When we’re setting up a space from scratch, we place thought into every single detail, whether it’s the color of the kitchen cabinets or the type of flooring. While doors have often been an afterthought in many interior design projects, they are now getting the recognition they deserve for enhancing a space’s overall aesthetics and feel. In fact, a study shows that people have a strong connection and positive responses to the use of solid wood in interior design. And rightfully so, the natural beauty, warmth and unique texture of wood can make any space feel more inviting and grounded.
Choosing the right types of wood for doors can be as tough as choosing the perfect lighting or furniture for your home. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to first understand what makes each type special. This guide will help you compare different options and finally settle on a single wood type for your doors.
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Common Types of Wood for Doors
When it comes to selecting different types of wood for doors, you have an idea of the unique traits of each variation to help you choose a material that will be both beautiful and functional.
Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders for your solid wood doors:
Oak
Characteristics: Oak is a classic hardwood option that’s known for its strength, durability, and iconic grain pattern. The material is dense in nature which makes it moisture resistant, which makes it perfect for heavy use and even outdoor exposure.
Best Uses: Oak is perfect for both interior and solid wood exterior doors because it can withstand wear and tear while maintaining its timeless look.
Pros and Cons: Oak’s durability is a big plus, and it can handle moisture and heavy use well. However, this strength and beauty come with a higher price tag than some other woods.
Mahogany
Characteristics: You might know Mahogany for its deep, rich color and refined, straight grain. This type of wood is very dense, which makes it naturally resistant to decay and perfect for high-end designs that are built to last.
Best Uses: Mahogany is often the go-to for elegant entry doors and luxurious interiors. Its stately appearance makes it perfect for formal spaces.
Pros and Cons: While Mahogany does hold up its end of the bargain and resists decay over time, it can darken with age. For some people, this can add character to the door, but it can also change the door’s initial look you had gone for.
Cherry
Characteristics: Cherry has a very smooth, fine grain and warm reddish-brown color that deepens as the wood starts to age, giving it a stunning and luxurious finish as time passes.
Best Uses: Cherry is perfect for solid wood interior doors to complement the traditional and elegant decor, where the warmth and beauty of the wood can add a sophisticated touch.
Pros and Cons: Cherry’s aesthetic finish is its biggest appeal, but you will have to do some regular maintenance to keep the wooden door looking its best for years to come.
Walnut
Characteristics: Walnut is exactly what it sounds like: rich, dark color with unique grain patterns. Walnut is the most durable option on the list, but it’s surprisingly pretty lightweight.
Best Uses: Walnut finds its calling in statement doors or accent doors like a sliding barn door that connects two rooms together. The wood is perfect for modern and contemporary designs where the grains add visual interest to a relatively basic space.
Pros and Cons: Walnut’s gorgeous finish makes it highly desirable, though it can be more expensive than other woods due to its scarcity and beauty.
Maple
Characteristics: Maple surpasses walnut in durability, and its resilience makes it ideal for high-traffic areas like the front, bedroom or barn doors. The color is light with a fine grain to it.
Best Uses: Maple’s durability earns a place for the wood in interior doors where the space will see heavy use, like hallways or kids’ rooms.
Pros and Cons: Maple is affordable and strong, but it doesn’t offer the same grain as other woods, which may not appeal to you if you’re looking for a more natural and textured appearance.
Pine
Characteristics: Pine is a softwood with a light color and subtle grain, making it a budget-friendly and easy-to-work-with option for doors.
Best Uses: Pine works well in interiors, particularly in rustic or cottage-style homes where a relaxed, cozy look is preferred.
Pros and Cons: Pine is affordable and lends itself to a variety of finishes, but it’s softer than hardwoods, meaning it’s more likely to dent and scratch.
Alder
Characteristics: Alder has a knotty appearance with a light color, giving it a distinct rustic charm. It’s a softer wood, similar to pine, but often features more visible knots and character.
Best Uses: Alder is popular for rustic and farmhouse-style doors where the knotty, natural look enhances the home’s overall charm.
Pros and Cons: Alder is affordable and offers a cozy, rustic look, but it’s less durable than hardwoods, so it may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood for Doors
When you’re choosing types of wood for doors, you have to think beyond appearance and aesthetics.
Here are some important factors to help you choose:
Where Will The Door Go?
The location of the door will be one of the biggest considerations in your quest for the perfect wood type. Exterior doors will face all sorts of elements, so they need wood that’s dense, durable, weather and moisture-resistant, and stands against temperature changes. Hardwoods like mahogany and oak are great choices here because they have natural properties for fending off decay.
Matching Wood Type with Your Space
Your wooden door will define the character of the room, so it should either match the aesthetics of the space or compliment it, not go against it. Walnut and cherry have darker tones and smoother grains which is perfect for modern and formal interiors. If you have a more rustic and farmhouse-inspired style, then materials like pine and alder will be a great option because of their noticeable grains and natural knots.
What’s the Budget?
Budget always plays a role, and wood types vary widely in price. High-end hardwoods like mahogany and walnut can be an investment, but their durability and beauty often justify the cost. Mid-range woods, like oak and cherry, offer solid quality and a classic look without breaking the bank.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right wood type for your door is not just about what’s looking good—you have to find the ideal choice that aligns with the needs of your space and your vision for a design that brings the whole decor together. Doors are not just an accessory; they are a vital part of your home design and have the ability to make or break the cohesiveness in design.
Ready to find the perfect wood doors for your space? Visit Mannlee to explore our curated collection of high-quality wooden doors crafted with beauty and longevity in mind. Let us help you create a space that feels warm, inviting, and uniquely yours.
