Significance
A Masonite garage door is economical and functional. Masonite is made from pressed wood pulp and covered with a sheeny laminate surface. The material bends easily and is often used on skateboard ramps. Light, durable and economical, it is a common choice for stocked (non-custom) garage doors.
Construction
The Masonite garage door is built just like a wood garage door. It has a frame of wood and inside the frames are masonite panels. These fit into the door frame just like glass fits into a window pane. After the frame is assembled, the door may be painted with exterior latex paint. Masonite itself is made by heating wood pulp and pressing it into solid boards, them coating the exterior with an egg shell enamel paint.
Function
This type of door is used for modest homes. It is a lightweight solution, and the Masonite panels in the door frame tend to be thinner than wood panels. For garage doors in a mild climate, and for the homeowner on a budget, Masonite is a good option.
Types
There are a variety of Masonite doors, each is made using different materials. The most common are wood-framed Masonite doors. These use a frame of solid hardwood like pine or birch and 1/4-inch Masonite panels. Other doors may use thicker panels, up to one inch. All Masonite doors are panel-style doors.
History
Masonite was invented in the early 1900s around 1914 and it was sold to the mass markets in 1928. It was invented to be a cheap but durable alternative for wall paneling, table surfaces and counter tops.