Your front door is not just a door, it is the handshake of your home. It establishes the tone of your property’s look, serves as the first line of defence against intruders, and form a crucial part of your home’s thermal envelope. There are so many sources of material to choose from, and picking just one can be overwhelming.
Should you choose timber for traditional warmth, aluminium for future-proofing, or a uPVC entrance door for the energy savings? At Oknalux, we know the ‘right’ option is not easy – it’s a combination of style, security, and insulation. So, we’ve created this guide to help you make the right decision.
uPVC: The Energy Efficiency Champion
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) has been the energy efficient gold standard across Europe for decades and is fast rising as the preferred option for Australian homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills.
Why Choose it?
If creating comfort is your most important goal, uPVC is tough to beat. Compared to metal, uPVC is an insulator by nature. It does not transmit heat or cold, so the Australian summer heat is outside, and your winter warmth stays inside.
The Oknalux Advantage
Our uPVC windows and doors are more than just regular plastic. They are designed with a titanium dioxide ‘Sun Screen’. This stops the frames from breaking down and going yellow or brittle under the brutal Australian sun’s UV rays. Together with our Argon Gas insulation and Low ‘E’ Glass panels, a uPVC entry door has some of the lowest u-values in the country. Plus, there’s almost no work at all – no painting or sealing are needed.
Thermally Broken Aluminium: Modern Strength
Aluminium is considered the top choice for sleek, slim looking doors with a modern appearance. It is very strong and is perfect if you want large glass panels. But old-fashioned aluminium has a weakness: it conducts heat.
Why Choose it?
Choose aluminium if you want a modern, architectural appearance with good structural stability. It is great for a big pivot door or a grand entrance that creates strength.
The Oknalux Advantage
We’ve fixed the conductance problem. We don’t offer typical aluminium – we offer thermally broken aluminium. That means lining the inner and outer aluminium layers with a reinforced polyamide bar for the protection, preventing heat from transferring. And this provides the best of both worlds: the premium appearance and ruggedness of metal, along with thermal performance that rivals uPVC.
Timber: Timeless Elegance
Real wood has an almost mystical attractiveness, and has been proven that timber doors and windows are to be tactile and luxurious.
Why Choose it?
Timber is the material of choice for heritage homes or traditional designs. It’s ideal for homeowners who care about natural materials, and is a naturally good insulator.
The Oknalux Advantage
We know that timber needs to be managed carefully. That’s why our wood choices are cared for and finished to be more resistant to the elements compared to raw wood. If you want the appearance of wood but the strength of metal, we offer composite (wood/aluminium) doors. The weather-resistant aluminium can handle the rain and sun, while coming with a beautiful, warm timber appearance that feels right at home with your furniture and flooring.
Security Considerations Across all Materials
How you lock your door will also depend on the material that you choose. It’s a common misunderstanding that a heavy wood door is safer than a uPVC one. The fact is that regardless of the materials, the locking mechanism you choose matters more.
At Oknalux, we provide multi-locking systems for each of our entry doors in uPVC, timber, and aluminium. Instead of a single lock-down, our doors lock in place at several locations throughout the frame. This makes them very resistant to forced entry and gives you and your family peace of mind.
The Verdict
- Opt for uPVC for: Best energy efficiency, sound reduction up to 44dB, and no maintenance.
- Choose Thermally Broken Aluminium for: Contemporary looks, oversized openings, and structural integrity that does not compromise on insulation.
- Pick Timber or Composite for: Natural beauty and heritage appeal.
Are you struggling to decide which material is the best fit for your home? Our experts are here to help you find your way through these options.
Call Oknalux at 1300 265 250 or book your consultation online today to find the right entry for your home.
