Australia’s climate can swing from scorching heat to torrential rain, and entrance doors bear the brunt of it. Selecting the right door isn’t just about style - it’s about durability, maintenance, and performance under tough conditions, ensuring the warranty is achieved. We’ve gone through and created a breakdown of good, better, best guide to help you choose the right front door for your projects
Overhead Protection
When selecting an entrance door, one of the most important factors to consider is the amount of overhead protection it will have. Determining the right size for this protection isn’t always straightforward - it depends on elements like nearby walls, the size of the entry frame, and the door’s orientation. To help you plan effectively, the table below provides a detailed breakdown of dimensions (A & B) to be considered for overhead protection based on location (north, south, east, and west) so you can tailor the door selection to suit the entry design.
 |
Climate Type |
North |
South |
East |
West |
|
Coastal |
A = ½B |
A = B |
A = ½B |
A = B |
|
|
Tropical |
A = B |
A = B |
A = B |
A = B |
|
|
Arid |
A = B |
A = ½B |
A = B |
A = ½B |
|
|
Mild |
A = ½B |
A = ½B |
A = ½B |
A = B |
*Dimension C = minumum width equal to entry frame
Should your overhead protection NOT meet necessary requirements for your climate area, you must then look toward composite and aluminium doors to avoid potential warping and damage of the door. Any door without sufficient overhead protection will not be covered under warranty.
GOOD: Timber Doors
Timber doors offer timeless beauty, a variety of finishes in paint or skin finishes, making them a popular choice for traditional and modern homes alike. NHS has a wide range of Timber doors available both online and in-store, check them out here. Timber doors will require care and protection:
- Weather Sensitivity: Timber is prone to warping, bowing, and deterioration when exposed to harsh elements so should be sealed on all 6 surfaces.
- Overhead Protection: Essential for maintaining warranty and longevity. The size of protection depends on climate and door orientation (see chart above).
- Colour Matters: Dark colours absorb heat, accelerating damage. Light reflective colours (LRV > 50) are recommended and painting the door the same colour on both sides.
- Note with Timber doors chosen with a skin finish, MDF routing will be potentially noticeable when finishing the door. Maintenance is key, check out the below tips to help keep your door in warranty and looking fresh:
- Seal all six surfaces before installation.
- Use semi-gloss finishes and repaint periodically.
- Store flat in a dry, ventilated area before fitting.
Best for: Homes with adequate overhead cover and owners willing to maintain their doors.
 |
BETTER: Composite Doors
For locations with minimal cover or full sun exposure, composite doors are a smart upgrade. NHS recommends the Endura Composite door range from Corinthian Doors as a suitable composite door option for areas with low overhead coverage.
- Built Tough: Solid PVC edges, reinforced skins, and polyurethane core resist rust, rot, and warping.
- Design Flexibility: Can be trimmed and rebated like timber for a neat finish.
- Paintable: Use colours with LRV of 50 or below.
- Warranty: 10-year coverage (even for fully exposed installations).
Best for: Modern homes needing durability without sacrificing style.
 |
BEST: Aluminium Doors
When performance and aesthetics matter most, aluminium doors are the ultimate choice. Sleek, modern, and no need for overhead protection- the Elite Aluminium Range by Hume Doors is our recommended go-to for Aluminium doors:
- Weather-Proof: No overhead protection required - ideal for harsh climates or areas with no overhead protection.
- Low Maintenance: Powder-coated finish resists scratches, chips, and fading.
- Complete System: Pair with aluminium frames for a seamless, high-performance solution.
- Options in dark colours without worrying about LRV, and has a range of timber look finishes to match in.
Best for: Homes and businesses exposed to extreme weather, or anyone seeking a premium, low-maintenance solution.
 |
Your entrance door is more than a design statement - it’s a shield against Australia’s unpredictable climate. Whether you choose the natural charm of timber, the resilience of composite, or the durability of aluminium, make sure your selection suits your location, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. Ready to upgrade your entrance door? Explore our full range of Timber, Composite, and Aluminium doors at NHS online or in-store today.