The Most Popular Materials used for Doors in Ottawa
Getting a new door—interior or exterior—can be tricky. Choosing materials for your door can be quite the decision, depending on your needs. It can be a lot to take in all at once, and the number of options can be overwhelming. When it comes to doors, Ottawa homeowners have a lot to consider, from durability to weather to décor. But don’t worry! We’ve got a helpful look at a few popular options to help you make your decision without pulling your hair out.
Interior Doors
When it comes to interior doors, there are three standout options:
Solid Wood Doors
These doors are extremely popular and have been for centuries. They provide a traditional, classic look for your home. Wood produces a high-quality product and offers dependable insulation from both sound and temperature. Solid wood doors are a reliable investment for homes in Ottawa, but it is important to note that, with changing temperatures and humidity, solid wood is most susceptible to contraction, expansion, and other warping if not properly cared for.
Solid Core Doors
A more affordable alternative to solid wood doors, solid core doors offer similar features and a comparable level of insulation at a lower price. They can also be lighter without sacrificing durability, as solid core doors are generally filled with a wood fiber blend and feature a wooden core.
Hollow Core Doors
By far the least expensive option, hollow core doors are exactly what the name implies: hollow—well, almost. The interior of these doors is a honeycomb of cardboard to add structure for the outer shell. These doors are lightweight, and don’t feature the same sound or temperature insulation as their solid counterparts. That said, they can help you save money in the long run, and offer simple function and practicality for an interior workshop, for example.
Exterior Doors
As with interior doors, three types reign supreme:
Steel
Steel is one of the most popular materials for exterior doors. It is very easy to paint and maintain, but can be costly to replace. Steel is often thermoconductive, meaning it will permi heat transfer or loss, but certain steel doors have been designed to minimize and eliminate this concern. You won’t find a more durable material on the market than steel.
Wood
Wood enjoys near-universal popularity, and its classic, traditional look makes it easy to personalize and adapt to nearly any home in any neighbourhood. Wood doors are durable, but can’t rival their steel counterparts in that regard, but are better at providing thermal insulation. The wide variety of timber available also means a wooden door can be personalized for your home with relative ease. Wood is a reliable choice that won’t let you down.
Fiberglass
This contemporary trend mixes wood or steel fibers with glass to provide something sleek and stylish that minimizes upkeep and maintenance. By far the most efficient insulator, fiberglass doors are a great option if you’re hoping to save on energy bills but don’t want to sacrifice décor. Depending on the design you go with, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a wood door and a fiberglass one. The downside? They’re an expensive option.
Hopefully you’ve got a better understanding of what options you have for doors in Ottawa. When in doubt, though, contact the professionals, who will be able to walk you through any and all questions and concerns you might have.