Top 7 Eco-Friendly Door Materials (Indoor & Outdoor)

There has been a recent surge of interest in eco-friendly living, and for good reasons. With the world facing so many environmental challenges, it is more important than ever to reduce our impact on the planet. 

One way that many people are trying to do this is by making their homes more eco-friendly. These efforts can involve changing everything from how they power their homes to the materials they use in construction. 

This post will discuss a critical aspect of sustainable home construction: choosing eco-friendly door materials (indoor and outdoor).

Upgrade Your Home With Eco-Friendly Doors Materials!

If you’re looking for a way to make your home more eco-friendly, installing green home doors is a great place to start.

Many options allow you to reduce your environmental impact, from fiberglass and glass to bamboo.

Let’s discuss the most popular green door materials and how they can benefit the environment and your wallet. 

Wood or Timber

Wood is a natural and eco-friendly material that offers many benefits for home doors.

From their beauty and versatility to their thermal and acoustic insulation, wooden doors have a lot to offer. 

For starters, wood is a natural, sustainably-sourced, renewable resource. It is non-toxic and biodegradable, so it doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the environment. 

Another reason wood is a top choice for green home improvements is its accessibility and affordability.

In addition, it is easy to work with, saving you money on installation costs. Not to forget, it adds a natural and warm feeling to any setting. 

Thanks to their high durability, wooden doors can last for many years with proper care.

In addition, they’re easy to maintain and repair if damaged.

A simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all they need to maintain their condition. Also, since wood is resistant to pests and rot, it is ideal for exterior doors.

You can use wood or timber indoors as well. This material is available in various assortments to fit with diverse designs.

Doors made from wood and timber look super stylish and elegant. So whether you want something rustic or modern, there’s a wooden door out there that will fit your needs.     

Lastly, wooden doors are excellent at insulating your home from the cold weather. They help keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air during the summer.

In addition to thermal insulation, these doors are also great at blocking out noise. This quality makes them ideal for homes in busy areas or people who work from home and like to do so in a peaceful environment. 

Glass

When you think of eco-friendly materials for doors, glass is probably not one of the betoken materials that come to mind. However, it should be!

Glass doors are becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for an eco-friendly door option, especially in areas that enjoy a lot of sunlight.

Glass doors offer many benefits over traditional wooden doors, such as allowing natural light to filter into your home and helping to reduce your energy bills. 

They also make your home feel bright and airy while adding a touch of elegance to it.

People love installing glass doors at the back of the house, where views are the most apparent.

However, you might want to stick to interior doors with this material for privacy reasons. 

With that said, many design options are available for glass doors, so you can find the perfect one to suit your taste.

In addition, whether you go for single, double, or triple glazing, it can be fully recycled and reused in various ways. 

Furthermore, the gap between two glass panes contains air or argon gas, which creates an insulating barrier to keep you warm in winters. 

However, glass doors do have some drawbacks.

They’re difficult to maintain and can be more expensive than other types of doors. So, if you want to choose glass as an eco-friendly option for your home, be prepared to spend more money on installation and maintenance.

With glass doors, you can opt for three main options:

Insulated Glass (Double-Glazed)

These doors have been designed to create an insulated space between the two glass pieces. This insulation is responsible for the door’s excellent thermal performance.

The insulated gap between the glass panes acts as a thermal barrier that minimizes heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building.

The insulation helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.

Also, the insulating layer prevents condensation on the interior surface of the glass. Condensation can contribute to mold growth and damage to door frames, so reducing it is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

The final benefit of insulated glass doors is their sound insulation capabilities. The multiple layers of glass and the insulated space help dampen external noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable interior environment.

Low-E Glass Doors

Also known as low emissivity glass doors, these options have been designed to minimize heat transfer while allowing light to pass through. 

This type of glass is usually used in windows and doors to enhance energy efficiency and improve thermal performance in buildings.

Low E-glass doors have been coated with a microscopically thin, transparent layer of metallic oxide. This coating reflects infrared radiation, preventing it from passing through the glass. 

Additionally, the reflective coating helps to maintain a comfortable interior temperature by reducing heat loss during cold weather and minimizing heat gain during hot weather.

These doors are ideal if you want to maximize daylighting. The material allows natural daylight to enter the building while controlling the amount of solar heat gain.

This promotes daylighting, which is the use of natural light to illuminate indoor spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

The balance between natural light and heat control enhances the overall sustainability of the building by minimizing the reliance on electricity for lighting.

Argon Gas Insulated Glass Doors

Usually, argon gas is added inside an insulated panel with low-E glass and used to make doors. The gas replaces most of the air during the manufacturing process.

Argon is an inert gas with high density and low thermal conductivity. When injected between the glass panes, it acts as an effective thermal insulator.

The insulation minimizes heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building, improving energy efficiency and reducing the need for heating or cooling systems.

Also, argon gas helps reduce condensation on the glass surface. Condensation can lead to issues such as mold growth and degradation of door materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most eco-friendly door materials. So if you’re looking for a lifelong product, look no further! 

Aluminum is one metal builders love for home construction because it is lightweight, making it easy to transport, handle, and install. 

Its toughness and durability make it particularly perfect for building door frames. It can withstand wear and tear, rust, and corrosion efficiently.

Most importantly, aluminum frames don’t degrade into microscopic particles and harm the ocean ecosystems. Besides, it is fully recyclable, so you can feel good about using it. 

Moreover, you can expect to save a significant amount of energy living in a home with aluminum glazed doors.

Plus, this eco-friendly door material incurs no damage by termites like some other materials do, so you can rest easy knowing your doors won’t face pest damage and will last for years to come. 

Not only this, but aluminum possesses remarkable fire-resistant properties. It doesn’t burn or provide extra fuel to fire, helping you ensure your and your family’s safety. 

Finally, you can choose from various colors and finishes to customize your doors. Since it is possible to mold aluminum into any shape you like, it can fit different door shapes. 

Overall, aluminum offers excellent value and lowers the lifetime cost of your doors.

You can install aluminum doors in your home and forget about them for up to thirty years with little to no maintenance, and they’ll serve you well. 

PVC

PVC is a prevalent material and is widely available on the market.

You must have seen it used to make pipes, fittings, and water tanks.

Nowadays, people have started using it for manufacturing sustainable doors, thanks to easy installation and fabrication.  

There are multiple PVC door options to choose from, all in unique colors, textures, and designs, so you won’t have trouble finding the perfect one for your home.

Rest assured that it is made from recycled materials, reduces indoor pollution, and doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the environment.

One of the most significant benefits of using PVC for doors is termite protection.

Wood doors can be susceptible to termites, but PVC is not a food source for these pests. In other words, you won’t have to worry about your door being eaten away by termites! 

PVC is also resistant to corrosion, which allows it to last longer than other materials. This property makes it an excellent choice for those who live in areas with high humidity or saltwater.

You don’t have to worry about moisture damage with PVC doors, either. This material doesn’t swell, warp, or rot like others, which can be a problem in humid climates. 

One of the best things about PVC is its luster and shine don’t go away even after years of continuous use. As a result, you won’t have to spend a lot of money on varnishing, painting, or polishing your doors.

Instead, you only need a cloth and mild detergent to remove stains and wipe them down.

Fiberglass 

Fiberglass comes from recycled materials, so it is an excellent choice for those who care about the environment.

It is also non-flammable and low-maintenance, making it a wise investment for your home.

This rugged material is resistant to dents and scratches.

Also, since it is lightweight, it allows for smooth, hassle-free transportation and installation.

Hence, fiberglass remains an ideal choice for doors, as it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. 

In addition, fiberglass is non-flammable, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your family is safe in the event of a fire.

This material is also very durable and can last for many years with minimal upkeep.

Unlike conventional door materials, fiberglass does not require frequent painting or staining so that you can save time and money on maintenance. 

Finally, fiberglass is an excellent insulator and can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

It has high tensile strength, meaning it can withstand pressure without breaking.

It is no surprise that fiberglass doors are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners for all these reasons. 

If you’re looking for a strong, lightweight, and eco-friendly door, fiberglass may be the perfect choice for you!

Bamboo

Bamboo is another fantastic eco-friendly door material for both entry and interior doors.

With a three to four-year maturity cycle, it is one of the fastest renewable plants, offering a good substitute for wood with tons of benefits to homeowners.    

First, bamboo is a natural resource that does not require harmful chemicals or pesticides to grow.

Since it grows incredibly quickly, it replenishes efficiently without damaging the environment.

Plus, it is biodegradable, so it won’t harm the planet when it’s time to replace your doors. Hence, using bamboo for entries helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Bamboo is also unique—no two pieces of bamboo are precisely alike. This quality gives your door a one-of-a-kind look that your friends and family will appreciate.

You can get the grains pronounced or subdued, depending on the aesthetics of the modern, environmentally-friendly space.

The timeless design ensures the doors will never go out of style, making them an excellent investment for your home.

Thanks to high durability, bamboo can be used both outdoors and indoors. It’s resistant to rot and insect damage, so you won’t have to worry about it deteriorating over time.

All in all, bamboo makes an excellent choice for a green door project.   

Recycled Steel

In green construction materials, recycled steel has been used for over two decades to build sustainable homes.

People opt for this material for their homes because it is strong and can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

It is inarguably one of the most reliable options for interior and exterior doors alike, making it perfect for homes with children or pets. 

Plus, recycled steel is eco-friendly; it helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills each year. So, you can feel good about making this environmentally-friendly choice.

It also has a sleek and stylish design to complement any home décor. 

Lastly, recycled steel is affordable compared to other materials like wood or fiberglass.

In addition, it requires minimal upkeep—just a simple cleaning every few months will keep it looking new. This way, you can save plenty of time and money in the long run.

Thankfully, it is easy to find recycled steel products, making it a convenient choice for your home. 

Choosing an Eco-Friendly Door

Selecting an eco-friendly door involves considering various factors that contribute to sustainability and environmental consciousness. 

From the material used to the energy efficiency and certifications, each aspect plays a crucial role. 

Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed choice:

Door Material

The choice of door material significantly impacts its environmental footprint. 

Opt for materials that are renewable, recyclable, or sourced sustainably. Some eco-friendly door materials include:

• Bamboo: A rapidly renewable resource with minimal environmental impact.
• Recycled Wood: Doors made from reclaimed or recycled wood contribute to waste reduction.
• Fiberglass: Energy-efficient and durable, often made with recycled content. 

Energy Efficiency

An energy-efficient door can enhance your home’s insulation, reducing the need for heating or cooling.

Look for doors with features such as:

• Insulation: Doors with proper insulation prevent heat transfer, saving energy.
• Low-E Coating: Low-emissivity coatings reduce heat loss and UV rays penetration.
• Energy Star Certification: Doors with Energy Star certification meet stringent energy efficiency standards.

Door Manufacturer

Choosing a reputable and environmentally conscious door manufacturer is crucial.

Consider the following factors:

• Sustainability Practices: Research the manufacturer’s commitment to sustainable practices.
• Environmental Certifications: Look for manufacturers with certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for responsible wood sourcing.

Certifications and Ratings

Certifications and ratings provide a clear indication of a door’s environmental impact.

Check for the following certifications:

• FSC Certification: Ensures the wood used is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
• Cradle to Cradle Certification: Focuses on sustainability throughout the entire life cycle of the door.
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A certification that considers overall environmental performance.

Upgrade Your Home With Eco-Friendly Doors Materials!

When looking for a new door for your home, it is essential to think about more than just the style and function. It would help if you also considered the environmental impact of the materials used. 

Thankfully, many homeowners are now choosing eco-friendly doors made from sustainable materials. 

Making an environmentally-friendly door choice for your next project will be good for your home, pocket, and the environment.

Besides, eco-friendly doors also look great and add value to your home. 

You can choose sustainable materials like bamboo, glass, or wood or look for doors made with recycled materials.

No matter what route you take, make sure you consider all of your options before deciding. 

So, which of our favorite eco-friendly door materials are you excited to invest in?