Tips for Choosing the Best Solid Timber Door for Your Home

A solid timber door is a good investment for any home, as solid timber gives your entryway a traditional look and feel and can also make your home more secure. Solid timber doors are also easier to paint over than steel or other materials, as you can sand down the door and create a surface that will more readily hold paint, varnish, stain, and the like. When you're ready to choose a timber door for your home, consider a few simple factors so you know you'll get the best choice overall.

1. Solid timber versus medium-density fiberboard

When shopping for a wood door, you may notice doors made of what is called medium-density fiberboard, or MDF. This material is actually made from recycled wood products, often mixed with a type of glue to make a solid surface. 

Medium-density fiberboard is often used when you want to create a particular style for the front door, such as curved arches in the panels or the look of bead board, as MDF is often easier to cut and curve than solid wood. It may also be easier to paint MDF, as it has a smoother surface that looks better under paint than solid wood. However, if you want to have an actual solid timber door, it's good to know the difference between solid timber and MDF.

2. Frame

When choosing a solid timber door, be sure you mind the frame as well as the door. You want to choose a rot-resistant frame that won't chip and warp or absorb moisture. These may be called a frame saver, and they're usually more durable than frames that are not treated with sealants made for exterior exposure or other finishes that offer added protection.

3. Weight and durability

When choosing the type of wood for your solid timber door, you need to consider its overall weight. A heavy mahogany door can look very nice, but you may need to add support around the door frame or doorjamb. A lighter bamboo door can be a better choice for older homes that may have settled and that aren't strong enough to support the weight of a heavy timber door. It's also good to consider how the door may change over time, especially when exposed to sun and harsh weather. Teak can be a very lightweight choice, but it does age to a silvery grey color that you may not like. Oak is very porous and may absorb moisture, allowing it to expand and contract and need more sanding and repairs than other types of timber.

Contact a representative from a company like Johnston Joinery for further information.