Your front door is one of the first things guests see in your home. You want it to speak to your personal style while also welcoming people in. Wood entry doors are a great option: Their natural beauty and timeless elegance create an inviting ambiance that few other materials can match.
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Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about wood entry doors. We’ll delve into popular wood species, explore various styles, and discuss essential factors like maintenance and security.
The type of wood you choose for your entry door impacts its appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Each wood species has unique characteristics, from color and grain patterns to density and resistance to the elements. Here’s a look at some popular options:
Wood entry doors come in a vast array of styles, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal and character. We’ll walk you through some of the most popular styles below.
Wood entry doors offer natural beauty and timeless elegance, significantly boosting a home’s curb appeal. Wooden doors can be extensively customized with various materials and finishes, and they are easily repaired and refinished.
However, wood entry doors are typically more expensive and less energy-efficient than other options. They also require consistent maintenance to prevent warping, rotting, or insect damage. Here’s a quick look at how wood entry doors compare to fiberglass and steel alternatives:
The rich grain patterns and warmth of wood create an inviting and elegant entrance. Wood also offers more customization options than steel or fiberglass. You can choose from various wood species, each with unique colors and textures, and apply a wide range of stains and finishes to achieve your desired look. Additionally, wood doors can be easily carved, molded, or fitted with decorative glass inserts to create a truly personalized design statement.
While wood is a natural insulator, solid wood doors may not be as energy-efficient as high-end fiberglass doors or insulated steel doors. However, insulation options like composite cores or thermal breaks can significantly improve the energy efficiency of wood doors. Weatherstripping and proper installation also play a crucial role in preventing drafts and improving the overall energy performance of a wood entry door.
Wood entry doors require regular maintenance to protect them from the elements and ensure their longevity. This includes periodic cleaning, refinishing with stain or paint, and inspecting for any signs of damage or wear. In harsh climates, more frequent maintenance might be necessary.
If properly maintained, a wood door can last for decades, adding value and charm to your home. However, neglecting maintenance can lead to warping, cracking, or rotting, particularly in harsh climates.
While wood doors are generally secure, their security level depends on factors like the type of wood, construction, and locking mechanisms. Solid wood doors with reinforced frames and multi-point locking systems offer the highest level of security.
Keep in mind that wood doors—especially solid wood versions—can be heavy. Secure installation requires sturdy hinges and proper framing, which may be beyond the skillset of many homeowners. We recommend hiring professional installers to ensure the door is correctly fitted, weatherproofed, and operates smoothly.
Wood exterior doors tend to be more expensive upfront than fiberglass or steel options. While steel doors cost $150–$1,400* and fiberglass doors cost $150–$3,000, wood doors range from $500–$5,000. The exact cost varies depending on the wood species, design complexity, customization options, and installation.
However, wood doors often have a longer lifespan and can be refinished multiple times, potentially offering greater long-term value. The increased home value and timeless appeal that wood doors bring should be weighed against the initial investment.
*Cost data in this article sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.
Choosing a wood entry door can be an environmentally conscious choice if sourced from sustainably managed forests. Look for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal, which ensures responsible forestry practices. Some manufacturers also offer recycled wood options, further reducing the environmental impact.
While wood is a renewable resource, its production and transportation do contribute to carbon emissions. However, wood stores carbon throughout its lifetime, making it a more sustainable option than materials like steel, which require energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
Wood is a natural insulator. Its dense cellular structure of wood effectively absorbs sound waves, making it a superior choice for sound insulation compared to fiberglass or steel doors.
A solid wood entry door can significantly reduce noise transmission from outside, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment. This is particularly beneficial for homes located in busy urban areas or near noisy streets.
Wood is naturally combustible, so it won’t be as fire-resistant as steel. However, there are ways to enhance its fire resistance. Some wood species, like mahogany and oak, are naturally more fire-resistant than others. Additionally, wood can be treated with fire-retardant chemicals to further improve its fire performance.
While treated wood doors may not match the fire resistance of steel, they can offer a substantial level of protection. Building codes often have specific requirements for fire-rated doors, so it’s important to consult local regulations when choosing an entry door.
Before you decide on a wood entry door, consider these key factors to determine if it’s the right fit for your home:
Understanding the potential vulnerabilities of wood doors is the first step to ensuring safety.
For more information about how to install a wood entry door, check out the video below with This Old House’s Tom Silva:
Before ordering a door, carefully measure the door opening. Here are the key measurements to take:
Note that door dimensions are given in feet and inches, with the width listed first. A door 3 feet wide by 6 feet 8 inches tall—the most common size—is called a “three-oh, six-eight.” Other common sizes include 32 or 36 inches wide and 84 inches tall.
If you are replacing an existing door, it’s helpful to measure the old door as well. This can give you a good starting point for selecting a new door of the correct size. You should also pay attention to whether the door is right- or left-handed. A right-hand door has its hinges on the right side when you look at it from the outside. A left-hand door has its hinges on the left.
Keep in mind that wood doors can expand and contract slightly with changes in humidity. Allow a small gap (about 1/16 inch) on the sides and top and 3/16 inch at the bottom to allow for seasonal movement. If you’re unsure about taking accurate measurements or have an unusually sized opening, consult a professional installer or door supplier for assistance.
For prehung doors, you’ll also need to measure the frame dimensions, including the jamb width and the overall unit size. Make sure your chosen door and frame size will fit within your existing rough opening. We recommend choosing a door that is about 1/4 inch shorter and narrower than the opening so the door will swing freely—unless the opening isn’t perfectly square and level. In that case, you should order a door that is slightly larger than the opening and trim it to fit.
With many styles, wood types, and customization options available, finding the ideal door can seem daunting. In this section, we’ll explore a few factors to consider when selecting a wood entry door.
Wood doors are available in two main configurations, prehung and slab. Prehung doors come preassembled in a frame with hinges, eliminating the need to square the door in its jamb. Because of this, prehung exterior doors are easier and faster to install, especially for DIYers. However, they offer limited customization options, as the frame and door are already paired.
Slab doors, on the other hand, are just the door panel itself. They’re sold without hinges and may not even have pre-drilled holes for the lockset. This design allows for greater customization but makes installation trickier, and you’ll need to source the frame and hardware separately.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit carved wooden door manufacturers.
For a unique and eco-friendly option, consider a salvaged wood door. These doors offer a one-of-a-kind charm, often for a fraction of the cost of new wood doors—sometimes as little as $300. However, be prepared to strip, repair, and refinish the door yourself, or budget an extra $700 or so for a fully restored, ready-to-install slab.
Measure as if you were ordering a new slab. Unless you find a door that fits your opening exactly, get one just a bit bigger and cut it down. “As a general rule, you can shave up to 1 inch off the top rail, 2 inches off the bottom rail, and 1 inch off each side, just as long as the cuts are proportional,” says Bob Reed, a millwork restorer at The Stripping Workshop, in Washington, D.C.
When choosing a wood door, you’ll need to decide between solid and engineered wood. Solid wood doors are crafted from a single piece of wood, offering a traditional and authentic look. However, they are more prone to warping and typically more expensive than engineered wood doors.
Engineered wood doors are made from layers of wood veneer bonded together, offering stability and resistance to warping. This makes them a popular choice for modern homes, and they often come at a more affordable price point.
Wood entry doors offer a wealth of customization options to match your home’s style and your personal preferences. Here are some key areas where you can personalize your door:
Wood entry doors offer unparalleled customization options, allowing you to create a unique entrance that reflects your personal style and complements your home’s architecture. While they may require more maintenance than other materials, their aesthetic appeal, sound insulation, and potential for longevity make them a worthy investment.
By carefully considering factors like wood species, door style, finishes, hardware, and energy efficiency, you can select a wood entry door that not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also provides security, durability, and lasting value.
When it comes to remodeling your home, doors are a crucial element that can significantly impact both aesthetics and functionality. Whether you are undertaking a DIY home improvement project or a full-scale renovation, selecting the right doors for your residential space is essential. In this guide, we will explore the best types of residential doors offered by Darpet, offer tips on choosing the right ones for your needs, and provide insights into DIY door installation. Let’s dive into the world of doors and discover how they can transform your home.
Primed doors offer a versatile and customizable option for any home. These doors come pre-primed, ready for painting in any color that suits your style, whether it's a timeless white or a bold black. The elegance and simplicity of primed doors provide a beautifully finished look to your home. Enhance them with crown molding, baseboards, and Emtek hardware for a personalized touch. Perfect for those seeking to add unique style or transform their home with new colors, primed doors serve as an ideal canvas for your creativity.
Renowned for their classic farmhouse simplicity and pleasing aesthetic, Shaker doors have been a popular choice for centuries. Darpet offers a variety of Shaker doors, from one-panel to five-panel designs, ideal for DIY home renovation projects. Shaker doors are highly versatile and multifunctional, seamlessly fitting into various home remodeling applications and design styles. Their distinctive 90-degree angle cuts contribute to their unique and timeless appeal. Homeowners often select Shaker doors for a modern, minimalist look that retains a touch of traditional charm.
Darpet's glass doors infuse any room with light and beauty, adding an elegant touch to any space. Perfect for areas where you want to enclose a space while allowing light to pass through, such as libraries, studies, or bathrooms, these doors come in frosted, laminated, or clear options. Our 15-lite glass doors with French molding make a stunning entryway for an office or a stylish enclosure for a butler’s pantry. All glass doors from Darpet are made with tempered glass for safety, ensuring your family's protection while enjoying the aesthetic benefits of glass doors. Enhance your home renovation with the sophisticated look and functionality of Darpet’s glass doors.
Carved doors from Darpet offer a unique design element that adds value and beauty to your home. With over 300 combinations, including six profile options and 55 design choices in the D-Series, you’re sure to find the perfect carved door. The F-Series, inspired by exceptional designs worldwide, are custom-made for discerning customers seeking intricately crafted doors. These solid core doors are designed for durability, making them a stylish and long-lasting choice for many applications.
For a modern, on-trend touch, grooved doors are an excellent choice. Simple yet elegant, these doors are ideal for minimalists and those seeking distinctive design elements. Darpet offers a variety of grooved doors and can create custom designs for a truly unique look. With subtle detailing, grooved doors add a modern and sophisticated touch to any home.
Darpet’s louvered doors provide privacy while allowing natural ventilation, ideal for areas like laundry rooms, furnace rooms, and pantries. These doors keep rooms fresh by permitting air flow even when closed and can also serve as effective room dividers. Our louvered doors feature louvers arranged in series, either fully or partially, to obstruct horizontal vision while facilitating air flow.
Bifold doors are a practical and stylish solution for small hallways or narrow closets. Perfect for areas that lack space for full-size doors, Darpet stocks a variety of bifold doors in different styles. These doors are ideal for entryways to laundry rooms or for ventilated closets, making them a versatile, space-saving option.
Wood doors, made from materials like poplar, oak, or flush birch, add classic and traditional styling to any home. Despite evolving trends, wood doors remain popular for their timeless appeal and functionality. Darpet offers a range of solid core wood doors, perfect for offices, front doors, senior living facilities, apartments, and hotels. Unfinished wood doors allow for customization, enabling you to create the perfect feel for your space. Solid wood doors also provide excellent noise reduction and security, making them a practical and beautiful choice for any home.
In addition to picking out the perfect door slab, you will also need to decide on how this door will be installed according to the utility or situation of where it is going to go in your home. The following are all installation options offered by Darpet.
Slab
A slab door consists solely of the door itself, without a frame. This option requires the installer to attach the door slab to an existing door frame. Slab doors are versatile and can be used as barn doors, sliding doors, or pocket doors.
Pre-hung
A pre-hung door includes both the door slab and the door frame. The slab comes pre-installed in the frame, making it convenient for installation into your wall. This all-in-one option ensures proper alignment and easier setup.
Double Door
Available in most styles, including those with glass panels running the length of the door, allowing light to filter between rooms while providing minimal privacy. These doors are typically installed side by side, each opening away from the other. They come with spring-loaded ball-catch mechanisms that hold the doors shut and provide slight resistance before releasing when pulled.
Active/Inactive Double Door
An active/inactive double door setup features an active leaf, where the locking hardware is installed, and an inactive leaf, which remains closed with flush bolts but can be opened to create a larger opening when needed.
Bypass/Sliding Door
Bypass doors feature two or three slabs that glide on parallel tracks in either direction, ideal for saving space. These doors slide past each other and are useful for areas where space is limited. Any door design can be adapted for bypass installation
Barn Door
Barn doors offer a stylish way to separate rooms with an artisanal flair. They can glide along an upper rail or have a bottom track to prevent swinging. Available in styles ranging from rustic to polished, barn doors come prefinished or unfinished. Darpet provides kits to convert most doors into barn doors, with a variety of hardware finishes and accessories.
Bifold Doors
Bifold doors consist of either two or four panels hinged together, folding outward and to the side when opened. Often louvered for better air circulation, bifold doors save space as they don’t swing open like traditional doors. They are perfect for closets, laundry rooms, or utility rooms.
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, installing a door yourself can be a rewarding project. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Measure Accurately: Ensure you have precise measurements of the door frame to avoid fitting issues. Measure the width, height, and depth of the frame before purchasing your door.
2. Gather the Right Tools: Basic tools you’ll need include a tape measure, level, screwdriver, hammer, and a saw. Having the right tools on hand will make the installation process smoother.
3. Prepare the Door Frame: Before installing the new door, remove the old door and inspect the frame for any damage. Repair or replace any damaged areas to ensure a secure fit for the new door.
4. Follow the Instructions: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the door. Each door type may have specific requirements and steps to follow.
5. Test the Fit: Before finalizing the installation, test the door to ensure it opens and closes smoothly. Make any necessary adjustments to the hinges or frame for a perfect fit.
6. Seal and Finish: Once the door is installed, it's crucial to seal any gaps around the frame. This step improves energy efficiency, prevents drafts, and hides imperfections, resulting in a cleaner, more polished appearance. Finishing the door with paint or stain not only enhances its visual appeal but also protects it from wear and tear. A well-sealed and finished door contributes to a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing home environment.
Choosing the right doors for your home remodeling or DIY project can enhance your home’s beauty, security, and energy efficiency. Whether you prefer the customizable appeal of primed doors, the elegance of glass doors, the unique design of carved doors, the modern touch of grooved doors, the practicality of louver doors, the space-saving solution of bifold doors, or the timeless look of wood doors, Darpet has options to suit every style and need. By considering the purpose, style, security, energy efficiency, and budget, you can make an informed decision and select doors that will transform your home. And if you’re up for a DIY challenge, installing your doors can be a fulfilling and cost-effective project. Happy remodeling!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of China wooden doors. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.