It is not a secret that wood is one of the best materials for doors. In fact, the best wood for exterior doors has been in furniture and door industry discussion for years. That is why, when buying one, you need to consider a wide range of factors.
If you need a complete guide for your exterior doors, you found the right one! In this blog, we’ll discuss the perfect wood types, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Contents
What is an exterior door?
An exterior door is a type of door used in an outside space. Commonly, they are found in areas, such as an open area or garage. Since this door is located outside, it should be durable while maintaining its aesthetics. They should also withstand extreme weather conditions, be energy-efficient, and be privacy-preventive.
More often than not, exterior doors are made of various materials, such as wood, aluminum, and steel. Such materials should sustain the characteristics necessary to perform and function well in space. Along with the sturdy materials, they often include thick frames, high-locking mechanisms, and weatherstripping.
What is the purpose of wood in exterior doors?
The purpose of exterior doors extends beyond their aesthetic, which is why functionality and performance should be well taken into consideration. This is also why wood is a top option among door materials. Wood has a natural appearance and is warm and cozy. This makes them suitable for homes and spaces that need a welcoming feel.
Wood also offers excellent features. One of the purposes of the wood in exterior doors is its thermal regulation. This is why they provide good thermal protection, especially in colder places. They are also durable, can withstand wear and tear, and are resistant to sun damage.
Types of Wood for Exterior Doors
The best wood for exterior doors can be decided through many factors, including design, functionality, durability, and more! However, there are two main types of wood that you can choose from: hardwood and softwood. Depending on these options, you can find the perfect wood for your door.
Hardwood
Oak
Oak wood is one of the best hardwood options on the market. Oak has two variations: red and white oak. The red oak has a reddish color with noticeable grain patterns, while the white oak has a subtle color with finer grain patterns. Both of these options have strengths of their own. One of which is red oak, which is a less expensive option than white oak. However, white oak is a much better option since it is durable and stable. This is because they are resistant to moisture and decay and will not likely swell or distort.
Mahogany
Mahogany wood is frequently used as exterior doors because of its aesthetic appeal and functionality. Mahogany has a reddish-brown color with a deep brown hue and a solid grain structure that elevates any space. However, their color shifts darker as they are exposed to sunlight, so be cautious about its placement. Despite this, mahogany offers various benefits, including its extreme resilience and resistance to wear and tear, water, and insects perfect for outdoor space.
Accoya
Accoya wood has a light and natural tone, usually light brown to pale yellow, with a uniform texture and straight grain. Accoya is one of the best hardwoods because it underwent an acetylation process that extends its longevity. This process makes this wood durable, environmentally friendly, and thermally efficient.
Cherry
Cherry wood darkens its color over time, focusing on pinkish-brown to reddish-brown. It also has a fine-grain texture, making its finish appear smooth. Cherry wood is the perfect option for buyers who want darker doors. Aside from their aesthetic, they also perform well, in terms of density and durability. This wood is also resistant to moisture and weathering, making it functional for decades.
Ash
Ash wood usually has a light stain and straight grain, which makes it appealing to the eye. Their color ranges from light to medium brown, though even with stains or paint, they lack the richness of wood. Despite this, many people buy ash wood for outdoor space because it is strong and durable due to its hardness and how well it absorbs shock.
Walnut
Walnut wood has a rich, dark color, ranging from dark brown to black, with a unique grain pattern that allows it to make a statement in the space. Walnuts are sturdy and resistant to decay, though not resistant to weather or moisture. This makes their durability dependent on the quality and maintenance of the door. If you want to choose this material, you should be cautious about where to place it.
Teak
Teak wood is a highly regarded material for exterior doors. This wood has a warm to golden brown color. Aside from how they blend well in the space, this wood is recommended for outside space due to its high oil content and strong tensile strength. They are also known for their incredible durability, as they are highly resistant to moisture, mosquitoes, and decay.
Softwood
Cedar
Cedar wood is one of the best door options if you want a door that looks and smells nice. Cedar has a warm, reddish brown color with darker red hues. They are also aromatic and keep mosquitoes and bugs away. This door is also durable, as it is resistant to moisture, mosquitoes, and decay, and has natural oils to protect it from rot and pets. Cedar is even known for being an excellent insulator, keeping the temperature of the space regulated.
Pine
Pine wood has a light tone and straight grain, which can easily be painted or stained. This means they have variations in terms of style and design. Pine is also strong and resistant to warping. Although pine can suit a variety of spaces, it should be cautiously placed in outdoor spaces. This is due to how soft and less dense their materials are, making them prone to wear and tear.
Knotty Alder
Knotty Alder is a popular choice for exterior doors because of its aesthetic appeal. Alder has a light to warm medium brown color with noticeable knots and grain patterns. This makes them suitable for rustic and contemporary spaces. Additionally, alder wood is stable, meaning they don’t expand or contract when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Hemlock
Hemlock wood is light in color, usually from light brown to pale yellow. It also contains straight, sometimes uneven, grains and a fine, smooth texture. Hemlock wood is one of the most versatile wood door options available at a low price. The only downside is that the wood is less durable, prone to scratches, and shrinks over time.
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir has a reddish color, ranging from light to medium brown. This wood has a consistent, slight wavy grain and sometimes knots that give it a more pleasing appearance. Although, over time, the color might darken, leading to silver gray. Despite this, Douglas fir is very stable, moisture-resistant, and weather-resistant.
Conclusion
These are some of the best woods for exteriors you can add to your material list. Considering their pros and cons, you can find the best materials that suit the outside door, such as solid wood exterior doors, solid wood garage doors, and solid wood barn doors.
Whether you’re looking for interior or exterior doors, Mannlee is a one-stop solution. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team to learn more about what’s in your space!
