Front door made of marine ply

[Mr_T25]

I am purchasing one of secure front doors where the internal structure is made of steel. The outter covering I can choose between a marine ply finish or an MDF with a RAL colour spray coating. I'm not sure which one to go for (cost is the same for either).

I like the look of the marine ply finish as it looks like an oak door but then Ive seen some houses (It looks like real solid wood) and the lower part of the door all looks rotten and mild dew growth.

Any thoughts on whether it is not a good idea to go for the marine ply finish?

 

[JohnD]

will it be exposed to rain?

will it get sun?

 

[Mr_T25]

Well it is a double door that will look something like one of these:
http://www.shieldsecuritydoors.co.uk/images/phocagallery/front-page2/thumbs/phoca_thumb_l_0002.jpg

https://www.shieldsecuritydoors.co.uk/gallery2.html

So I guess its no different to any other door that will be exposed to sun light and rain, but it will be facing North East.

 

[catlad]

Marine ply is very durable.

 

[JohnD]

exposed to sun light and rain, but it will be facing North East.

then it will not get much sun, and will tend to be damp, especially in winter, which might lead to algae or something. I have a shaded doorstep that suffers from damp, I treat it thoroughly with wood preserver and oil it for protection, but it doesn't last as well as the drier timber. I have another door protected by an open porch and it fares very much better.

You might consider adding a kickplate to protect the lowest 150mm or so.

I have no experience of MDF used outdoors, but I wouldn't expect it to be very durable if damp.

 

[tomfe]

What, why, what?
MDF for an external door, are you sure it's not tricoya? If it is go for tricoya, no one would use mdf for an external door, the slightest chip in the paint and the whole door will blow. Marine ply while much better still is not the best solution but is fine if you keep it well painted/ protected.

 

[^woody^]

MDF sounds great

 

[Mr_T25]

I am told it is Medite Tricoya whatever that is.

 

[cjard]

MDF sounds great

You mean blowing sounds great?

Just the job!

 

[tomfe]

Go with the tricoya far better than ply any day. Mind you a sheet will cost £120 over £60 for marine ply.

 

[r896neo]

Don't worry he's not short of money, the door is for his cannabis farm to slow down the fuzz...