The Pros and Cons of Wooden Front Doors

Finally! You’ve decided it’s time to replace that funky front door you’ve never liked with something eye-catching that enhances your home’s curb appeal. And you know you love the look, feel and sound of wood.

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A wooden front door is a solid contender, according to a Consumer Reports study comparing them with steel and fiberglass doors. Wooden doors are best at resisting wear (they don’t dent and scratches can be repaired) as long as you keep them maintained.

This guide will help you decide if a wooden front door is the right choice for your home, lifestyle and budget.

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What Wood is Used for Front Doors?

Some wooden front doors are labeled solid because they’re made entirely of a particular species, such as maple, oak, mahogany, knotty alder and others. Many manufacturers also make engineered wood doors. These are made by pressing and gluing together multiple layers of wood in different directions to form the core material. A wood veneer is applied to the surface. Engineered doors are generally considered more stable than a solid wood door, which can react to heat and humidity and warp over time.

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Are Wood Front Doors Energy Efficient?

Wooden front doors are not as energy efficient as steel or fiberglass. But, you can improve a wooden front door’s efficiency with proper installation, including caulking and weatherstripping. Boost the efficiency factor even further by installing an attractive storm door that complements the style of the wooden entry door.

DIY kits make it easy to install weatherstripping.

What Maintenance is Needed?

You need to paint or varnish a wooden front door, re-applying as it weathers, to keep it protected from the elements. The more it’s exposed to the sun or rain, the more frequently you need to renew the finish. If you live in an extremely dry or humid climate, you might want to consider a steel or fiberglass door instead because they’re less likely to react to those extremes.

Paint your front door like a pro!

Are Wooden Front Doors Secure?

Yes. Wooden front doors are considered to be as secure as other types of doors.

The secret to a truly secure door is having a proper deadbolt lock.

Do Wooden Front Doors Work With All House Styles?

Yes. Because you can choose from a variety of woods that you can stain or paint, and you can add glass if you like, wooden doors complement all styles of homes, from craftsman to contemporary.

Find the perfect door to match the style of your house.

How Much Do Wooden Front Doors Cost?

Solid wooden front doors can be significantly more costly than engineered wood doors, depending on how fancy you go and whether or not the door is prehung (already mounted in the frame). The cost of a simple engineered wood door start at about $200 vs. $500 and up for a solid wood door. Costs rise quickly when you start adding options.

Ready to make the leap? Here’s how to install a prehung wooden front door!

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