A Homeowner’s Guide to Common Wood Door Options
You know you need a new door. More than that, you know that you want the classic beauty and long-term functionality offered by a traditional wooden door. But as you begin to search for the new centerpiece of your entryway, you realize that you have more options than simple wood.
In fact, most suppliers offer a wide variety of wood options, each with its own unique set of desirable characteristics. In this blog, we discuss several of the most common wood door materials you might be considering.
Alder
Alder wood has uniform texture, which makes it ideal for homeowners who want complex door designs.
Benefits
Alder is one of the lightest and least dense wood door materials. This lightness can reduce labor and transport costs, which may make it more affordable for you.
Color
Natural alder wood comes in a range of hues, from a pale white-yellow to a mid-brown with red highlights. Alder also takes stain well, allowing you to alter its color if desired.
Varieties
Alder comes in either clear or knotty. Clear wood has straighter, more uniform grain, while knotty wood features naturally occurring knots and whorls. Use clear wood for ornate designs or utilitarian properties. Choose knotty wood to achieve a rustic flair.
Cherry
The distinct, classic look of cherry wood makes it a popular option for homeowners with historical homes or traditional architecture.
Benefits
Cherry wood is a durable and instantly recognizable choice. Cherry accommodates a variety of designs and can complement any wood furniture in your home.
Color
Untreated cherry wood comes in reddish browns, ranging from mid-tones to dark browns. Most pieces of cherry wood have blond streaks which add depth and charm. Over time, cherry darkens naturally so keep this in mind when choosing your initial color. Cherry accepts stain well should you desire to alter the natural color.
Varieties
Cherry wood used for construction has close, straight grain. Most cherry wood variations are in color or texture only.
Mahogany
Widely acknowledged as one of the finest woods available, mahogany lends a rich beauty to any home.
Benefits
Unlike most other hardwood species, mahogany contracts and expands minimally when exposed to temperature changes and moisture. When finished properly, mahogany is one of the most durable building woods.
Color
Mahogany comes in several dramatic hues, which go from an auburn to a deep red. Mahogany also accepts stain and lacquered finishes for a sophisticated touch.
Varieties
Mahogany may feature straight or interlocked grain. Some mahogany wood also exhibits a distinct and beautiful ring-shaped growth pattern.
Oak
With a name that’s synonymous with durability, oak is a popular and smart wood choice.
Benefits
Oak falls into the hardwood family. This wood variety offers a strong, durable option that looks attractive for long periods of time.
Color
Oak’s coloration tends to stay on the lighter end of the scale. Typically, oak wood is blond or pale brown. The lightest colored oak may even have a hint of pink coloration. Oak may also have colored mineral deposits which create a unique pattern on each door.
Varieties
Oak has a clearly visible grain that gives it a distinct look. Individual oak pieces may also have pin knots in addition to any mineral streaks. Knottier oak wood can look cozy and rustic.
Keep these characteristics in mind as you search for your perfect front door. If you can’t find the right door among these materials, consider a more exotic wood that may match your specific color or style specifications.
If you’re in the market for a new wooden door, work with an expert from Arch Design. Whether you know the exact material, finish, and structure you want or you have yet to narrow down your search, our knowledgeable staff can help.