Your front door is the first thing guests see when they arrive at your home, so it’s crucial yours makes a lasting impression. You’re probably familiar with wood and fibreglass, but did you know that steel is another amazing option?
Steel doors are becoming increasingly popular with Canadian homeowners due to their excellent strength and durability. While they are often lauded for their damage and fire resistance capabilities, there are other factors to consider when choosing a steel entrance door.
Door styles, cost, design considerations, and more—keep reading to learn everything you need to know before shopping for the best steel entry doors!
Steel Makes the Strongest Front Door
A steel entrance door is strong, dependable, and long-lasting.
Despite the name, they are not crafted entirely from solid steel—if this was the case, they’d be extremely heavy, expensive, and impractical in a residential setting. Rather, their core is made up of polyurethane or polystyrene, a lightweight foam that acts as the insulator, and then wrapped in a steel skin of varying thickness.
What comes as a surprise to prospective buyers is that these strong entry doors are better insulators than fibreglass and wood doors; the polyurethane or polystyrene inside them acts as a highly effective thermal barrier!
Beyond their robust construction, steel entry doors present a versatile canvas for design, with a myriad of stylish finishes, patterns, and window configurations available. In essence, choosing a steel door equates to recognizing a door solution that prioritizes longevity, security, and aesthetic appeal without compromising on performance.
5 Key Considerations for Choosing a Steel Door
When choosing the best steel entry door, homeowners should consider these five elements:
1. Security
Steel makes for a strong entry door—this is one of the foremost reasons homeowners gravitate towards steel entry doors. Steel is inherently robust and resistant to forced entry, providing an added layer of protection against potential intruders. Reinforced cores and advanced locking mechanisms further bolster security, making steel doors a formidable barrier against unauthorized access.
2. Energy Efficiency
If improving the energy efficiency of your home—and by extension lowering your energy bills—is a key factor in your choice, then choosing a steel door is a great idea. Their dense construction and insulating core ensure that interior temperatures remain stable, reducing reliance on heating systems and translating to potential savings on energy bills.
3. Steel Door Price & Associated Costs
While the initial cost of steel doors may be higher compared to some alternatives, their longevity and durability often justify the investment. Homeowners should factor in the total cost of ownership, considering potential savings on energy bills, and reduced maintenance expenses over the door’s lifespan.
A steel entrance door can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000.
When choosing a steel door, you can expect costs to vary based on materials, labour, and other customizations. For example, fire-rated steel doors cost more due to them being specifically designed to be compliant with fire codes. These are the best steel entry doors for industrial or commercial properties where fires are more prevalent.
4. Maintenance Requirements
Choosing a steel door takes into account maintenance and whether or not they’re easily kept in good condition. They’re called the strongest front doors for a reason, these entry doors are lauded for their minimal maintenance requirements, particularly when compared to wood or fibreglass alternatives.
They effectively resist warping, rotting, and deterioration, requiring only occasional cleaning and inspections for signs of wear or damage. This inherent durability ensures homeowners can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their door will maintain its aesthetic appeal and functionality with minimal upkeep. You don’t even need to paint or stain them!
5. Steel Grade
Homeowners are often unsure what grade of steel is best for a door. This is a valid question because not all steel doors are created equal, and the grade of steel can significantly impact performance and longevity.
Homeowners should prioritize exterior steel doors constructed from high-quality, galvanized steel, known for its superior strength and corrosion resistance. When it comes to steel gauge, the lower the number, the thicker the material. This value applies to the door itself as well as the door frame.
Generally, a steel entrance door will be made of 24-gauge steel, weighs around 1.15 lbs. per square foot and is about 0.020 inches thick. While relatively thin, it still affords homeowners the benefits we’ve discussed at an affordable cost.
There’s also the option of 20-gauge steel doors for homeowners who want to prioritize security and are willing to spend the extra money. They may also be required for commercial or industrial properties depending on building codes.
Shop the Best Steel Entry Doors at Burano Doors
Choosing a steel door is a great option if you’re looking for a weather-resistant entry door that will keep your family safe while being easy to maintain—and fits your budget!
Burano Doors is a Canadian door and window manufacturer with over 40 years of experience in providing homeowners with energy-efficient, durable home protection. When you get a steel entrance door from us, you’re getting a high-quality product that can be customized and is built to last.
Contact one of our representatives for more information about our steel entry door collection or get a free in-home estimate!