free, composite doors are highly resistant to cracking, fading and denting, ensuring they look sleek and stylish for years to come.
When all is said and done, the material you choose for your new doors will largely come down to personal preference, however a composite door is a stylish and practical addition to your home.
At Finewood, we stock an impressive range of both internal and external doors to ensure our customers find exactly what they’re looking for. As well as homeowners, we also supply products to joiners, builders merchants and housebuilders and we are known for our unparalleled customer service and high-quality products.
Whether you’d like a minimalistic design that oozes style and sophistication or a door with glass panels that has a touch of elegance, we can surely accommodate you. We use double glazing to ensure our doors are energy-efficient and when you opt for a composite door, you can guarantee that it’s been built with durability and longevity in mind.
In addition to doors, we also supply mouldings such as skirting, casings and door stops to add the finishing touches to your project and our team will be on hand to advise you if you need assistance with your selection.
If you would like to discuss your home renovation project with one of our door specialists, contact us today or shop now to find the perfect door to complete your home.
