How to Choose the Right Pedestrian Door for Your Business

Commercial doors are not one size fits all. They have different benefits and different costs. In order to choose the right commercial door, business owners need to consider the role it will play in their business. Where will it be located? How often will it be opened and closed? Will it operate near heavy machinery? Who will need access to it?

Once owners know the answers to these questions, they’ll be able to evaluate the materials, capabilities, and characteristics of the entrance doors available, in order to select the right one for the job.

Wooden Doors

Wooden doors are more common in private homes than commercial buildings. As a natural material, wood is pleasant to look at but susceptible to wear and tear. Direct exposure to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can harm its appearance, while repeated use can lead to breakage.

For this reason, fewer businesses install wooden doors in main entrances. In commercial buildings, wood is used mostly for interior doors. It’s a good insulator, holds up well under moderate use, and creates a pleasant working atmosphere. In fact, a few businesses, such as restaurants and retailers, still use it because it makes their entryway more inviting, even though it comes with higher maintenance costs.

Glass Aluminum Doors

Glass aluminum doors are lightweight and durable, which makes them one of the most versatile options for commercial buildings. Their sleek appearance makes them a popular choice for storefronts and offices, while their rugged construction resists corrosion and holds up well against the elements, making them a good fit for rainy or coastal environments.

Aluminum frames are not only long-lasting, they strengthen glass, for better security and lower maintenance costs. Choosing aluminum also allows business owners to install a wide range of accessories, such as magnetic locks, ADA closers, panic exit devices, and security glass. But best of all, aluminum is a low-cost material. It’s inexpensive to purchase, install, and maintain, a highly economical solution for businesses with tight margins.

Hollow Metal Steel Doors

Without a doubt, hollow metal doors are the most durable choice for any business. When properly maintained, steel doors can last for decades. Their high durability reduces maintenance costs, so even though they’re more expensive than aluminum doors, owners don’t pay much in the long run.

Steel also resists corrosion and insulates better than wood or aluminum. And while wood and aluminum doors are fire resistant, neither is highly rated as steel. For this reason, hollow steel fire doors are standard in most buildings.

In fact, the only disadvantage of steel is its price. Compared to aluminum, steel is costly to purchase and install. For this reason, steel doors are most common in warehouses and industrial sites, where durability and maintenance are the business’s biggest concerns.

Glass Doors

Frameless glass doors are a popular choice for retail and office buildings. They give businesses a sleek, modern look. Installing glass doors also makes buildings and rooms feel larger. And, by letting in more natural light, they make spaces more welcoming and allow customers to view products inside a retail space.

They’re easy to maintain as well. While regular glass breaks easily, tempered glass is remarkably tough. While not as durable as aluminum or steel, tempered glass holds up well to heavy use, which is why it’s frequently installed in high traffic areas. Opening and closing a door doesn’t seem like a big deal, but even small amounts of wear and tear adds up over time.

Glass also stands up well to the elements. It won’t rot, rust, warp, or discolor despite heavy rain or extreme temperatures. In fact, as long as they’re cleaned and oiled regularly, glass doors can last for years. Easy maintenance is one of the reasons they’re frequently used for both interior and exterior doors.

Ready to Choose the Right Pedestrian Door For Your Business?

In order to choose the right commercial door, business owners should familiarize themselves with the distinct advantages each one provides, to determine which one best fits their needs. Looking for a stylish entrance, a safe exit, or an interior door solution? Contact our team for a free estimate. We’ll review your situation and recommend a customized solution for your business.