Timber Vs UPVC Doors

Timber Vs UPVC Doors

When shopping for new doors, you’ll find yourself having to choose which material to use; timber or UPVC. They each have their advantages and picking the right one can be confusing, so which is best? Here at Ecostar, we work with doors every single day and we’re used to this question. We thought we’d put together a brief guide on the pros and cons of different types, and hopefully, it’ll help you make the right decision. Read on to learn more about the differences between timber and UPVC doors.

Timber Doors

Timber is a traditional building material and has been used for centuries. The aesthetics are arguably their biggest selling point; there’s a certain, rustic charm about wood and it evokes a cleaner, simpler vibe. If you’re looking for a door with an organic and natural look, timber is a great choice. 

Additionally, it’s usually easier to repair surface-level damage to timber doors. If they pick up any scratches or dents, it’s comparatively simple to correct them. However, they have several drawbacks too. Wood is more vulnerable to environmental effects, and can warp or swell in the heat. It can also crack if exposed to moisture for too long, or suffer problems like rot. We have an unpredictable and occasionally very harsh climate here in Australia, so it’s worth bearing this in mind if you choose timber doors, especially as it tends to be more pricey as well.

UPVC Doors

In contrast, UPVC doors are far more weather resistant. They’re non-porous so don’t absorb any moisture, and the shape will remain stable even on the hottest days. UPVC has a long lifespan as well; the doors can last for decades and still perform admirably, and they’re comparatively low maintenance. The average UPVC door can be cleaned in a matter of minutes with a bucket of warm water and a cloth and requires no regular care except for lubricating the mechanisms.

On the downside, UPVC doesn’t have the inherent charm that wood does. However, it is possible to get UPVC doors that closely resemble timber ones and unless you examine them closely, it’s impossible to tell the difference. 

In fact, UPVC outperforms wood in almost all areas. The one big drawback is that it’s arguably less ecologically friendly; we can always plant more trees but with plastic that isn’t possible. However, UPVC doors can be recycled at the end of their lives, and they’ll help your home save energy too. They’re thermally efficient, so your heating and cooling bills will drop, and your carbon footprint will too. 

Consequently, we’d have to argue that UPVC is the better option. We love a good old-fashioned wooden door, but modern UPVC is our preferred choice. If you’d like to know more about designing and installing a new door, you are welcome to contact us. Fill in our online contact form or call our team today, or if you’re feeling inspired and want to get started on a project, you can request a quote now.