Vinyl or Wood: Choosing Balcony Doors

Home & Family

Sep 24, 2014

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Vinyl and wood are two most popular choices for doors. While the former is more technologically advanced, the latter charms by its aesthetic and traditional appeal. Both come with their own set of pros and cons which need to be given proper attention before the decision of final purchase is made.

The traditional wooden balcony and many commercial doors are now being replaced by more durable and functional forms of vinyl. For customers it can be a little challenging to make a choice between the two materials. Since each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, the final decision can be taken on the basis of some important factors such as functionality, maintenance, price, and so on.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl vs Wooden Balcony Doors

Balcony and commercial doors bear a lot of exposure to environmental changes like winds, rains, hailstorms, extremities of hot and cold temperatures, etc. Wood does offer a lot of protection, but compared to vinyl, wood can’t withstand these climatic pressures for long. Unlike wood, vinyl is a material that does not rust, crack, rot, warp or mold. Vinyl is also very weather-resistant. To elaborate the efficiency of vinyl over wood further, let’s take a deeper look at some essential aspects of the two.

Ease of Maintenance

Vinyl is a material that will give the fewest possible hassles pertaining to the maintenance and upkeep of the balcony doors. Wood requires refurbishing every five years or so. Termite infestation is another problem that can severely damage these doors if not noticed in time. Vinyl, on the other hand, has a longer life span and does not require you to make frequent visits to the hardware store for its maintenance. Your vinyl door can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a manufacturer-approved solvent to make it look as good as new.

Aesthetic Appeal

If what you are looking for your balcony is a door that is aesthetically appealing – both for your home and the neighborhood onlookers – then wood can be your best option. This will of course depend on your personal taste as vinyl is not lagging that far behind when it comes to different door styles. Wooden doors are often treated with decorative paneling and high-quality exterior stain to protect it from climatic conditions. The natural color and texture of the wood is retained. Vinyl too can emulate the look of wood and is also available in different finishes, but at the end of the day, it’s not real wood.

Functionality

The functionality of each of these balcony doors will depend on two factors – construction and quality. High-quality and well constructed wooden doors can be as ergonomically appealing as vinyl doors. Wooden doors will definitely be heavier than vinyl doors, but with spring systems properly installed, you can expect a reduction in the weight.

Warranty Period

There is a considerable difference between the warranty periods of vinyl doors and wooden doors. While vinyl doors often come under a warranty period of one year, wooden doors come with an extended warranty period of up to five to ten years. This therefore can be a crucial aspect to take into consideration while choosing between these two varieties.

Hence, as we can see both vinyl and wood have something unique to offer. The final decision will ultimately depend on your personal choice and requirement. You can either choose vinyl if what you are looking for is low maintenance and functionality. Or, you can bring home wood to enjoy the aesthetics along with long warranties. The choice is definitely yours.

Tell us which material would you opt for – wood or vinyl? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

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