Skip to content 
A Comprehensive Guide to Steel Door
Can you imagine a door that is durable, fire-proof, weather-resistant, and hard to break but also with an impeccable style? A steel door is the best means to secure any premises while boosting an attractive look and feel.
But how can you choose the perfect steel door? To discover the answer to this question and more, you’re invited to read this detailed guide about steel doors.
Definition of a Steel Door
A steel door, as the name suggests, is mainly constructed with a steel- alloy of iron and carbon. It is the misconception that it is entirely formed from steel. Although steel is its basic component it has different materials- honeycomb cardboard, polystyrene or polyurethane foam, asbestos, and steel stiffeners- in its core.
This interior structure is then coated by a thin layer of steel. A steel door is the best for its security, sturdiness, soundproofing, and eco-friendliness. Hence, it is considered the best option for industrial, commercial, and residential properties.
Handy Pros of Steel Door
It would be surprising for you that a steel door is beyond just a sturdy entryway, it is the best combo of durability, security, and visual appeal. More and more builders, interior designers, and homeowners are opting for this door over the wood door because of extreme weather resistance, convenience, and budget-friendliness.
Longer Lifespan
Most individuals have a mindset that if they are investing in the door, then it must last for many decades. A steel door is their best bet because it is built to last due to its thick and heavy-duty steel construction. This material far surpasses wood in strength. Consequently, the steel door is highly resistant to damage or break.
It doesn’t wrap, crack, bow, dent, or rot and doesn’t cause you reinstallation or repair expenses.
Extreme Weather Tolerance
A steel door can stand firm against harsh weather conditions. You would’ve noticed swelling or shrinking of wood doors in highly humid or dry environments. But this is not the case with a steel door. Occasionally, you might experience some rusting due to moisture but that tarnishing is easily rectified with just a coat of paint.
In general, a steel door is better for use in challenging weather environments.
No Insect Infestation
Bugs and termites are one of the biggest culprits that destroy a wood door. They are always lurking in the corner to infest wood doors. But here is the best news for you: the steel door is completely insect-proof. By investing in steel doors, you’ll be spared from the distress of insect-proofing your doors and buildings.
Reduce Fire Spread
Perhaps the major winning point of a door over a wood door is that it is incredibly fire-tolerant. It is worth highlighting that a steel door offers you two to three hours of evacuation time in the event of a fire. It lowers the spread of flames so many people evaluate them easily.
On the other hand, wood doors catch fire immediately when they encounter flames. Therefore, you should invest in steel doors to protect your premises from fire.
Sustainability Matters
Do you know two steel doors save a tree from cutting? Thousands of trees in many parts of the world are cut every year to make wood doors. But you don’t have to cut trees for a steel door, as it is created from iron and carbon. And both of them are readily available.
Furthermore, a steel door doesn’t end in a landfill upon reaching its end. You can easily recycle it and then it is as good as new. Subsequently, a steel door is a front contender due to its eco-friendliness.
No More Break-ins
For a business or homeowner, the safety of family, employees, or assets will always come first. Consequently, a steel door is their personal preference because of its unbeatable security. It is created from one of the strongest materials in the world; therefore, it is hard to force an entry through it.
Moreover, you also install high-tech locking systems on a steel door, which further takes its security to the next level. Hence, with this door, you can easily prevent the risk of burglary and have peace of mind.
Simple Maintenance
You’re saving yourself and others from frequent maintenance and cleaning by purchasing steel doors for your houses, offices, storage rooms, and factories. Traditional wood doors demand more frequent maintenance, like repainting, lacquering, polishing, or sealing.
A steel door is a lifesaver due to minimal upkeep. And just a wipe with a wet cloth makes it look pristine once again.
Best Option for Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is becoming a trendy buzzword for business firms and homeowners. In addition to keeping unwanted visitors outside, a door must also retain heated or cold air inside the building. A steel door is an energy-efficient alternative because it offers five times more insulation than other doors.
It features high-quality foaming material in its core and thermal adhesives at connections for superior insulation. Indeed, you can save on your utility bills by having steel doors at your entry points.
Block Out Noises
If you want a quiet, cozy, and private indoor environment then a steel door should be your top choice. By investing in a steel door, you and other people on the premises don’t have to wear earplugs because they block out noises of traffic, sirens, music, and even the loudest neighbors.
Similarly to thermal insulation, the foam and other core materials of steel doors are vital in sound insulation.
Types of Steel Door
When it comes to types of steel doors, possibilities are endless. Owing to its traction, every manufacturer has added their unique magic to the charm of steel doors. However, to ease your selection process, some major kinds of steel doors are penned below:
Flush Steel Door
It is a standard type of steel found in many residential and commercial settings. It features a simple design without any decorative elements. You can use it in places where beauty is not a deciding factor. However, with its extra strength, it is best for high-traffic localities, for instance, warehouses and storage areas.
Panel Steel Door
If you want a certain decorative look to your steel door then a panel steel door is your best bet. Simply because it is a raised engraving or recessed panel that imparts an appealing appearance to the door. You can buy these doors in any customizable style to match the architectural look of the premises. It is the perfect balance of aesthetics and security.
Glass Lite Steel Door
Indeed, this type of steel door has customized glass inserts also known as lites. If you are a fan of natural sunlight but also prefer security then a glass lite steel door is your best match. Its glass material is available in various styles, for instance, frosted, clear, reinforced, or insulated.
Steel Stiffened Door
Unlike other steel door types, the steel stiffened door normally has steel reinforcement or stiffeners in its interior. These structures are present vertically with some spacing in the door core. With this steel door, you can have structural integrity and impact resistance.
Solid Core Steel Door
Just like a steel stiffened door, this type of steel door is made with a steel outer shell. But unlike the former, the core of a solid core steel door is composed of solid, dense, and durable materials, for instance, polystyrene or polyurethane foam. These materials are uniformly found throughout its core.
Exterior Steel Door
This type of steel door is suitable for the exterior of homes, offices, or other buildings. It is affixed to the front entrance of any premise. Since it is exposed to harsh weather conditions, the exterior steel door is built with thicker steel gauges.
Interior Steel Doors
You may know this steel door by other terms, for example, steel-wood interior doors, American-style steel doors, and others. Generally, an interior steel door is placed in the interior of buildings. Due to its indoor application, it is constructed with lighter steel gauges. Thus, you’ll notice that it is devoid of heavy-duty protection features.
Maintenance Tips for Steel Door
With proper and timely maintenance, you’ll surely ascertain that your product lasts long while obtaining maximum benefit from it. And this holds true for steel doors as well. Some maintenance types are
- Make it a habit to daily clean the door surface with a damp cloth, light detergent, and water to remove dust and debris buildup. Don’t apply harsh chemicals as they can corrode the polish of steel doors.
- Weekly examine your door for evident scratches, dents, or rusting to the door and reapply protective polish on damaged areas.
- It is essential to check hinges, lock sets, or panic devices once in a while to detect loose screws, pin damage, and other evident effects. And then replace the defective component of the hinge.
- If there are any blockages in the movement of the steel door then lubricate the hinges and lock system with machine oil to have their proper working.
- Keep an eye open for any chipping and flaking paint. Immediately fix this issue by coating the exact paint on the steel door. It will keep the inner steel door safe from further wear.
Selection Consideration for Steel Door
When choosing a steel door, you should take into account these points to make a worth-investment purchase:
Types of Core Material
Steel doors have a variety of cores and each of these core materials has a diverse profile for thermal insulation and sound reduction. Honeycomb typically has moderate sound block and lower insulation, whereas polyurethane is favored because of its high insulation capabilities.
You can pick out any core materials depending on your preference and application.
Gauge and Thickness
Buyers are often uncertain about what gauge of steel is best for their doors. This is a valid concern because steel doors come in all types of grades and thicknesses. And the grade of steel is directly related to the functioning and durability of steel doors.
However, here is a simple tip for you. The lower the gauge number of a steel door, the thicker the material. Thicker steel doors are able to withstand more wear and abuse. Standard duty doors are typically available in 18 gauge and are 0.042 inches thick. They are the standard choice for interior office doors.
On the other hand, maximum duty steel doors are 14 gauge with a thickness of 0.067 inch. When security is the top priority, then select maximum-duty steel doors.
In the United States, steel thickness is commonly measured in “Gauge”, where a lower gauge number indicates a thicker steel sheet. Below is a conversion chart showing the relationship between steel gauge, thickness in inches, and thickness in millimeters:
| Steel Gauge (Gauge Number) | Thickness (Inches) | Thickness (Millimeters) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.1345″ | 3.42 mm |
| 11 | 0.1196″ | 3.04 mm |
| 12 | 0.1046″ | 2.66 mm |
| 13 | 0.0897″ | 2.28 mm |
| 14 | 0.0747″ | 1.90 mm |
| 15 | 0.0673″ | 1.71 mm |
| 16 | 0.0598″ | 1.52 mm |
| 17 | 0.0538″ | 1.37 mm |
| 18 | 0.0478″ | 1.21 mm |
| 19 | 0.0418″ | 1.06 mm |
| 20 | 0.0359″ | 0.91 mm |
| 22 | 0.0299″ | 0.76 mm |
| 24 | 0.0239″ | 0.61 mm |
| 26 | 0.0179″ | 0.46 mm |
| 28 | 0.0149″ | 0.38 mm |
| 30 | 0.0120″ | 0.30 mm |
common applications in steel doors:
- 14-gauge steel (0.0747 inches / 1.90 mm) is often used in high-security applications, such as commercial buildings and security doors.
- 16-gauge steel (0.0598 inches / 1.52 mm) is commonly used in standard industrial and commercial doors.
- 18-gauge steel (0.0478 inches / 1.21 mm) is suitable for light-duty commercial and residential steel doors.
Steel Door Finishing
When you’re going out to purchase steel doors, you’ll see numerous finishing options. Some are more matte while others tend to be more reflective. Some common finishes are unpolished, brushed stain, emboss, mirror, swirl, and distressed.
Finishes are not only for protective effect but also add a distinct and unique look to the entryway.
Purchasing Cost
Although the initial expense of buying a steel door may be higher than a wood door, it is worth the investment owing to its endurance and longer operational life. Generally, the price of steel doors is china in the range of $60 to $300.
But its cost differs depending upon its construction materials, design embellishments, security features, and other special customization.
Conclusion
To wrap up, a steel door is a top contender if you’re looking for a door with weather resistance and top-notch security. Moreover, it is fairly effortless to maintain and fits your budget range. So, without waiting, visit Tongyu Doors to shop for superior-quality doors at competitive pricing.
