Aluminium is growing in preference as a raw material among designers and builders alike. Not only is it replacing other metals and alloys such as stainless steel, but it is also being used in place of wood in many interior designs. Aluminium doors, in particular, are increasingly replacing their wooden counterparts in both classic and contemporary settings. There are several reasons that have contributed towards this, including its functionality, aesthetics and value for money.
In this article, we consider the following factors to help you make the decision between using aluminium doors vs wooden doors in your home:
Let’s take a closer at the factors mentioned above.
Being malleable allows aluminium to be easily moulded into different shapes and forms, meaning that it can be tailor-made to match a given space and design requirement. Its versatility is enhanced by how it can be manufactured to acquire different finishes and appearances, thus enabling it to be made to blend in well with a room’s aesthetics. While wood can be cut and carved into different forms, there are limitations to its mouldability due to it being a non-malleable substance.
Aluminium’s low density allows it to be used safely in the manufacture of larger designs, with minimal structural support. Contrastingly, the higher density of good-quality wood means that more structural support is required for larger or more complex designs, thereby potentially impacting the look of the final product. Aluminium doors often give a room a lighter and airier ambience than wooden doors.
Aluminium has moderate natural tensile strength. With advances in technology, its strength can be fortified to make it safe and suitable even for heavy-duty usage. High-quality wood can endure a fair amount of strain. However, designs need to be made considerably bulkier to accommodate more weight or height.
Since it is naturally corrosion-resistant, and does not rust, aluminium is highly durable. This makes it suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. Warping and wearing away are always potential concerns with wood, particularly if exposed to changing climates or conditions such as direct sunlight, rain, and salty sea spray. It is also very important to ensure that wood is treated correctly before it is used, to avoid structural damage caused by termites.
Aluminium is a generally low-maintenance material, with a regular wipe-down with water and a mild detergent usually sufficing. Aluminium door maintenance is therefore safer and easier even when exposed to natural elements such as rain, sea breeze, or shower water. Aluminium doors are also a good option for use in kitchens and pantries, where they might get soiled with food or liquid. Further maintenance advice can be acquired from your local manufacturer.
Wooden doors, on the other hand, need to be polished and painted regularly if they are exposed to such conditions. A simple wipe-down would not work, as the paint/varnish will gradually dull down over time. There is also the concern of wooden doors getting water-logged (with heavy exposure), subsequently wearing away and needing replacement.
At a glance, it might seem that wood is the cheaper option as a raw material, particularly if you opt for a moderate-quality wood. However, in the long run, the durability and low maintenance of aluminium mean that the one-time investment for an aluminium door cost would give you much better value for money, when compared to the regular maintenance (and occasional replacement) costs that would be incurred with the use of wooden doors.
The ability of aluminium to provide good insulation means that it can provide higher energy efficiency within the house than wood, by reducing energy consumption for cooling/heating. Aluminium is also the most recyclable metal, implying that – with the correct processes in place – most of it can remain in a continual usage loop. It is therefore an excellent option in terms of sustainability. When working with wood, it is important to check that your source acquires the raw material legally and sustainably.
Looking at the comparison between aluminium doors and wooden doors, the better aesthetic properties, higher strength and durability, lower maintenance, higher energy efficiency and sustainability, and better value for money, certainly make aluminium doors the smarter option for use within your home.
Swisstek Aluminium offers a range of aesthetically-pleasing, durable aluminium doors that meet internationally-recognised quality standards including ANSI H35.2, BS EN 755, and ISO 6362 strength standards, thus being compliant for both local and export use. Our investment in state-of-the-art knowledge and technology is our guarantee that your investment in our product is the best decision that you make.
Have a look at our range of state-of-the-art aluminium doors to find what suits you best, or how we can meet your requirement with a tailor-made solution.
