The Pros and Cons of External Door Finishes

Popular external door finishes

External door finishes are key to maintaining a consistent look across a home’s façade. Beyond appearance, they can also enhance security, increase natural light in the entryway, and help create a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of popular external door finishes to help you choose the best option for your home’s style, functionality, and security needs.

Glass external doors

Doors incorporating glass panels can create visual interest and come in a wide range of styles. They are ideal for allowing natural light into foyers and entryways.

Pros:

• Allows natural light into entryways
• Enhances visual appeal and modern design
• Variety of configurations and styles
• Can increase perceived space and openness

Cons:

• Reduced privacy (depending on glass type)
• Potential heat loss or gain
• Requires regular cleaning
• May be less secure without a security door.

Duracoat finish to doors

Duracoat (or Duracote) doors are solid-core external doors featuring a factory-applied high-moisture-resistant skin. This tempered hardboard skin is pre-primed and designed for a durable, paint-ready finish. 

Pros:

• Smooth, consistent surface ready for painting
• Saves time on preparation
• Cost-effective option
• Compatible with a wide range of paints

Cons:

• Requires painting after installation
• Vulnerable to moisture if left unpainted
• Not as visually appealing as other external door styles.

Timber veneer finishes

Timber veneer doors are constructed with thin layers of real timber applied over an engineered core for a solid timber look.

Pros:

• Attractive real wood appearance
• A stable finish that won’t buckle or cup
• Generally more affordable than solid wood
• Consistent grain and finish.

Cons:

• Limited sanding or refinishing capability
• Can delaminate if exposed to moisture
• Damage is harder to repair
• Lifespan may be shorter than solid timber.

Solid timber external doors

These solid doors are made entirely from natural timber and finished with oils, stains, or clear coats to suit the required look.

Pros:

• Premium, authentic appearance
• Highly durable when properly maintained
• Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
• Strong and long-lasting material

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Requires ongoing maintenance (sealing, staining)
• Susceptible to movement (warping, swelling) with weather changes
• Can fade or deteriorate under UV exposure.

Bowens range of external doors

We offer a wide range of external doors, including glazed doors, duracoat doors, solid timber doors, and timber veneer doors. With 8,000+ doors to choose from and over 2,500 door hardware options, Bowens has doors readily available for delivery or pickup. 

Did you know we stock a range of wider doors and door frames to meet the new NCC requirements? For more information, read our blog, ‘Doors, Frames & Jambs: Meet NCC Livability Housing Provisions.‘