Aluminum Doors VS Steel Doors: Which Is Better?

What are the differences between aluminum doors vs steel doors?

1. Security
2. Strength
3. Energy Efficiency
4. Maintenance
5. Cost
6. Aesthetics

When you’re in the process of building, installing or renovating your interiors, there’s a lot to consider — like what kinds of doors to use. While wood is the traditional choice, metal is quickly replacing it as the number one material due to its many advantages. 

The most commonly used metal materials are steel and aluminum — but which one of the two is the best choice for you? Here are the eight differences between aluminum doors vs steel doors to consider before you pick out your new doors: 

Security

Security is the main thing to consider when it comes to doors. Your door is a classic weak point, and will most likely be tested by criminals and miscreants at least once or twice in its usable life.

When it comes to security, steel doors are one of the best options on the market, since steel is a high-strength material that is difficult to crack, break, or warp. And, several models offer all kinds of locks, bolts, and hinges to further enhance their security.

But, aluminum is no slouch when it comes to security, either. Aluminum doors also come with excellent security fittings, including deadbolts and multiple locks. Likewise, aluminum also offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that it is not easily breached. 

Strength

As we mentioned, steel is a very strong material. It is highly resistant to force, which means it’s not likely to shrink, crack or warp even under duress. However, unless it is treated or alloyed with other materials, steel is susceptible to rust and corrosion.

On the other hand, aluminum metals are highly weather resistant, on top of being durable and strong. Aluminum also possesses a passivating layer, which makes them more resistant to rusting — making them considerably more durable when factoring in weather and corrosion. 

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency — or how well your doors insulate the interior of your building — is another thing to consider, particularly if you want to keep your energy bills down. Steel doors can come equipped with weather seals, which improve their energy efficiency. However, they cannot be manufactured with thermal breaks, so they are more likely to retain heat or cold (which could affect your heating and cooling systems).

On the other hand, aluminum metals are typically energy-efficient, which can be further enhanced with treatment. Most aluminum doors are designed to take advantage of this characteristic and are manufactured to be highly thermally efficient. With an aluminum door, you don’t have to worry about energy being lost, and you may even save significantly on your energy bills.

Maintenance

Both steel and aluminum doors are fairly easy to maintain. Both metals are non-porous, which means that dirt, grime, bacteria, and other contaminants are less likely to cling onto their surface. This makes both kinds of doors easier to clean, which also means they’re more sanitary and hygienic for all users.

However, if placed on the interior, both kinds of doors are prone to get “marked.” This is caused by oil and grease from hands and other objects that may come into contact with the door. Unless your door is powder-coated or painted, this may cause discoloration or rust — so regular cleaning is needed for interior doors. 

Furthermore, steel doors should be made from high-quality metals, primer, and coating to prevent rusting. Aluminum doors generally are less susceptible to rust. But, if in a humid, salt-rich environment (such as by the sea), regular wipe-downs of your aluminum doors are recommended to prevent corrosion. 

Cost

The prices for metals can be quite volatile — sometimes, prices can skyrocket and place a once cheap metal above others. Additionally, the cost of steel and aluminum doors will depend on the style, coating, and other treatments and additions placed on the door. But, generally, steel doors will cost more to manufacture and install than aluminum will. 

In most cases, aluminum doors are the most cost-effective option — they’re cheaper than steel doors, but can last just as long given good-quality manufacturing and maintenance. Even in rigorous use, you can expect an aluminum door to last decades. 

Aesthetics

Steel doors offer a sleek, modern appearance, which makes them favored for many kinds of building designs. And, steel door manufacturers can create different styles using smooth, textured, or wood finishes in endless color combinations. But, these come at a premium, as steel is less ductile and malleable, and therefore harder to customize. 

Aluminum doors offer the same sleek and modern appearance that steel doors do, and are generally quite aesthetically pleasing without further processing. Furthermore, these doors are available in a wide range of finishes, colors, and coatings. They are not limited in the same ways that steel doors areas they are lightweight, malleable, and ductile — and therefore easy to process. So, these are the more customizable choices, which may help you find a door that suits your personal taste and preference and blends in seamlessly with your building’s aesthetic. 

Key Takeaway

When it comes down to aluminum doors vs steel doors, both have their benefits and drawbacks, and both have enormous potential in any building. But, thanks to their strength, durability, versatility, and energy efficiency, aluminum doors may just be the best choice for you.