Bilco vs. Steelway: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Big Names in Quality Basement Doors

When securing your home’s basement entrance, choosing the right cellar door is crucial. The basement door is not just an entryway; it’s vital to ensure your home’s safety, security, and energy efficiency. 

A prominent name in the industry, Bilco has been providing homeowners with quality basement doors for years. While Bilco has long been a popular choice, we stepped in with an innovative, thoughtfully redesigned box door to address many of the features homeowners have been desperately seeking.

We’ve carefully analyzed the key differences between Bilco’s basement doors and ours, and aim to explore the significant improvements we’ve made to the industry standard. This article discusses why Steelway’s standard box door is the better alternative for your home.

 

The Legacy of Bilco Basement Doors

Bilco has been a recognized name in the industry for decades, offering a range of basement doors known for their durability and functionality. Their standard box doors, often simply referred to as “Bilco doors,” have been a go-to for homeowners looking to secure their basement entrances effectively for many years.

 

Their doors are available in various sizes to fit different openings, providing direct access to the basement. They have been praised for their sturdy construction and ease of installation, making them a staple in many homes. The brand’s long-standing reputation is a testament to the quality and reliability homeowners have come to expect.

Identifying Areas for Improvement

With any longstanding product, there are always areas for enhancement. Over time, many homeowners and contractors noted certain limitations with Bilco doors. At Steelway, we saw the need for significant improvements and took the opportunity to create innovation and enhancement to the industry standard for basement doors.

Physical Product Limitations

Specific areas of concern with the basement doors Bilco has designed for decades include:

  • Potential Leak Points: Certain designs may develop leak points over time, allowing water to seep into the basement during heavy rain or snowmelt.
  • Use of Plastic Components: Some components made from plastic may not withstand extreme weather conditions like those with metal parts, potentially leading to faster wear and tear.
  • Standard Gas Pistons: Using standard gas pistons might not offer the smoothest operation over time, affecting how easily the door can be opened or closed.

 

Product Availability Concerns

Beyond physical product considerations, availability has also been an issue. Depending on product demand and supply chain factors, Bilco doors have historically created significant home project delays due to waiting periods for delivery or restocking. Timely completion is crucial for contractors and homeowners alike, making availability a significant factor in choosing a basement door.

 

Steelway’s Redesign: The Standard Box Door

Recognizing these areas for improvement around product integrity and availability, we examined the traditional basement door design and asked a pivotal question: How can the product be enhanced? Committed to innovation and customer satisfaction, we set out to revamp the well-known box door concept.

 

Since 1963, Steelway Cellar Doors has specialized in manufacturing custom, fully welded, full-size standard doors. Our expertise in creating durable and reliable cellar doors has been acknowledged across the United States, Canada, and beyond. Over the last several decades, we have built a solid reputation for producing a level of quality and customization that meets the unique needs of our customers.

 

Innovations in Steelway’s Basement Doors

Starting from scratch allowed us to incorporate several enhancements into our standard box doors. The goal was to address the common concerns raised by homeowners and provide a product that exceeds expectations in functionality and durability. We made the following improvements to Bilco’s longstanding model:

 

No Leak Points

Steelway cellar doors are designed with precision to eliminate common leak points found in other basement doors. Utilizing advanced sealing techniques and high-quality materials ensures your basement remains dry and protected from the elements. This improvement not only safeguards your belongings but also contributes to the overall health of your home by preventing moisture-related issues like mold and mildew.

 

Enhanced Gas Pistons

Steelway doors are equipped with superior gas pistons for smoother operation. These enhanced pistons provide effortless opening and closing of the door, improving user experience and reducing strain on the components. Over time, this means less maintenance and a longer lifespan for your cellar door.

 

All-Metal Construction

By avoiding plastic components, Steelway ensures that every part of the door is built to last. Our all-metal construction provides superior durability against wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, and daily use. Metal components offer strength and resilience that plastic parts may not, giving customers peace of mind knowing our doors are robust and reliable.

 

Precision Manufacturing

With the addition of advanced machinery like the Trumpf Laser machine, Steelway has achieved higher accuracy and perfection in cellar door manufacturing. This state-of-the-art technology allows us to produce doors with precise measurements and flawless finishes. The result is a product that functions exceptionally and enhances a home’s aesthetic appeal.

 

Steelway customers often say that the difference is palpable when they operate a Steelway basement door. The smoothness of operation, the solid feel of the construction, and the attention to detail all contribute to a superior user experience.

 

Product Availability and Shipping

One of the significant advantages of choosing Steelway is the immediate availability of our doors. Because we understand that time is of the essence in home improvement projects, we ensure our basement doors are always in stock and available to ship or pick up. This means no extended wait times—your project can proceed without unnecessary delays.

 

Steelway has streamlined production and distribution processes to meet demands promptly. Whether you’re a contractor needing multiple units or a homeowner eager to complete a renovation, Steelway’s commitment to timely delivery helps keep your plans on track.

 

Multiple Dimensions and Specifications

Steelway offers a range of standard sizes to accommodate various basement entryways. Here are some of the dimensions available in stock:

 

  • KD-B L-64” x W-50.5” x H-21.25+1”
  • KD-C L-72” x W-54.5” x H-19+1”
  • KD-SL L-43.25” x W-50.5” x H51.5+1”
  • KD-O L-58” x W-46.5” x H-29.5+1”
  • Extensions for KD-C Doors 54.5” Wide x 20” High
  • EXT 6” · EXT 12” · EXT 18” · EXT 24” · EXT 30”

 

These dimensions correspond to common basement door openings, ensuring a proper fit for most homes. However, Steelway understands that not all entryways are standard; our expertise in custom sizing means we can also cater to unique requirements. Whether you have an older home with non-standard dimensions or specific design preferences, Steelway can provide a custom solution to meet your needs.

 

Customer Satisfaction and Feedback

Steelway’s commitment to quality and customer service has not gone unnoticed. Homeowners and contractors who have made the switch report higher satisfaction due to the improved features and reliability of Steelway doors.

 

Here’s what a few customers had to say:

 

“One of the better cellar doors I’ve seen in this lifetime. The service was impeccable and the quality of the door is out of this world. Highly recommend!” ~ Callie M.

 

“I finished installing my new custom-made cellar door…I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the quality, durability, and craftsmanship of the doors. They were worth every penny.” ~Mark

 

“Steelway did an excellent job outlining the scope of the project, handling the permit, and installing the egress. From start to finish, everything ran smoothly…They arrived on time, and the workmanship is outstanding.” ~David

 

These testimonials reflect Steelway’s dedication to making customers happy by continuously striving to innovate and improve our products and services.

 

Why Choose Steelway?

While Bilco doors have served homeowners well over the years, we believe Steelway’s improved standard box doors offer a modern alternative that addresses previous shortcomings. Here are some of the key advantages of choosing Steelway:

 

Improved Design

Steelway has enhanced the classic box door design for better performance and longevity. By focusing on the details that matter most to homeowners—like leak prevention and ease of operation—we have developed a product that stands out in the market.

 

Quality Materials

Our use of all-metal components ensures durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. This commitment to quality materials means your investment is protected for years to come.

 

Immediate Availability

No need to wait weeks for your door to arrive—our doors are ready when you are. This immediate availability allows you to proceed with your project according to schedule.

 

Custom Sizing

With extensive experience in custom door manufacturing, Steelway can provide solutions for non-standard openings. This flexibility ensures you don’t have to compromise on fit or design.

 

Exceptional Customer Service

Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service from the initial inquiry to after-sales support. We work closely with you to understand your needs and deliver a high-quality product that meets your unique specifications–on time.

 

Steelway Doors are the Better Choice for Basement Doors

Securing your basement with the right door is an investment in your home’s safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. We encourage you to compare Steelway’s products with others in the market, including those offered by Bilco. Making an informed decision ensures you select the best option for your needs.

 

While Bilco has been a trusted name for many years, Steelway offers a compelling alternative incorporating innovative features, quality materials, and immediate availability. Your home deserves the best, and with Steelway, you’re choosing quality, reliability, and peace of mind. For more information on our offerings, view our cellar door products. You can find detailed specifications here and contact our team for personalized assistance with your basement door needs.