Glass or Wood: The Best Panels for Your Doors
A door is not just a means of facilitating entry into the house or securing it against theft. Construction material has been frequently experimented with in the 21st century. It’s designed to withstand the weather better and provide the much-needed aesthetic appeal that makes a door look modern. Today, you can do a great deal with the design and style of the door. Door designs make it possible to incorporate newer materials into existing doors, adding strength and beauty.
The same goes for windows. The standard casement window was designed to allow light and air to pass into the room. The windows were a crucial part of Roman and early civilizations due to their exceptional capacity to provide quality ventilation. Casement windows manufactured today are more stylish than standard casement windows. These windows are designed to add a touch of newness to contemporary housing.
Panels are extensions added to doors for design innovation and additional appeal. A simple wooden or aluminum door won’t interest a consumer as much as a door with panels will. Adding panels to the door is a relatively new trend. Doors didn’t used to have panels in them previously. Consumers who feel they should be more connected to their environment greatly appreciate the design. Many have installed paneled doors in their lounges and study rooms to keep these spaces well-lit.
But which material is the best for different doors in our houses? Find out here:
Glass Panels
You can’t design the façade of a contemporary building without glass. Modern architectural designs are based on exploring different materials and the qualities they can add to an otherwise ordinary door. For commercial and residential buildings, glass has become a go-to material for construction. Most modern buildings in the world feature full-glass windows and doors set in wooden and metal frames.
Types Of Glass
The numerous experiments with glass have led to the discovery of its various types. These types are based on treatments that strengthen the material for improved security and frequent commercial use.
Annealed Glass: This type of glass is fragile. It’s not fit for door panels.
Toughened Glass: Toughened glass is treated to increase its strength.
Heat-Strengthened Glass: When annealed glass is heated to 600°C, it can withstand higher heat loads and is toughened enough to be suitable for door panels and glass windows. This type of glass is well-suited to various door designs, including French doors, sliding patio doors, and expansive bi-fold doors.
Glazed and Sound-Proof Glass
Consumers living in bustling neighborhoods often feel a heightened need for soundproofing. After all, no one wants street noise to penetrate a safe space like their home. Commercial properties always require door panels that can effectively block noise from entering the house. That’s what makes cafes and restaurants quiet places for fine dining. Glass glazing involves adding two or more layers of glass for improved home insulation. The thicker the glass, the more soundproofing it offers. If you have glass panels in your sliding door, you can opt for laminated, double-glazed, or triple-glazed glass for the doors. Such strengthened glass sliding doors can give soundproofing of around 47 dB.
Hurricane Impact Glass
If you live in Florida or coastal regions that are hit by bad thunderstorms and winds, you should learn more about hurricane impact glass. Tempered glass that can demonstrate a certain level of wind resistance is classified as hurricane-impact glass. The glass is heated and tested against pelting and high-pressure winds.
They are also great for houses located in cold regions. Hurricane glass is heavier than other glasses fixed as panels. The frames required for these glasses need to be equally strong. Aluminum door frames or wooden frames are best suited for such glass panels. Don’t risk pairing glass panels with uPVC doors. They can easily get sashed, making it difficult to sustain the glass’s weight.
Wooden Panels
The concept of wooden panels for doors is not a new one. The bedroom and dining room entryways feature doors with wooden panels that add a touch of grandeur to the space. Wooden panels are typically used in conjunction with double-door structures for larger homes. You can even use wooden panels paired with glass panels to enhance the door’s design.
Wooden panels for front doors are not a go-to material for people living in busy cities. Entrances with wooden panels are ideal for luxury homes situated in exclusive neighborhoods. Houses inspired by early modern architecture often feature wooden panels for their front doors.
Wooden Panels for Commercial Use
Luxury hotels and restaurants have doors lined with wood panels. Wood panels are sturdy and visually appealing. These have a lasting, majestic quality to them. Polished wooden panels add to the color and overall texture of the door.
Best Wood for Wooden Panels
The best wood for wooden panels is mahogany. Mahogany is a hard timber, most popular among consumers for its beautiful color and straight-grained texture. Mahogany is one of the most popular wood types in demand. If you find the wood type too costly, consider using teak or oak wood instead. Both are hardwoods best for door paneling and long-term use.
Panel Maintenance
A slight disadvantage of wood paneling is that it requires regular maintenance. Unlike glass, you can’t wipe wood with a good cleaner and expect it to shine. Polishing wood is a good idea. You can polish it to make it look new. Wood requires regular maintenance since it absorbs moisture, which can cause damage over time.
You should be ready to dedicate a small chunk of cash to wood maintenance if your panel discolors, soaks up a lot of moisture, or looks a bit too dilapidated.
Wooden panels can also shrink due to moisture absorption. The best way to maintain a wooden panel is to inspect it every three months for possible signs of wood shrinkage or cracking and address the issue immediately.
Invest in quality door and window frames if you’re keen on designing doors that suit your taste better. Aluminum door manufacturers make sure they take you on board to customize door designs for you. You can choose the panel that best suits your house based on the style of your door.
Wooden and glass panels are both fantastic for doors. They are elegant, stylish, and easy to design and install. It’s that glass is a more popular option for modern-looking houses. Wooden panels are ideal for doors in locations that want to make a big statement with their classic appeal and traditional overtones.
At Oridow, even if it’s a single door or window, we design it for our customers and ship it promptly. Our certified team of experts has designed aluminum doors and window frames for clients in 30+ countries. In 2009, we delivered quality aluminum and uPVC products to our clients in the Bahamas. We’ve been in the business for over a decade and have designed many aluminum and uPVC sliding doors,tilt-and-turn windows, and VEKA crank-out windows. To purchase aluminum products in bulk, please contact us at 86 137 5516 7195.
Learn More,
Choosing the Right Window Option for Your Living Room
Fighting Climate Change with Style: Why Use Aluminum Windows
Which Window Should You Choose?
4 Reasons To Invest In Integral Blinds
FAQs
What is the main purpose of door panels?
Panels are added to doors for design innovation and aesthetic appeal, and to allow more light into a space.
What are the two main materials discussed for door panels?
The two main materials discussed are glass and wood.
Is annealed glass suitable for door panels?
No, annealed glass is too fragile for door panels.
What types of glass are recommended for door panels?
Toughened glass and heat-strengthened glass are recommended for this application.
What is glazed glass used for?
Glazed glass (adding multiple layers) is used for better home insulation and soundproofing.
What is hurricane impact glass, and where is it useful?
Hurricane impact glass is tempered glass designed to resist high winds, making it useful in coastal or cold regions.
What types of frames are suitable for heavy glass panels, such as hurricane impact glass?
Strong aluminum or wooden frames are best; uPVC frames are not recommended.
Are wooden panels a new trend?
No, the concept of wooden panels for doors is not new and adds a traditional touch.
Where are wooden panels commonly used in homes?
Wooden panels are often used for bedroom and dining room entryways, especially with double-door structures.
What is the best wood for wooden panels?
Mahogany is considered the best, with teak wood or oak wood as good alternatives.
Do wooden panels require maintenance?
Yes, wooden panels require regular maintenance, including polishing and inspection for moisture damage, shrinkage, or cracking.
Which material is more popular for modern-looking houses?
Glass is a popular choice for modern-looking homes.
Which material is better for a classic or traditional aesthetic?
Wooden panels are ideal for locations seeking a classic and traditional appeal.
