Search
Close this search box.
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Iron Doors vs Wood Doors: Cost & Quality Comparison

Learn more about the difference between iron doors vs. wood doors, and see what benefits make iron entries the better option.

What to Know Before You Buy

Your front entrance speaks volumes—it’s the first hello when you greet guests, family, and friends. That’s why it’s important to consider your door’s quality, material, security, and style. Today, most homes feature either wood or fiberglass doors. Less commonly, but certainly more attractive, other homeowners choose an iron door for an elevated, customizable entrance that can withstand the test of time while adding some serious value. In fact, realtors and remodeling magazines show that upgrading your front entryway with a custom iron door has one of the highest cost recoup percentages when compared to other home improvements. 

Follow along as we discuss the difference between iron doors vs. wood doors, and touch on the details to consider for each. Whichever door you choose, it’s important that you understand the features and benefits so that you can make an informed decision that enhances your home’s curb appeal.

The Difference Between Iron Doors vs. Wood Doors

Consider this helpful list as you weigh the differences between iron doors vs wood doors. 

About the Materials

According to The Spruce, solid wood doors are typically made with a frame-and-panel construction that uses natural woods like a soft pine or a sturdier oak or maple. Wood doors are rarely made from a solid wood slab. On the other hand, iron doors and steel doors are more solid and secure, and they’re sealed and insulated to provide energy efficiency.

Quality

Our iron doors go through a detailed 7-step automotive finishing process, minimizing the risk of rot, rust, and decay. And, iron doors present no risk of iron warping or bending. 

But with wooden doors, warping and decay is a common problem, stemming from a rise in humidity, heat, or moisture in the air. This can affect how difficult it is to open or close the door. And, it’s extremely difficult and expensive to repair wood rot in doors.

Maintenance

Unlike most wood doors, iron doors require minimal maintenance to preserve their attractiveness or functionality. Simply wipe all surfaces with a mild soap, water, and non-abrasive cloth to refresh your entry. 

Keeping up with a wood door requires a high level of maintenance. For example, if you have to refinish the door due to sun damage or rot, you must remove all of the hardware, sand and strip the door, and then reapply the finish.

Customization

Specify every element of your custom iron door, including its shape and height, panels, window placement, and more. Also, while iron doors are an investment, they’re typically the least expensive to customize. 

Our iron doors come with your choice of finish, selected from our catalog of six exclusive colors. The finishing and detailing process is thorough and seamless, and provides an unmistakable look that will last for years to come. 

On the other hand, you can customize wood doors to include transoms, sidelights, and decorative details, but it’s expensive to do so. And, finishing or refinishing a wood door is costly and requires multiple sandings to prep or strip the surface.

Cost 

The price of iron doors and wood doors really depends on the size of the door and how much customization is involved. On average, our projects start at around $10,000. 

According to Cost Helper, custom-built wood doors start at around $3,000. However, it’s important to consider your budget for ongoing repairs throughout a wooden door’s lifetime, and the value a custom iron door could add to your home if you were to sell. 

Overall, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each and how they match up to your priorities for a new entry door.

Warranty 

Traditionally, wood doors come with a 1-year warranty if there is no overhang above the door. However, if the wood door is facing a certain direction, it may not carry a warranty at all. 

But at Clark Hall, we have the longest warranty in the industry, protecting you against manufacturing defects for 10 years on the iron door structure and mechanics. We also provide a 5-year warranty on the Elite finish and glass, and a 1-year warranty on the weather stripping and sweeps on the doors sold in the contiguous United States.

3 Reasons to Consider an Iron Door

After assessing the differences between iron doors vs. wood doors, a clear winner quickly emerges. To summarize a few of the key points, here are the reasons why we recommend buying an iron door for your home: 

A traditional double iron door entryway featuring a charcoal finish.
  1. Fully Customizable

Every Clark Hall iron door is made specifically for you, giving you the freedom to choose your style, silhouette, finish, hardware, and more. You can even choose to design a contemporary pivot door that rotates on a vertical axis, or spindle — a unique, functional design that’s more challenging to achieve with wood doors.

2. Secure & Durable

Iron doors take security to the next level. Our doors are certified to meet some of the strictest hurricane wind ratings and Florida building codes. From our 14-gauge steel door panels to the steel barrel hinges, each one is built with integrity.

3. Nearly Maintenance-Free

Our iron doors require minimal maintenance to preserve their attractiveness and functionality. We recommend cleaning the surface occasionally with a mild soap, water, and non-abrasive cloth. You can also touch up minor scratches with the touch-up paint that we provide with your door purchase.

If you’re interested in learning more about iron doors, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Our experts are available to share more about the features and benefits, and walk you through our custom design process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Iron Doors vs. Wood Doors

Is an iron door better than a wood door?

Yes, if you’re looking for a door option that’s more secure, energy efficient, and customizable, an iron door is better than a wood door. Plus, iron doors require minimal maintenance compared to wood doors.

Are iron doors more secure than wood doors?

Yes, iron is a more durable material compared to wood. Plus, our doors are certified to meet some of the strictest hurricane wind ratings and Florida building codes. 

Do iron doors scratch easily?

Iron is also naturally resistant to rust, making it more durable in a variety of weather conditions. Occasionally, maintenance issues, of which there are few, with iron doors may include scratches and dents. However, because iron is such a durable metal, these are rare and usually caused by severe impacts.

Learn more about iron doors today.

Clarkhall contact form - Dual Column

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Articles

The Latest Home Highlights

Every refreshed entryway starts with a vision-here are a few of our favorites.

Open the Door to Something New