Wooden Screen Doors vs. Aluminum Doors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of wooden screen doors and aluminum doors, touching on aesthetic preferences, practicality, maintenance issues, and personal nostalgia. Participants share their experiences and opinions regarding the use of these materials in home design, particularly in relation to regional climate considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a nostalgic fondness for the sound and aesthetic of wooden screen doors, linking them to childhood memories.
  • Others highlight the practical drawbacks of wooden doors, such as the need for regular painting and susceptibility to rot and structural issues.
  • There are mentions of aluminum doors being more practical due to their low maintenance requirements, although some participants express a dislike for their appearance, particularly older styles.
  • One participant notes the necessity of winter storm windows in northern climates, suggesting that wooden screen doors may not be suitable for such conditions.
  • Some participants argue that wooden doors contribute to the charm of older homes, while others prefer the functionality of aluminum doors with interchangeable glass panels for seasonal use.
  • There is a suggestion that custom-made doors might be a worthwhile investment over standard manufactured options, emphasizing the importance of design and material quality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; instead, multiple competing views remain regarding the aesthetic and practical merits of wooden versus aluminum doors. Some appreciate the charm of wooden doors, while others favor the practicality of aluminum options.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors influencing their preferences, including regional climate, maintenance requirements, and personal taste. There are unresolved questions about the durability and functionality of wooden doors in specific environments.

Gabrielle
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There was a period in the 80's when I used to notice whether someone had alumininum or wooden screen doors every time I drove past their house. In fact, I almost looked down my nose at such people and thought they were no better than pond scum (just kidding). I was going through a snooty stage. I'll tolerate the white aluminum doors but I despise the old-fashioned steely gray doors (and combination windows).

I'm not wild about vinyl siding either but I can appreciate its practicality as it requires very little maintenance (no need to paint). However, I have heard that vinyl siding rots the wood underneath.

http://www.woodenscreendoor.com/

The front door of your house is a primary focal point, and few elements will enhance your home's charm like a nice looking front door. That usually means a storm and/or screen door protecting your main door, as is required by some city building codes.

If you drive around bungalow neighborhoods, however, you'll be hard pressed to find a house with its original storm or screen door. Unfortunately, yesteryear's aluminum door salesmen were apparently as successful as today's vinyl window salesmen. That any original storm doors are left at all is a testament to their durability. The few houses that do have them exude a certain integrity that is impossible to capture with any type of aluminum door.

http://www.bungalowclub.org/03su_questions.html
 
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I love the bang of a old wood screen door, reminds me of when I was a kid. But because I live in the north, winter storm windows need to be put into the doors, and wood screen doors just don't have that option.
 
Ugh, the wooden doors always need painting and rot and fall off their hinges. I like a nice, white trim, storm/screen door...the kind you can put glass in for winter as added protection against the cold sneaking in under the front door, and screen in for the summer so you can keep it open and let the fresh air in without the bugs. But, whatever you want to do with your own house, that's cool with me...it's your house and should suit your own taste and style.
 
hypatia said:
I love the bang of a old wood screen door, reminds me of when I was a kid. But because I live in the north, winter storm windows need to be put into the doors, and wood screen doors just don't have that option.

I guess they have storm panel inserts but they're expensive.


Storm Panels (Optional)

As all of our doors are constructed for use as combination doors, we recommend fully interchangeable tempered glass panels to provide light and protection, allowing for more functional year round use. Plexiglass panels are also available. Storm panels are built to order, thus to ensure the best fit, it is most recommendable to order your storm panels when you order your door. Frame choices are available in white or brown finishes.

http://www.woodenscreendoor.com/features/
 
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Moonbear said:
Ugh, the wooden doors always need painting and rot and fall off their hinges. I like a nice, white trim, storm/screen door...the kind you can put glass in for winter as added protection against the cold sneaking in under the front door, and screen in for the summer so you can keep it open and let the fresh air in without the bugs. But, whatever you want to do with your own house, that's cool with me...it's your house and should suit your own taste and style.

Oh no, old wood doors are the best on an old country house! The paint cracks and chips away on all the wood surfaces and gives the house its charm. All the plastic houses are so...:zzz: :zzz: :zzz:
 
hypatia said:
I love the bang of a old wood screen door, reminds me of when I was a kid. But because I live in the north, winter storm windows need to be put into the doors, and wood screen doors just don't have that option.

Sure they do.
 
see what helen hoefele is writing about aluminum doors

Gabrielle said:
There was a period in the 80's when I used to notice whether someone had alumininum or wooden screen doors every time I drove past their house. In fact, I almost looked down my nose at such people and thought they were no better than pond scum (just kidding). I was going through a snooty stage. I'll tolerate the white aluminum doors but I despise the old-fashioned steely gray doors (and combination windows).

I'm not wild about vinyl siding either but I can appreciate its practicality as it requires very little maintenance (no need to paint). However, I have heard that vinyl siding rots the wood underneath.

http://www.woodenscreendoor.com/



http://www.bungalowclub.org/03su_questions.html


Choose a custom-made front entry door / storefront instead of a standard manufactured door.
Even if you are working with a limited budget, it may still be worthwhile to invest in custom-made entry ways, rather than going with generics, especially if you invest in materials and a design that is expected to hold up well over time.
I recommend: Consider consulting with an expert or specialist in the type of door you are considering. A company like http://www.steinerdoors.com/ that specializes in custom architectural aluminum door and window designs has the experience to recommend an appropriate style for your business and can even incorporate your logo and/or street address into the front entry door's design. These doors can be made to architects' specifications with styles ranging from French Doors, to Herculite Doors, to Custom Aluminum Front Entry Doors (that don't have an industrial look), to Architectural Doors (with styles from the 30's and 40's, a great fit for some cities), to Custom Retail Alumimum Storefronts.
See full article from helen Here http://www.work.com/how-much-do-you-know-about-doors-and-the-part-they-play-in-the-curb-appeal-of-your-business-1887/
 
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