When choosing an entry door for your home, solid wood is a popular choice. These doors bring a warm, soulful beauty to your home, and come in a variety of styles. If you are looking for an old-world style, consider a solid wood door. These doors are sturdy and won't require any special maintenance. Read on for more information about these options. Also, check out these helpful tips for choosing the best wood entry door for your home.
The front entry door sets the tone for the rest of the house. It is the first thing a visitor will notice as they approach your home, and is often the most prominent feature. The heft and fine finish of a solid wood exterior door give a home a sense of dignity and weight. Stamped steel or fiberglass doors lack these qualities. While these options are durable and beautiful, they can be expensive. However, they are well worth the extra money.
One disadvantage of using a wood entry door is that it tends to warp. This is because wood has a natural tendency to twist and cup. However, most manufacturers of entry doors have addressed this problem by using glued-up engineered-wood cores, thereby overcoming the common issue of warping. This material also has an attractive veneer. Taking care of the material will ensure a long-lasting wood door. So, if you're planning to sell your home soon, consider a wood entry door instead.
If you are looking for a rustic look, opt for an entry door made from knotty alder. Alder is a popular species for door construction. It features straight grain patterns and features small knots and burl clusters. These features add character and a darker color when stained. Whether you go with a traditional or contemporary style, alder can help you achieve your goals. Choose the perfect entry door to fit the theme of your home.
When choosing a wood entry door, consider the thickness of the door. Generally, doors with an outer thickness of 1 3/4 inches are more secure than those with a thin outer layer. Thicker doors require special locks and hinges. You should also choose hurricane-rated glass for your door. Besides being stronger, hurricane-rated glass has an inner layer that cannot be broken. To ensure the safety of your house, consider purchasing a mortise lockset. These locks are stronger than boring locksets available in home centers.
Before you start staining a wood door, you must remove the existing finish. It's best to use a latex glove to protect your skin. Staining a door's surface will give it a preliminary coat of finish, which will help it hold its color and resist the weather. When staining a door, be sure to check the grain for linear and swirl marks. These will stand out more once stained.
You can choose between different locking mechanisms for your door. One type is the cylindrical lock, which is a traditional locking mechanism that is applied through a hole in the stile. Mortise locks are secured by a mortise recess and provide additional security. Multi-point locks are another option, as they are attached to the edge of the door, providing a tight seal and security. There are various finishes for these types of doors, as well.
Oak is a hard, dense wood that comes with a beautiful visible grain. It is also resistant to insect and fungus attack. Once stained, oak is a great choice for an entry door. Doors by Decora sources oak from sustainable forests and uses environmentally friendly processes to preserve the forest. There are several benefits to choosing a wood entry door over a composite one. The cost is comparable to a high-end stock wood door.
A wooden door can last a lifetime. A wooden door is more economical to purchase and maintain, and they can be customized to suit your needs and style. Wood doors can be stained any color you choose, so you can customize it to your liking. It can even be painted any color you choose. These types of doors are very durable and will not swell, warp, or shrink. If you want to decorate your home, a wood entry door may be the best option.
