Myth Busters of Steel vs. Wood Doors

Selecting the right look for an entry door can be a daunting task. Not only is it important to choose a style that offers a stunning first impression, it’s even more critical to decide on a material that can withstand the elements over time. When it comes to durability, there are often misconceptions that materials such as steel, fiberglass, and composite are king. Unfortunately, these circling rumors have pushed some homeowners and builders to give up their hopes for wood doors when building in harsher environments. The door experts at Simpson shed some light on these preconceived notions, and re-establish wood as a first-rate option for exterior application in harsher environments when compared to their metal opponent, steel doors.

Myth #1: wood doors aren’t as durable as steel doors

Since the rise of America’s steel industry, the sleek metal material has been used in countless applications - from furnaces to railways, from framing to skyscrapers, and more recently, for residential and commercial doors. A familiar element in industrial builds, it’s no surprise that steel has become touted as a solid option for long-lasting door design. However, it’s not the only one. Over the last decade, advances in the construction of wood doors, such as new weather-resistant technology, have furthered wood’s ability to perform in extreme weather conditions. In fact, when wood doors receive proper care and finishing, followed by routine maintenance, they are capable of lasting a lifetime.

Door series such as the Nantucket Collection™ by Simpson Door Company are a great example of durability. These doors were named after the harsh coastal environment of Nantucket Island, MA due to their highly durable and weather resistant properties. An icon of resilient beauty, Simpson’s Nantucket doors combine a weather-resistant wood species with a modified mortise-and-tenon construction technique. Backed by a 10-year warranty, the Nantucket doors are the perfect combination of form and function.

Myth #2: steel doors can imitate the look of wood doors

Perhaps wood doors’ most prized attribute is the warmth and character they bring to a space. While steel doors are durable, they can be quite limited in design. To address this gap in aesthetic, steel manufacturers began offering a narrow range of options for wood-grain patterns embossed on the surface of their doors to mimic the look and feel of solid wood doors. And while from far away the wood patterns of steel can look similar to the grain of natural wood, up close they cannot hold a candle to the texture of the real thing. Furthermore, wood manufacturers like Simpson offer countless customization options in a wide range of sizes and materials, ensuring that any project’s needs can be met with the rich tones of lumber.

Myth #3: wood doors require more maintenance

Another common myth surrounding wood versus steel door materials is the level of maintenance required for each. While it’s often assumed that because of their non-metal surface wood doors require more maintenance than steel doors, the opposite holds true. When properly cared for, wood doors actually require minimal upkeep, and are heralded for their ability to be re-finished over time to flux with ever-changing design trends. Steel doors, on the other hand, are unable to be changed so easily. Prone to denting, paint chipping, and scratches, the surface of steel doors are highly susceptible to rust. What’s more, homeowners should keep an auto body repair kit on hand, as these blemishes require intense sanding and filling to be fixed.

<>In contrast, innovations in the wood door industry, such as Simpson’s WaterBarrier® and UltraBlock® technologies, further minimize the need for maintenance with water-repelling surface overlays and composite block materials. These upgrades work to eliminate the issues that can come from water infiltration by allowing the rain to run off the door without entering into joints, or exposed wood grain. Furthermore, Simpson’s WaterBarrier acts as a primer for homeowners or builders looking to paint the surface of their door.

While steel is commonly perceived as one of the only options for exposed door applications, the benefits of wood doors do not have to be given up in the name of durability. Not only have advances in technology and construction boosted wood door’s performance compared to steel’s, wood doors rise above in areas such as customization and overall aesthetic. To learn more about the options for wood doors built in exterior applications, visit Simpson’s exterior entry doors page.