Just as you would create a shopping list before heading to the grocery store, you should create a list of features you want on your exterior wood doors before opening your wallet. This will help you narrow down your selection to include only the right doors for your budget, style, and home. The good news is that you have already decided to buy wooden doors instead of fiberglass or some other material. So, we have already narrowed down the selection a bit.
Budget
Wood exterior doors can be a bit more expensive than other types of doors because they are made from a solid natural resource. But they’re also more substantial and have better insulating properties than other doors, so you get more for your money. Wood doors vary in price based on many factors (including the type of wood, shape, installation, and design). If money is not an issue, you can go for an extremely dense wood with an arched shape and ornate design, and have someone install everything for you. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to cut it down a bit.
type of wood
The type of wood will dictate the look of the door. If you get knotty pine or weathered wood, it will give your home a rustic feel. Or, if you opt for a richly stained mahogany, your home will instantly appear more traditional. An important fact to take into account when choosing the type of wood for your door is density. Less dense woods like pine tend to be less expensive as well, but their insulating and noise canceling properties are reduced. If you want a very dense wood, such as mahogany, expect to pay a premium.
shape
If you’re replacing an existing door on a tight budget, choosing the same type of door is probably your best bet. Otherwise you could spend a lot more on framing. If you have a little extra money or if you are building your house from scratch, you may want to consider a fancy shape like an arch or perhaps a double door.
Facility
Entry doors are usually sold as door systems, which means they come pre-assembled on a frame, and sometimes even pre-drilled for the knob and deadbolt. If you’re handy, you might consider asking a friend to help you with the installation. If you don’t trust yourself, it’s okay to hire a contractor. As long as you’re just replacing an existing door of the same size, it shouldn’t be a major and expensive project. Another thing to note about the installation: there are wooden exterior doors with left and right hinges. Take the time to choose the right one for your space. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck with a door opening the wrong way.
Design
Again, if you’re on a budget, stick with the simpler design. If not, you can go crazy choosing different finishes and decoration options. You can choose a stained glass window with metal details or an intricately carved solid wood door. If you have the funds, you can get really creative here. Just keep in mind that most vendors don’t stock the finest exterior wood doors, so it will likely have to be custom-made, which means adding a few weeks to your lead time.
Whether you’re building a new home or just replacing your old door, choosing exterior wood doors can be fun if you know what you want. It’s like choosing new kitchen cabinets, except this door will be seen by all who visit and pass by on the street. Now that you have an idea of what type of wood door to buy, it’s time to hit the home improvement stores.