The Evolution of Commercial Doors vs Residential Doors

At one time, commercial and residential doors did not differ that much. But as commercial buildings have grown larger and the property they contain more valuable, security consciousness has led to much thicker doors made of more solid materials. This has made them more expensive, while most residential doors are still inexpensive because they are made of lightweight wood. 

The Difference Between Commercial Doors and Residential Doors

First off, commercial doors are built with higher security factors versus residential doors. Commercial properties contain many valuable items, such as sensitive customer information, and are accessed by hundreds of employees and guests on any given day. They serve as the primary safety barrier between malefactors and a business’s financial assets. Depending on the business, commercial metal doors might be a good investment, especially for a warehouse that stores valuable inventory.

This isn’t to say that residential doors are insecure. However, they’re typically made of wood and, depending on the door, are fairly lightweight. While choosing a heftier, thicker wood door for your home is always an option, that also means you may need a heavy-duty frame to keep your door upright, which many homes do not have. Flimsier frames work for hollow doors, but installing a robust, solid wood door on a lightweight frame results in it falling off the hinges.

Style Considerations Are Important

For both homes and commercial properties, entry doors create the first impression. Choosing the right door for your home or business is important to make a lasting statement to everyone who comes into contact with your property. Do you want a welcoming or highly secure look?  

Wooden doors are convenient, lighter, and often more attractive than their metal counterparts. Businesses must consider the tradeoffs between traditional glass push and pull doors, more robust wooden doors, and metal dooring.

Commercial properties can also incorporate more styles of doors. For example, many businesses are experimenting with adaptable garage doors. These protect a business’s interior during the colder months but allow for an open-air floor plan when the weather is more clement. This is a great way to keep spaces functional and exciting for customers.

What Are the Costs?

Here’s where commercial and residential doors really differ. Commercial doors are often far more expensive than their residential counterparts. This is due in part to enhanced security features and unconventional materials. 

Metal doors, for instance, tend to be much more expensive than wooden- or glass doors.

When it comes to residential doors, most estimates place the total price between $500 and $700. However, prices quickly exceed this when you factor in brand names, glass paneling, materials, and installation. A residential door is a simple enough DIY project, but if you’re concerned about properly installing it, rely on professionals for assistance.

Differences In the Details

Commercial- and residential doors vary in their designs and applications. From stylistic considerations to functionality, many considerations come into play when selecting a door for a residence or commercial property. Contacting a contractor to learn more about specific styles and brands is the best option for finding a door that makes the right statement about your home or business.

Carlton Building Services in Hampton Roads Virginia

Carlton Building Services specializes in medical facility renovation in Hampton Roads Virginia. The company also handles new builds, retail renovation, and commercial space remodeling in Hampton Roads. Our services come highly recommended. 

If you need general building contractor services in Hampton Roads, Virginia, contact Carlton Building Services today. We have a wide arrange of past project highlights that you can peruse prior to making a decision.