Wooden Front Doors and Why You Should Have One: What You Need to Know

Published: October 30, 2020

So you've finally decided to replace your old outdated front door that you've never liked and clashes with your overall décor choices. When looking at options you will likely be looking for something that is eye catching and enhances the curb appeal of your home, wooden front doors check both of these off.

When comparing front doors you'll come across cheaper options such as fiberglass and steel, while these materials can require less maintenance they can dent, are susceptible to rust and can't be easily repaired. Wooden doors however are great at resisting wear, can be fully customized to your needs.

What Wood is best for Front Doors?

When looking for a solid wooden front door, you'll want to select a wood species that will be able to withstand the elements; wood species such as Mahogany, Oak, Knotty Alder and Cedar are all great options when it comes to exterior doors. These species are naturally better at withstanding the elements than some lesser woods like pine. These woods also finish very nicely giving you the often sought after pop on the front of your home.

Energy Efficient and Secure

With proper installation wooden doors are great insulators of both sound and other exterior elements. Unlike metal which transfers temperature swings wood exhibits low thermal conductivity giving it a high heat-insulating capacity, allowing it to keep the outside weather out and your home comfortable.

Required Maintenance

Depending on exposure to the elements and finish, you may need to repaint or apply varnish every so many years to help prolong the life and beauty of your door. These same issues can arise in metal doors where constant sun rays will fade the paint and if the door is constantly exposed to water it can start to rust.

Selling Feature

Solid wood doors are widely considered a great selling feature in the current housing market by real estate agents. With the average home price being around half a million dollars you want to preserve that investment with a custom made wooden door to increase the value of your home. After all luxury items like wooden front doors are something you only purchase one time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wood species work best for interior doors?

Poplar is the most popular choice for painted interior doors due to its smooth grain and affordability. For stained doors, Red Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Walnut each offer distinctive grain patterns and color tones. The best species depends on whether you plan to paint or stain.

How are custom wood doors different from big-box store doors?

Custom wood doors are built to your exact dimensions using solid hardwood and traditional joinery methods like mortise and tenon. Big-box store doors are typically hollow-core or use engineered materials. Custom doors offer superior sound insulation, durability, and a solid feel that mass-produced doors cannot match.

Can I order a custom door in a non-standard size?

Yes. Estate Millwork builds every door to your specified width and height. Whether you need a narrow pantry door, an oversized entry door, or a door to fit a historic opening with non-standard dimensions, we can accommodate your requirements.

What door styles does Estate Millwork offer?

We offer louvered, raised panel, flat panel, French, barn, arched, and mission style doors. Each style is available in multiple wood species and can be ordered painted or unfinished. Our online designer lets you configure every detail and see an instant price quote.

Design Considerations for Custom Wood Doors

Measure the rough opening, not the existing door, when ordering a replacement. Include the width, height, and wall thickness so the door and jamb fit correctly.
For high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, choose a harder wood species like White Oak or Maple that resists dents and wear better than softer species.
Louvered doors are an excellent choice for closets, laundry rooms, and utility spaces because the slats promote air circulation, reducing moisture buildup and musty odors.
When matching new doors to existing trim, bring a sample of your current wood or finish to compare. Estate Millwork offers the same species and can match stain colors for a cohesive look.