There are different types of buildings, but they can all be grouped into commercial and residential buildings. Commercial buildings are those used for commercial activities, examples are hospitals, banks, corporate offices, etc. Residential buildings as you’ve probably already guessed are made for housing and include all the necessary utilities that satisfy the living requirements of a family or person. Examples include apartments, houses, dormitories, hotels, flats, etc.
The types of doors installed in a building depend on its function and how much traffic the entrance in question will be getting. Naturally, a bank’s entrance will have more people going through it than say, a hotel room. This is one of many things that contractors consider when deciding what types of doors would be suitable for any structure.
Typically, areas with high traffic require stronger doors that can handle wear and tear. This is why most commercial buildings have exterior doors that are much different from what you’d normally see in a residential building. However, in this article, we’ll be exploring the best types of materials for interior commercial doors.
Wood
Wood doors are incredibly versatile and can be used in just about any interior space. They offer a natural look and contribute greatly to the aesthetics of any space. But beauty isn’t the only thing wood doors have going for them. They are also resistant to wear and tear, can be painted or stained with any color, and more solid ones can be used for noise reduction, offering even greater privacy. Visit to learn more about how wood helps with noise reduction.
Manufacturers make wood veneer doors that have a thin layer of wood over a core. Since these pieces are versatile, finding one that fits your budget and the design in mind shouldn’t be a problem. You can find those made from popular materials like oak, walnut, and birch. If you’d prefer something less common, you can have the manufacturer custom make them from special wood materials like fir and eucalyptus.
Clients also usually have the option to choose between a pre-finished or unfinished door, based on their needs. They are largely used in hotels and apartment buildings because they are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and incredibly versatile.
Plastic Laminate
This material is great for areas with high traffic like schools and hospitals. Plastic laminate doors are resistant to both moisture and stain and are easy to clean. This makes them suitable for those high-traffic areas that are prone to germs.
They are made by mixing resin and paper into a sturdy sheet. They are affordable but of high quality and they always get the job done. Like wood, plastic laminate can be made to fit any design style. As a matter of fact, they can be made to resemble natural wood. This allows clients to enjoy the beauty that wood provides at a cheaper price as plastic is much cheaper than actual wood.
In hospitals, swing plastic laminate doors are more common because they allow for more space and easy movement of patients and equipment. Some manufacturers provide many options that clients can choose from including lost pine, shadow ash, chocolate ash, etc. Each has a unique look and clients can take advantage of this when planning out the space to be fitted.
Metal
Metal doors are known for their exceptional durability, ease of maintenance, and the added safety they provide to clients. Thanks to their durability, they can be used for both interior and exterior use. They are used in high-traffic areas like hospitals, offices, and corporate buildings. They can be quite helpful in protecting clients from emergencies like fires and break-ins. Click here to find safety fire tips for commercial buildings.
Metal as a material is more resistant to damages than other materials. Often many clients use these doors for years without the need for a repair. Hollow metal doors are also used for insulation purposes to ensure spaces are always comfortable.
Of all the functions we’ve mentioned above, metal doors are used mostly in buildings or spaces where security is a primary concern. This is because they are incredibly difficult to break down which allows clients enough time to contact the police or other security personnel.
What to Consider When Buying Commercial Doors
If you’ll be buying a door yourself with no help from a contractor, there are a few other things you should consider before placing an order, think about the following:
Use
You should give much thought to how and where you’ll be using the fixture. Ask questions like what is my business? Would it be installed outside or inside the building? Is it for rooms that house flammable materials and chemicals? In short, what you’ll be using it for determines its size, width, and build material.
Budget
You probably already guessed this because that’s how important it is. The type and quality of door you end up getting usually depends on your budget. Once you’ve decided on the material that is best suitable for the use at hand, check if they are available at prices that fit your budget. If not, go for the most suitable substitute. That said, commercial doors do come in varying quality levels, and finding the one that fits your budget just right shouldn’t be that difficult.
Ambiance
Doors are usually the first thing a visitor sees before walking into a room and they give them an idea of what to expect inside. Therefore, it is important that the one leading them to your office makes a good first impression. With the right one installed, customers or clients can quickly form a positive opinion about your business. You can check out Charlotte Commercial Door Company to get started on finding the most suitable one for your business.
Final Thoughts
Two really important things that many buyers overlook are locks and handles. If you consider safety a priority when shopping for a door to buy, then you must pay close attention to these parts. Avoid surface-mounted locks and go for mortice locks instead. The latter is situated inside the door’s framework making them a lot harder for burglars to smash with a hammer.