Wood Doors

Wood doors are a “natural” alternative for a unique and sophisticated look. Every piece is an exceptional fingerprint, with each kind having its own personality and distinct feel. Artistically speaking, one can’t find any other material that matches the charm and elegance of wood. Although composite materials have tried to copy it, nothing has captured the depth, beauty, and texture of real wood.

For most home owners, nothing beats the appeal of entry doors made of solid wood. Wood doors are usually built using pine, oak, and fir mainly because they are stronger types of wood; however, even these wood types have the tendency to deteriorate and warp if exposed to moisture over long periods.

Solid wood doors can be an expensive pick for entry doors, but they can also be worth every penny. A wooden entrance door in flat, etched style, or raised panel is a popular choice among home owners, and are oftentimes combined with clear glass or stained glass inserts.

Wood doors can either be exterior wood doors or interior wood doors. Exterior wood doors come in an assortment of materials, designs, and colors. Since they are usually exposed to the harshness of exterior elements and are relied upon to provide security, exterior wood doors should be made of quality-wood material, as well as excellent construction.

Exterior wood doors need major protection from sun, moisture, and other elements, as well as standard maintenance. Manufacturers of wood doors are also required to include the process of treating wood with a preservative, to help stop wood rotting – but keep in mind that regular maintenance of exterior wood doors ensures that it lasts and performs.

On the other hand, interior wood doors are simply for privacy and entryway for various parts of the house so most wood materials used are lighter than those of exterior wood doors. They also don’t require the complex proofing and protection against exterior elements, thus they are less expensive.

There are a diversity of construction types and materials that interior wood doors can be made of, but interior doors have three basic types namely solid wood, hollow, or solid core. Solid wood doors are great choices for longer lifespan and appearance, and can be paneled or smooth; they are comparable to hollow wood doors but differ mainly in the hollow section as solid wood doors are filled with particleboard, making it more soundproof and stronger than hollow wood doors.

Knowing the wood type that one can opt to have with their wood doors will help in deciding which wood door material best suits one’s need. Some of the preferred wood types include alder, knotty alder, cherry, and hard maple.

Alder wood is moderately light in color and smooth in surface; it is an average-thickness hardwood with even-grain appearance. Its color varies from tan to white and sometimes pale-pinkish brown. Knotty alder is usually light brown in color, with tones of peach or red; its knots differ in color, shape, and size.

Cherry wood is a famous hardwood because of its ease of use, personality, and warmth. Its texture is fine with grains that create small spots, delicate figuring, “beauty knots”, and flecks. Its color can range from dark reddish brown to light red that naturally ages.

Hard maple wood is valued for its beauty and strength, as well as its resistance to wear. It has fine texture with uniform grain, and a quite clear white color; it is best once left natural and just given a clear seal coating.

Wood doors are practical choices, and are excellent natural insulators. When manufactured correctly and regularly maintained, they can be exceptionally durable, as well as resistant to the elements and time.