"Eigenvector" wrote in message
So when that time comes, assuming the door will be in damp conditions,
what would be better a steel door or a wooden door? I'd be inclined to
say steel, thinking that wood would swell and warp and rot in damp
conditions, but I wonder if steel would just rust. I don't care about
looks per se, just durability and air/water tightness.

I'd take the steel over wood, but I'd also look at fiberglass. I have no
idea of the relative price though. Masonite makes some nice ones, but
probably more than you'd want for a basement access.