Installing a door in your home does two important things. First, a door represents a functional improvement by separating a living area, blocking out the sound coming from another room, and enhancing the energy efficiency of your home. Second, by adding a door, you improve the visual appeal of a room. The question is not whether you should install a door, but what types of wood for doors you should go with to maximize the benefits of either adding or replacing a door with a new and improved door.
Advantages of Wood Doors
You will hear a debate that has been held for years concerning what type of material to use for constructing a door. The debate quickly ends when you learn about the many benefits of wood.
Aesthetic Appeal
Nothing compares to the rustic charm a wood door brings to both the interior and exterior of your home. You can go with an elegant look or opt for a more toned-down appearance that will remind guests of the tranquil ambiance exuded by a remote cottage.
Effective Insulator
Because of its natural composition, wood is not affected by temperature changes. If you want to maintain the optimal temperature for a room or the home office, installing a wood door at the entrance is a highly effective strategy for retaining heat.
Rugged Durability
The life expectancy of a properly treated and maintained door can be a lifetime. Woods such as mahogany, walnut, and knotty alder absorb the strong impacts that are the result of active households.
No Heavy Metal Issues
Wood does not conduct electricity, which makes it a much safer material to use for the construction of a door. In addition, you never have to worry about maintenance issues such as rust and corrosion.
Finally, you can find a quality wood door that costs less than a standard aluminum or a stainless steel door.
High Performance Types of Wood for Doors
When it comes to the best types of wood for doors, three types of wood stand out.
Mahogany
As Tal Hassid of ETO Doors aptly put it, “Mahogany doors are best sellers because of their durability and natural beauty.”
As for durability, Forest Research conducted a field test of Fijian mahogany in 1985 and the results came out favorably for the sleek wood. The study concluded mahogany deserves a durability rating of Class 3, which means the wood will last as the foundation of a deck for at least 20 years. Indoors as a gateway to a room or a living area, the rugged durability of mahogany will ensure a door remains in mint condition for a lifetime. Mahogany is especially resistant to the damage caused by rot, mold, and organisms that cause the rapid decaying of a door material.
When stained and varnished, mahogany presents an elegant appearance that includes the capability to reflect both sunlight and artificial light sources in glittering manner. Mahogany also exudes elegant panache to make it the preferred wood for homeowners that want to make a fashionable interior décor statement for the entrance to their homes. The stylish wood also works great for a French door that separates the living room from the dining room.
Walnut
When the time comes to clean your wood door, you do not want to worry about moisture diminishing the quality of the wood. This is why walnut represents a sound choice when it comes to the construction of a wooden door. With walnut, prolonged exposure to moisture will not rot or warp the door material. Although walnut sits at the upper end of the door cost spectrum, the fact that the wood will last a lifetime means you will receive a generous return on your investment. Installing a walnut door will enhance the value of your home.
Visual appeal is also a positive attribute for walnut doors. The sleek wood comes in a wide variety of shades, which allows you to mix and match a walnut door with the right room décor. With an appearance that will remind your guests of natural splendor, walnut is the ideal wood for staining and varnishing. Walnut is a popular type of wood to use for the construction of bedroom doors.
Knotty Alder
As a close relative of birch, knotty alder appears to be all-white when first cut. Because of exposure to air, the wood quickly turns light brown, with a touch of red and/or yellow along the sides. You have several different patterns to choose from when you select a knotty alder door, which makes the wood a versatile addition for any room décor. Knotty alder doors create a stunning addition to the front entrance of your home, as well as a side door leading out to the backyard.
Straight grained, knotty alder possesses a uniform texture, which makes the wood perfect for staining. Solid knotty alder resists the damage caused by strong impacts. A home full of active children is the right home to install knotty alder doors. Knotty alder doors are also a good fit for the front entrance to your home. The beautiful custom look will increase the curb appeal of your home.
When it comes to deciding which type of wood for doors works best for your home, consult with one of our door experts to ensure you make the right choice. We can suggest different types of wood for doors that you can install at different locations in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Teak Wood Good for Doors?
There is considerable debate surrounding the use of teak wood for doors, as its intense color may not be appealing to everyone. Some people feel that it stains easily and doesn’t weather well, while others claim that it has a beautiful natural appearance and is resistant to pests and decay. Ultimately, it’s important to test out different types of teak doors in your area before making a decision.
Which Is Better Mahogany or Narra?
Both mahogany and Narra have their own unique benefits that can make them a better investment. Here are some key points to consider when making your decision:
1. Mahogany is a dense wood that’s often used in furniture, cabinets, and other woodworking projects due to its high strength and exceptional resistance to moisture and insects.
2. Narra is a composite wood made of plastic and resin that’s often used in outdoor furniture, decks, and other projects that require durability and resistance to weathering.
3. Both mahogany and Narra come in different grades, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project. For example, high-grade mahogany is ideal for furniture, while lower-grade mahogany is better for cabinet construction.
4. Both mahogany and Narra have a long history of being well-respected woods, so they are likely to continue to hold their value over time.
What Wood Are Front Doors?
