Steel doors outshine most other options when it comes to durability, security and longevity. However, they come with some potential drawbacks that should be considered before installing steel doors.
The most significant downside for most buyers is the increased expense of purchasing steel doors over entry-level wooden doors. However, the perspective on total lifelong costs adjusts this picture. Properly maintained steel doors can function with proper maintenance, spanning decades without needing replacement, as opposed to wooden doors which typically need replacing every 10-15 years.
Spread over their full lifecycle, steel doors can save money despite higher initial purchase prices.
Given the innate density of steel itself, these doors bring substantially more weight. Depending on the age and structural integrity of the property, enhancing door frames and walls may prove necessary to support the load without risk of damage over years of use.
In older buildings particularly, neglecting these structural reinforcements risks cracks or even collapse over time as the heavy door strains weaker frames. Seeking professional structural engineering assessments can be necessary to identify and address any areas needing remediation to support modern steel door weights.
In addition to structural issues, the everyday practicality of opening and closing a solid steel door comes into play. However, closers and power assisted hardware can negate resistance and allow for easy opening and controlled closing of the door.
Another disadvantage for some property owners is the increased potential for thermal bridging around the edges of the steel door installation. The high conductivity of steel can transfer outside temperatures through the steel entry door perimeter into interior spaces unless sufficient insulation separates the steel from the inner walls.
While steel entry doors bring a certain aesthetic, the industrial appearance of most steel doors fails to replicate ornate wooden designs prized by some buyers. Even with decorative facades and custom finishes, limitations exist in mirroring intricately carved entryways prevalent in some architectural styles.
But for the vast majority of modern properties prioritising security, insulation and reliability over intricacy, steel doors bring enduring and protective function meeting core needs for peace of mind and energy efficiency.
As an industry leader in steel doors, Bradbury Group offers fully bespoke doors combining robust burglary resistance with flexible aesthetic options. Our signature M2M SR range integrates noise reduction, fire compliance and security within a single doorset, enabling developments to adhere to building codes without aesthetic sacrifice.
For more rapid turnarounds, our M2M+ Express provides quality steel doorsets with lead times as fast as 5 days for urgent projects on tight timelines.
Built by skilled in-house crews, our steel doors bring together robust defences, versatility and UK manufacturing excellence. See for yourself how Bradbury Group provides world-class steel doors by consulting our advisors on finding your perfect customisable door solution.
