Are you a home or business owner looking for the right door frames for your residential or commercial project? Maybe you are overwhelmed by the range of options available in the market! Do not worry; because we are here to help you choose the right frames based on your needs and style!
Door frames contribute majorly to the interior design and style of a home, office, or commercial space. An elegant door with a simplistically designed, modern frame can completely change the look of your space. This is why choosing the right door frame is extremely important!
Metal door frames are the popular choice these days. Modern homeowners, business owners, and interior designers prefer them for multiple reasons. These frames offer higher utility and longevity as compared to their wooden or fiberglass-made counterparts. Moreover, there is a wider range of customizability when it comes to metal frames.
Metal door frames combine practicality with style and luxury and can complement any kind of interior. However, with so many types, designs, and materials available in the market, people often get confused when choosing the ideal frame. Here is how to select the right metal door frames for your projects!
Introduction to Metal Door Frames
First of all, let’s have an introduction to metal door frames. There are two commonly used materials in manufacturing doors and door frames; wood and metal. Door frames made out of pure metals or metal alloys (such as different types of steel or aluminum alloy) are called metal door frames.
Metal door frames have a lot of favorable properties and are widely used in the commercial and industrial sectors. These frames are most commonly used to fit security doors in entrances and exits. You might have seen metal door frames in factories, large-scale warehouses, banks, museums, high-end office buildings, and commercial settings. These door frames are now also being used in the residential sector, in modern houses and luxury residential buildings because of their simple and elegant look!
Why Choose a Metal Door Frame?
There are many reasons to choose a metal door frame. Foremost, metal door frames provide excellent strength and durability. These frames are sturdy and impact resistant, making them the ideal choice for fitting security doors at important locations. Where a wooden or fiberglass-made frame may crack open with blunt force, a metal frame will not even slightly budge from its place.
Secondly, metallic door frames are long-lasting. You will be amazed to know that a metal door frame can last up to 20 years with minimal maintenance! In addition to that, where wood may swell, bend, or lose its shape with changes in temperature and humidity, there is no such issue with metal frames. These frames are weather-resistant and can even be used for exterior doors!
Metal frames provide excellent security and safety. Due to their strength, they can conveniently deter burglars, thieves, and unwanted intruders. Moreover, a wide range of security systems can easily be installed on a metal frame. These frames are fire-resistant as well, so they will not get damaged under extremely high temperatures or flames.
Some Common Types of Metal Door Frames
There are a lot of different varieties of metal door frames available in the market. These varieties are mostly based on the material used to manufacture the frames. There are a lot of different styles and design types as well; however, due to modern metalwork methods (etching, molding, engraving, etc.), you can get almost any design in any metal door variety!
Based on their material, there are four types of metal door frames; hollow metal door frames, pre-finished door frames, stainless steel door frames, and interior aluminum door frames.
A Stainless steel frame is much like a hollow metal frame but has corrosion-resistant and anti-bacterial properties. These frames are mostly used for commercial steel doors and hollow metal doors and are made of 304-or 316-gauge stainless steel alloy.
Hollow Metal Door Frames are made out of sheets of industrial-grade steel alloy. These frames are most commonly used in factories and warehouses, designed for heavy-duty commercial use. Hollow metal frames are widely used for fitting security doors and are fire-resistant as well. You can get a custom hollow metal frame in any configuration, such as borrowed lite frames or transom frames.
Pre-finished metal frames are ready-to-fit frames. These frames are made of steel alloy and are commonly used for fitting commercial doors in offices and business spaces. These door frames also adequately complement interior metal doors and are used for fitting stainless steel doors in homes.
Aluminum door frames are widely used for interior doors in high-end residential buildings and modern homes with a minimalistic design. These door frames are made out of extruded aluminum and have a wide range of customizability. You can get an aluminum frame in any design and configuration possible. You can even get glass windows fitted in them.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Metal Door Frame
Now that you have an idea of the different metal frame types available in the market let’s look at some factors to consider when choosing one.
Here are some parameters to carefully review when choosing a metal door frame:
The Purpose of the Door
First, carefully consider the door’s purpose when choosing the right metal frame for it. Different doors have different purposes, and their frames must be selected while keeping their purpose in mind. A door frame for a heavy-duty security door in a bank won’t be suitable for an interior door that leads to the living room or the kitchen.
If the door leads to somewhere important such as a vault, make sure that you choose a sturdy frame, such as a hollow stainless steel frame. Moreover, if the door is for commercial use, ensure that the frame you choose is heavy-duty grade.
The Location of the Door
The location of the door is important to consider as well. For example, suppose you’re selecting a suitable frame for an external door. In that case, it is important that you select a weather-resistant variety that won’t be affected by heavy rains, storms, strong winds, and sunshine. However, if you’re choosing a door frame for a door that has an interior location, any non-weather-resistant interior frame can be suitable.
The Budget
Door frames have different prices based on material, quality, and design. Typically, door frames range from a few hundred to even thousands of dollars! Make sure that you keep your budget in mind while selecting a metal door frame because you definitely won’t want to overspend on a frame. The goal is to get the best value for your money! Before selecting one, compare different door frames, their pros, cons, and prices.
The Desired Level of Security
One of the most significant aspects to consider when choosing a metal door frame is whether or not it provides the desired level of security. Your door and door frame are your first line of defense against thieves, burglars, and unwanted intruders which is why they must be tough and sturdy.
If you’re selecting a door frame for a security door, make sure you choose a steel alloy frame, as they have incredible strength and are impact-resistant. Whereas if you want a light interior frame, the aluminum frame would be the ideal choice.
The Aesthetic Requirements
Last but not least, it is important that the door frame suits your taste and matches the interior style of your home, office, or commercial space. Thanks to modern metalwork techniques, you can get a door frame in almost any design.
Make sure that you select the right finishing. There are different finishing options and paint jobs available in metal frames. You can choose wooden styles or even a matte or glossy finish.
Things to Consider When Comparing Different Metal Frames
Since many different styles and varieties are available in the market, you should compare different metal frames before choosing the single right one!
First of all, make sure to compare different materials. Metal frames are available in iron, stainless steel, and aluminum. All these metals and their alloys have different features and are suitable for different locations and purposes. Moreover, if you choose steel alloy, choose the right gauge based on your needs.
In addition to that, compare their pros and cons. Consider pros such as fire grading, weather resistance, rust and corrosion resistance, and anti-bacterial and fungal properties. Furthermore, since metal frames vary hugely in price and quality, compare them so you don’t regret your decision later.
Some Tips
Here are some tips for choosing the right metal door frame for your residential or commercial project.
Do Proper Research
You must do proper research before entering the market to choose metal door frames for your project. Before looking for the right door frames, have a general idea of the different metal frame types, designs, configurations, manufacturing materials, and the important factors to consider.
Having a clear understanding of your general needs and aesthetic requirement will help you make the right decision.
Get Quotes From Multiple Suppliers
There are different metal door and door frame manufacturers in the market. Getting quotes from multiple suppliers can help you get a basic cost idea. You can also compare their quality and design varieties.
Choose a Reputable Door Frame Manufacturing Company
One of the most important tips; make sure that you choose a reputable door frame manufacturing company. There are a lot of different metal door and door frame manufacturing companies out there, but not all of them make high-quality, heavy-duty frames.
USA Fire Door is a well-reputed and trusted name in the door and door frame manufacturing business. The brand has manufactured premium quality industrial-grade metal doors and door frames since 2013. Its door frame specialists can give you a detailed guide on different frame types, materials, designs, and what might be the best choice for you based on your needs and style! Visit USA Fire Door’s official website and get a quote today!
Installment and Maintenance of a Metal Frame
Metal door frames are much easier to install than wooden or fiberglass-made frames. These frames are mostly installed as whole, pre-finished pieces. They rarely require maintenance, which, if they do, is mostly done with minor welding. In addition to that, these frames are extremely easy to clean. You can very conveniently clean a metal frame with any strong cleaning substance without worrying that it might damage its surface.
Final Thoughts
Many factors should be carefully considered when selecting metal door frames. There are many different designs, types, and companies available in the market. You should consider the location, purpose, and security needs of the door you are choosing the frame for.
