When selecting doors for a property, the choice of material should be well thought out. While traditional materials like wood have long been the go-to option, steel doors are gaining popularity because of their superior performance and cost-effectiveness.
In this post, let’s explore the advantages of steel doors over traditional materials and help you make an informed decision for your next project.
One of the biggest advantages of steel doors is their inherent durability and strength. Steel is an incredibly robust material, capable of withstanding impact and wear.
Steel doors are up to 10 times stronger than wood doors, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas and businesses in major sectors like gas, construction, airports and more. Bradbury Group’s steel doors and other security products are engineered for maximum durability, with a variety of reinforcement options available to suit specific security and performance requirements.
Regarding security, steel doors are in a league of their own. The inherent strength of steel makes it highly resistant to forced entry attempts. Steel doors can be fitted with advanced locking mechanisms, providing an additional layer of security.
Moreover, steel doors offer excellent fire resistance properties. For example, the M2MFD range of steel fire doors is certified to withstand fires for up to 240 minutes, far exceeding the performance of traditional wooden fire doors.
Contrary to popular belief, steel doors can provide excellent insulation and energy efficiency.
Modern steel doors can be filled with insulating materials, achieving U-values as low as 1.1 W/m2K. This level of thermal performance surpasses that of most wooden doors, reducing energy costs and improving comfort.
A common misconception about steel doors is their limited aesthetics and customisation options. However, modern steel doors offer various finishes, colours, and designs that can complement any architectural style or interior design scheme.
Steel doors can be painted in any colour, seamlessly integrating a building’s existing colour palette. They can also be finished with a variety of textures, such as wood grain or smooth, to achieve the desired look and feel. Some manufacturers even offer custom colour-matching services to fit the surrounding décor perfectly.
In addition to colour and texture options, steel doors can be customised with various hardware and accessory options. This includes handles, locks, hinges, and decorative elements like glass inserts or sidelights.
A key advantage of steel doors over traditional materials like wood is their low maintenance requirements and long-term durability. Steel doors are resistant to warping, cracking, and splitting, which are common problems with wood doors exposed to varying environmental conditions.
Steel doors are also highly resistant to moisture, insects, and rot, making them ideal for exterior applications or areas with high humidity. This helps extend steel doors’ lifespan, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
In terms of maintenance, steel doors require only periodic cleaning and touch-up painting to maintain their appearance and functionality.
In contrast, wood doors may require frequent maintenance, like sanding, staining, or refinishing, to keep them looking their best. They may also be susceptible to damage from moisture, insects, and other environmental factors. While the initial cost of a steel door may be higher than a wood door, the reduced maintenance costs and longer lifespan make steel doors a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
While steel doors may have a slightly higher initial cost than some wooden doors, they provide more long-term cost benefits. Steel doors’ durability and low maintenance requirements mean they last longer than wooden doors, reducing replacement costs over the building’s lifecycle.
Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, with recycling rates exceeding 90% in the construction sector. Bradbury Group’s steel doors are manufactured using a significant proportion of recycled steel, reducing their environmental impact.
In contrast, wooden doors often contribute to deforestation and may be treated with harmful chemicals.
Steel doors are suitable for a wide range of applications, but they particularly excel in:
When comparing steel doors to traditional materials like wood, steel offers better performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness advantages. From their superior strength and security to low maintenance requirements and long-term value, steel doors are an excellent choice for various applications.
And while the initial cost of steel doors may be higher than wood doors, the long-term benefits can more than justify the investment. By choosing steel doors, building owners and managers enjoy enhanced security, improved energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs over the life of the door.
Bradbury Group sells a comprehensive range of high-performance steel doors engineered to meet the most demanding requirements. Contact our expert team today to learn more about how our steel doors can benefit your project.
