Doors & Windows — Complete Guide
Doors & windows provide security, privacy, ventilation, daylight & aesthetics. The choice of material — from premium solid wood & plywood to engineered MDF, waterproof WPC / PVC, economical flush doors, and modern UPVC / aluminium windows — affects durability, maintenance, looks & cost. This category covers all major door & window materials for Indian homes.
These materials follow IS 883 (timber), IS 303 (plywood), IS 2202 (flush doors), IS 12372 (UPVC), IS 1948 (aluminium). Top brands: Greenply, CenturyPly, Fenesta, Aparna, Tata Pravesh, Godrej.
Materials in this Category
Door Material Comparison
| Material | Water Resistance | Look | Cost |
|---|
| Solid Teak Wood | Good (treated) | Premium natural | Very High |
| Plywood Shutter | BWP / BWR good | Veneer / laminate | Medium-High |
| MDF (moulded) | Poor (HMR better) | Smooth painted | Medium |
| WPC / PVC Door | 100% waterproof | Modern | Medium |
| Flush Door | BWP good | Plain / veneer | Low-Medium |
| Steel / Fiber Door | Excellent | Security / modern | Medium-High |
Window Material Comparison
| Parameter | UPVC | Aluminium | Wood |
|---|
| Thermal Insulation | Excellent | Poor (needs thermal break) | Good |
| Maintenance | Very low | Low | High |
| Strength | Good (reinforced) | Excellent | Good |
| Large Spans | Medium | Excellent | Limited |
| Cost | Medium | Medium-High | High |
| Best For | Energy efficiency, sound | Large modern windows | Premium / heritage |
How to Choose
- Main entrance: Solid teak wood / steel security door
- Bedroom doors: Flush doors / plywood / membrane
- Bathroom doors: WPC / PVC / FRP (waterproof)
- Moulded designer doors: MDF / HDF
- Energy-efficient windows: UPVC (sound + thermal)
- Large / modern windows: Aluminium sliding (thermal break)
- Fire / security: Steel & fiber doors
- Use BWP grade plywood for wet-prone shutters
Cost Overview (Approximate, 2025-26)
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Solid Teak Door (per sqft) | Rs 400 – 1,200 |
| Flush Door (per door) | Rs 1,500 – 6,000 |
| WPC / PVC Door (per door) | Rs 2,500 – 8,000 |
| MDF Moulded Door | Rs 2,000 – 7,000 |
| UPVC Window (per sqft) | Rs 350 – 800 |
| Aluminium Window (per sqft) | Rs 350 – 900 |
| Steel Security Door | Rs 22,000 – 85,000 |
Best Practices
- Use solid wood / steel for main entrance (security)
- Use WPC / PVC / FRP for bathroom doors (waterproof)
- Use BWP / BWR plywood for door shutters
- Use UPVC windows for energy efficiency & sound (DGU)
- Use thermal-break aluminium for large modern windows
- Use quality hinges, locks & handles
- Treat solid wood against termites
- Use FD-rated steel doors for fire exits
- Ensure proper frame fixing & sealing
Applicable Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|
| IS 883 / IS 1141 | Timber Design / Seasoning |
| IS 303 / IS 710 | Plywood (MR / BWP) |
| IS 12406 | MDF Boards |
| IS 2202 | Wooden Flush Doors |
| IS 12372 | UPVC Windows |
| IS 1948 / IS 4351 | Aluminium / Steel Windows & Doors |