Steel Doors vs Iron Doors
Steel and iron doors are often confused due to their similar appearance, but they differ significantly in terms of material properties, manufacturing processes, and performance. While iron doors were historically used for their strength, modern steel doors have become the superior choice for both interior and exterior applications due to their durability, design versatility, and finish quality.
Key Differences Between Steel and Iron Doors
- Material Composition:
- Steel: An alloy of iron and carbon, with added elements like manganese or chromium for enhanced strength and corrosion resistance.
- Iron: Often refers to wrought iron, which is softer and more prone to rust compared to steel.
- Strength and Longevity:
- Steel Doors: Offer superior strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors.
- Iron Doors: Though strong, they are heavier and more susceptible to corrosion, especially in humid or coastal areas.
- Finish and Maintenance:
- Steel: Can achieve smoother finishes, particularly with cold-rolled steel profiles. Powder coating or other surface treatments ensure a long-lasting, polished appearance.
- Iron: Often retains a more textured, less refined finish, requiring more frequent maintenance to prevent rust and deterioration.
Cold-Rolled vs Hot-Rolled Steel Profiles
Steel doors can be manufactured using two main types of steel profiles: cold-rolled and hot-rolled. Each has unique characteristics that affect the production process and final appearance.
- Cold-Rolled Steel:
- Used in high-precision profiles like those from Jansen.
- Surface: Smooth and consistent, making it ideal for internal steel doors.
- Finish: Requires minimal surface preparation before coating, ensuring a refined look.
- Hot-Rolled Steel:
- Common in profiles like Ottostumm W20 and W40.
- Surface: Rougher and less uniform due to the high-temperature rolling process.
- Finish Challenges:
- Welding joints must be ground down for a seamless appearance.
- Unworked areas retain their rough texture, which can remain visible after coating.
- Solutions:
- Full grinding or sandblasting to unify the surface.
- Applying structured powder coating to mask surface inconsistencies.
Why Steel Doors are the Better Choice
Steel doors provide unmatched versatility for both interior and exterior applications. Their strength-to-weight ratio allows for slim, elegant profiles without compromising durability. Unlike iron doors, steel is more resistant to corrosion and wear, making it a practical and stylish option for modern designs.
Choose Icon Loft Steel Doors
At Icon Loft Steel Doors, we specialize in crafting custom steel doors using premium cold-rolled profiles for smooth, refined finishes or hot-rolled profiles for heritage-style applications. Whether you need internal or external doors, we ensure the highest quality and attention to detail.
Visit the Contact tab on our website to learn how we can supply your business with authentic steel doors tailored to your needs in the UK market.