When it comes to choosing the perfect entrance door for your home, the decision can be a difficult one. There are many materials to choose from, such as uPVC, composite, aluminium, and wood. While uPVC doors have gained popularity in recent years, wooden entrance doors have been around for centuries and remain a popular choice. In this article, we’ll give some of the reasons why you should choose wooden entrance doors instead of uPVC doors for your home.
Features of a wooden front door vs a uPVC door
Wooden front doors are created using timber or solid hardwood and if treated correctly, they can last for decades. Before deciding between a wooden or uPVC entrance door, there are some important factors to consider.
Structure
When purchasing a wooden door, there are often two structural variations you can choose from. These are:
- Solid wood doors – solid wood doors are built with only one variant of wood, and sections are glued together to create the overall door design.
- Engineered wood doors – engineered wood is a material designed with various types of wood, or an insulating core, with an outer layer of premium wood, or veneer.
Alternatively, a uPVC door’s structure is based on plastic powder, which is then moulded into a desired shape. Where the structure of a wooden door is much more robust than a uPVC door, and can last much longer, at the end of its lifespan a uPVC door can start to weaken and become breakable.
Cost
It is universally known that wooden entrance doors are sold at a higher price point than other door options in the market, including uPVC. However, cheaper variations of entrance doors cannot guarantee the long-lasting, durable, and secure quality that wooden front doors can. For your peace of mind, the extra cost is worth it!
Maintenance
Timber entrance doors require annual maintenance to help prevent any chance of warping or cracking in the wood. This treatment process includes:
- Cleaning the wood with non-abrasive soap
- Check for water penetration
- Chisel any rot away
- Re-coat the finishing
However, once uPVC front doors have been fitted, they do not require further treatment to keep them looking new and are easy to clean due to their plastic coating.
Benefits of a wooden entrance door vs a uPVC door
1. Natural Beauty
Wooden doors have a timeless and natural beauty that cannot be matched by uPVC doors. Each wooden door has its own unique grain pattern, making it a one-of-a-kind piece that adds character to your home. Our wooden doors can be stained or painted using our RAL colour range to match the style of your home, adding to their versatility and beauty.
uPVC doors, however, are often manufactured in limited designs and are made to look identical, adding little individuality to a home.
2. Durability
Contrary to popular belief, wooden doors are very durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. They are resistant to dents and scratches, and if maintained properly, they can last for decades. Wooden doors are also more resistant to forced entry than uPVC doors, which can be easily broken into.
At Timber Windows, our range of wooden entrance doors use multi-layer timber to prevent your door from warping or twisting. This innovative technology not only helps to limit your wooden door from sticking, but also helps to keep your wooden door secure.
3. Energy Efficiency
Wooden doors are excellent natural insulators, and when they are cared for correctly, they can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living space. Wooden doors also have a high R-value, which is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow.
uPVC doors simply cannot guarantee this level of insulation. Though many uPVC doors are now being manufactured to ensure a degree of insulation in the home, this can slowly deteriorate over time.
4. Environmental Sustainability
Wooden doors are an environmentally sustainable option as wood is a renewable resource. Most wooden doors are made from sustainably sourced timber, which means that the trees are grown specifically for the purpose of being harvested for wood. uPVC doors, on the other hand, are made from non-renewable fossil fuels and are not recyclable.
5. Increased Home Value
Wooden doors can increase the value of your home, as they are viewed as a luxury item. A well-maintained wooden door adds to the curb appeal of your home and creates a great first impression.
As we have already mentioned, uPVC doors are manufactured to be extremely similar in design. As a result, these designs can become generic and boring to visitors, adding little excitement to your home’s overall design.
Wooden doors vs uPVC doors – which is better?
While uPVC doors are a popular choice due to their affordability and low maintenance, wooden entrance doors offer many benefits that cannot be matched. They are beautiful, durable, energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and can increase the value of your home. If you are looking for a timeless and high-quality entrance door for your home, wooden entrance doors are an excellent choice.
Talk to our team at Timber Windows
With all of these advantages, it’s hard to see why a wooden front door wouldn’t be a perfect fit for any home! At Timber Windows, our range of wooden entrance doors include:
If you’d like to talk to one of our friendly team about our range of wooden entrance doors, our showrooms in Harewood and Cheshire are open every week, Tuesday to Saturday.
Alternatively, you can also contact a member of our team at enquiries@yorkshiretimberwindows.com or enquiries@cheshiretimberwindows.com.
