Wooden vs. Composite Doors: What’s Best for Florida?

July 25, 2024

Choosing the right kind of door for your home in Florida is important, considering the unique climatic and weather conditions it endures. Two of the most popular kinds of doors are wood and composite, each with their share of pros and cons. Let’s explore the important differences between wood and composite doors so that you can understand which one will go best with your Florida home.

Wooden Doors – Evergreen in Style

Pros:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Wood doors just scream classic beauty. They are offered in different styles and finishes, so it can easily match your home’s style.

• Strength and Durability: The more solid the wooden door, the stronger it is. Mahogany and oak can withstand minor impacts and very durable when it comes to everyday wear and tear.

• Thermal Insulation: Wood is an insulating material, making it highly effective regarding thermal energy. This will help keep your place cool during the summer and warm during the winter, thereby decreasing your energy expenses.

Disadvantages:

• Maintenance: Wood doors must be regularly maintained to protect them from the elements. Painting, staining or polyurethaning is necessary to prevent wood warping, cracking, and rotting from the high humidity and salt air that Florida experiences.

• Cost: Good quality wood doors are expensive compared to other materials. The cost needed for its ongoing maintenance contributes to the overall cost as well.

Composite Doors: The Latest Innovation

Advantages of composite doors:

• Strength: Composite doors are made of a combination of materials which makes them very robust and resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting.

• Low Maintenance: Unlike wood doors, composite doors require very little in the way of maintenance. The materials used to make these doors do not need painting or regular staining. They also resist moisture and damage from insects.

• Energy Efficiency: The construction achieved through the multiple layers in a composit door exhibits excellent insulation features against the exterior environment. This makes it easier to maintain indoor temperatures thereby lowering your energy bills.

• Cost-Effective: While the one-time cost of composite doors is similar to that of the best wood doors, it still proves to be cost-effective in the end due to lower maintenance costs.

Disadvantages:

• Aesthetic Limitations: While composite doors are made to look like wood, they lack that true natural feel you get from grains in real wood.

• Environmental Impact: While the option of composite doors offers the use of synthetic materials, it is not as environmentally friendly as natural wood. However, several manufacturers are now using recycled material in the production of their products to make them more eco-friendly.

Smith & DeShields

Choose from an unparalleled selection of doors, hardware, moulding and other architectural accents, as well as building supplies. Many of these are in stock, available immediately and are locally exclusive to Smith & DeShields. Quality permeates every facet of our business and it’s no different when it comes to choosing top-quality hardware.

For over 67 years, Smith & DeShields has been well-respected for evolving its product lines to match the latest technology, designs and hardware that stand the test of time. Contractors, architects, and homeowners alike are invited to experience the wide variety of quality products showcased in each of our four Florida showrooms. Visit SmithandDeShields.com to learn more.