A new home is an exciting prospect and an opportunity for you to express your d cor ideas. Now that the new house is complete, the task that befalls most new home owners is the acquisition of pieces that will go on to define the general theme and color palette of the house. Your new house’s character is going to be defined by your choice of finishings. Simple items such as windows, flooring, cabinets and doors go a long way in improving the general aesthetics of a new house.
A door provides access to the world outside while preserving a house’s privacy. Typically, doors are also used to mark partitions or rooms in a house. It is important to note that new homeowners have several options when it comes to purchasing doors. It can be helpful to consult hardware stores or use a front door buying guide when making a purchase decision. The choice of whether or not to buy a particular type of door will be dictated by the type of material used and personal preference for a particular piece’s appearance. The styling and design add to a door’s appearance the “wow” factor.
FIBREGLASS, STEEL OR WOOD?
This is a particularly tough call to make when buying a door. Steel doors are known for their energy-efficient insulating properties. They also don’t require routine maintenance depending on the environment. Steel doors also offer unparalleled strength and security. A downside to steel doors is the fact that they’re easily dented or scratched. Paint chipping is a common occurrence with doors made of this type of material since staining is not possible.
Fiberglass doors are available in varying designs finishes and colors. The material fiberglass is impervious to damage from rot and rust, denting and scratching. Painting and staining is possible with fiberglass doors. These types of doors have an R rating value in energy efficiency. They provide insulation, keeping the house warmer in contrast to steel doors. On the flip side, Fiberglass doors are an expensive purchase.
Wooden doors have remained a favorite to many homeowners despite some shortcomings. Naturally, wood is predisposed to warping and will need maintenance once in a while. Wood also absorbs moisture which may affect the applied paint causing chipping and/or peeling. Wood as a material is favored by door construction experts due to its ease of cutting, styling, joinery, and shaping. Wooden doors give a home that warm and pleasant look. They are inviting to the touch and visibly attractive.
Wood being a poor conductor of both electricity and heat, provides excellent insulating abilities. Plus, for homes that are located in hazardous places, such as those in wildfire-prone areas, extra protection measures may make it even more durable. Wildfire home protection is considered an important aspect of home safety, especially for those living in close vicinity to wild forests. Nevertheless, wooden material is sought after by a majority of homeowners, not only for doors but also other elements of the house. It is a highly regarded material in home energy conservation hence landing a high R rating value. Perhaps the most interesting aspect about wood is that it is available in varying qualities and types which are dependent on the original plant’s species and the geographical location they were sourced from. Typically wood is classified as either being softwood or hardwood. Softwood species naturally container a higher concentration of plant resins compared to hardwood species.
This means that the softwood species of wood require extra treatment before the staining process. Homeowners often opt for the hardwood species when it comes to the choice of material used to make doors and flooring. Hardwood species feature a darker tone and are associated with luxury. This type of wood is produced from exotic leaf bearing trees. Some examples of hardwoods are Alder, Cherry, Maple, and most recognizable Mahogany.
Wooden doors come in varying designs and styles. For instance, louvers on a wooden door attract strong visual interest, and the natural wood’s graining and growth ring patterns enhance the door’s overall look. But why are wooden doors so popular? A common misconception among most people is that wooden doors are easier to break in compared to fiberglass or steel doors. This is absolutely untrue. The strength of a door is dependent on its framing. A strong frame equals a strong door. Simple.
Wooden doors reflect luxury and simply ooze character. They’re not only beautiful to the look and feel but are also long-lasting provided they’re well-maintained.
In conclusion, regardless of the material you choose for your door, make sure that you pick out a reliable strong lock (perhaps similar to those available at doorcontrolsdirect.co.uk) to keep your space safe and protected. A secure lock will not only help deter potential burglars, but also safeguard it against unwanted intruders. Additionally, a proper lock can also help prevent accidental lockouts and ensure that your home remains secure at all times.
Needless to say, the main objective of a door is to protect a home or a space and keep its people safe. And that can be achieved with almost any door, regardless of the material it is made of. So, choose one that blends with your overall home decor. You can also take the help of a local hardware store and learn more about the different available. All the best!
