Sun Mountain Blog

Wood is Back: Benefits of Wooden Doors

There is a new trend in door appeal that isn’t really new at all; it’s a blast from the past.  For many years, homeowners have been touting the heavy duty, metal doors or the more recent fiberglass versions as the best choices for appearance, weather seal, and protection.  That mantra has changed.  News headlines in home design publications have slowly caught on, announcing that “wood is back.”

Size Accommodation

For older homes that have shifted, for homes with new flooring in the entry, or for the contractor who has the need for an odd-sized door, wood can be the perfect option.  When flooring sits too high for a traditional length door to pass smoothly over or when everything doesn’t line up just right, wood can be trimmed to size, allowing for the ultimate flexibility.  This, alone, is one of the most important reasons for the renewed interest in wood doors.

Customizable Beauty

As hard as they try, manufacturers simply cannot reproduce the look of natural wood.  With each cut being a unique pattern, wood grain is enticing in so many ways.  If one adds to this the option of thousands of styles of glass inserts, trimming details, and hundreds of different stains, each and every wooden door can be made to match the personality of the homeowner in a truly unique way.

Lasting Beauty

There are, of course, arguments made against wood doors, citing the need for more regular maintenance. Wooden door manufacturers have been forced to step up their game since being presented with direct competitors – those creating the molded metal and fiberglass doors.  The weaknesses of wood – primarily moisture damage – had to be addressed if consumers were to return their attention to the carved beauties.  The manufacturers met the challenge and have devised many new sealants and re-engineered the doors to be sturdier and less susceptible to water damage.  Using alternating grains and high-quality adhesives, even the individual panels are made stronger and more resilient.  Today, with the right amount of care, wood can actually hold up better and longer than other door types.

It is important to remember, when selecting a new door, that all doors require some maintenance in order to retain their initial appeal.  Fiberglass will have to be repainted regularly and metal has the unique ability to rust or corrode.  Each and every variety of door types will require some level of maintenance, but when the advantages – beauty, individuality, longevity – make the effort worthwhile, then you know that you have found a door that you can love.