Introduction
The door located outside is exposed to harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow, sunlight and heat, and cold. Durability and appearance are the principal factors to consider when selecting an outside door, as well as security and insulation features. Many homeowners prefer solid wood doors for their houses, but how durable are the doors on the exterior of the house? See below the benefits and drawbacks of having solid wood doors for exterior doors.
The Natural Beauty and Warmth of Solid Wood
Enticed and Enduring appearance of Wooden doors
Wooden doors are famous for their astonishing, handsome, timeless appearance. They amplify the intrinsic grain patterns and rich colors that are without match among synthetic surfaces. You cannot exhaust the charm of solid wood; it does not follow the dynamics of home designing trends, as it already offers a welcoming curb appeal.
You can choose from different varieties
Real wooden doors are made out of many different kinds of wood, all of which have their own natural grain, pattern, texture, and color. Examples include oak, mahogany, and fir, which give you shades that vary from dark to light. Stains may also be given to realize almost any color mix.
Solid wood gives the insulating value
However, more than just having a great look, there is added value coming from the insulating properties of the wooden doors because wood has a very low conduction. Integrated infill or insulating door skins using solid wood reduce the influence of outdoor climate on indoor climate. There are also possibilities of realization of energy savings in contrast with less insulating counterparts.
Disadvantages of Using Solid Wood Doors for Exterior Openings
As you may find, although there are benefits, solid wood decisions for exterior doorways are not entirely beneficial, primarily due to wood’s response to moisture.
Susceptibility to Moisture Damage
The primary problem with solid wood doors where they are installed as exterior doors is that they are easily damaged by water and tend to swell and crack. Despite being denser and more robust, wood is also a material that soaks up moisture and then releases it—just like any organic material, changes its dimensions due to fluctuations in humidity alone and melting from rain or even snow. Any external door made from solid wood will suffer reversible or irreversible distortion, rounding, or rotting if exposed to moisture for an extended period without covering.
Required Maintenance
Despite development in water-resistant exterior wood stains/finishes which have made the solid wood doors more suitable for outdoor use, it is better to dedicate some time checking on them occasionally in order to get the best out of them. This involves looking all over the surfaces for areas that may have been affected by cracks, warps or water damages, then sanded and resealed with the correct set of protective sealers or stains as part of maintaining the house.
More Weight Than Fiberglass or Steel
Doors made of actual solid wood are also considerably heavier than those of fiberglass or steel. Standard 1 3⁄4 thickness of solid wood doors are over 100 lbs for 3’x7’ entrance. The larger size comes with a greater weight that means that the frames used must be solid and suitable for reinforcement in a way that will allow the door to be used many times without buckling or shifting in position. Large wooden doors might require two persons to be used when installing them on homes.
Costlier than essential hollow core or fiberglass doors.
It is hard to argue that natural solid wood doors are an upscale product, which is considerably more expensive than essential hollow core or fiberglass ones. Materials joined with skilled woodworking work and special approved protective-coating services boost the overall cost. While it is possible to purchase composite doors that emulate the look of natural wood doors that they are not real wood doors, some homeowners are willing to pay the extra cash to have real wood doors.
Conclusion
It goes without saying that high end custom homes up to now prefer ‘real’ wood over steel or fiberglass for front doors – for nothing compares with wood once well preserved. If timbers are protected right and finishes are renewed periodically, closed protected solid wood doors, will serve a lifetime even in severe outdoor conditions; hot or freezing climate. Seeking superior quality wood, getting the added depth and detailing that’s inconsistent with the price point pays off as one uses the piece every day. In combination with overhangs or porch roof amongst other features, external solid wood doors remain an excellent investment for people who want natural beauty and appeal on their doors.