What is the difference between wood and steel doors?
All wood doors need to be painted to protect them from the weather. They come in unfinished Masonite panels and rough sawn (flat) panels. These panels can be covered to create custom “carriage house” designs. Wood flush doors have an R value of R4.6 before they are covered. A steel front, steel back “sandwich” insulated door is a superior constructed door with 25 gauge steel and high R value. It will be sturdier, quieter, and it will allow for the greatest R value with the lowest maintenance. Steel doors come in several different colors pre-painted by the factory, and if one of those colors works for your application, you will not have to paint it. They can be insulated anywhere from R4 to R17 depending on the insulation, either polystyrene or polyurethane offering the highest R value. A standard steel door is made from 25 gauge steel and should come with a warranty to protect against rust through. Make sure you ask your sales representative the steel gauge and the R value.
