Some of the best types of wood for exterior doors are mahogany, Douglas fir, teak, and cedar, but there are some even better choices.
Fiberglass, vinyl, and steel doors are options for homeowners who want to take their homes’ comfort, security, and efficiency to the next level.
Below, we’ll discuss the best type of wood for exterior doors here in Huntsville. Let’s dive right in.
5 Best Types of Wood Species for Exterior Doors
- Mahogany Exterior Doors
Mahogany stands out as an exceptional choice for exterior doors in Huntsville, AL, impressing homeowners with its durability and resistance to decay.
- Its rich reddish-brown color deepens over time, delivering a touch of elegance and timeless appeal to any entryway.
- This wood's fine grain makes it not only beautiful but also a strong contender against the temperamental weather found in Alabama.
- It holds up well under heavy use which makes it ideal for busy households where front doors see plenty of action.
- With proper maintenance, mahogany doors can withstand years of sun, rain, and humidity without warping or rotting.
- Because of its stability and aesthetic allure, mahogany elevates both curb appeal and your property's value.
- Teak Exterior Doors
- This highly sought-after wood is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to weathering.
- Its natural oils protect it from termites and other pests that often plague wooden structures.
- Teak remains unaffected by extreme changes in temperature or humidity—a common concern in Alabama's varied climate. This stable wood for exterior doors ensures your entryway won't warp or crack easily over the years.
- The dense grain and rich golden-brown hue add unmatched beauty to any home facade, making teak not just practical but also aesthetically appealing.
- White Oak for Exterior Doors
- This strong wood can withstand high-traffic areas without showing signs of wear. In fact, it adds a touch of elegance to any entryway.
- This wood is known for holding up well over time.
- Aspects like its paintability make oak versatile for design changes down the road – you can easily refresh or update your door's color without compromising on quality. Depending on your door style, you can also customize it with different features and intricacies.
- Since it's one of the best woods for solid exterior doors, oak ensures security and stability, guarding your home against both intruders and inclement weather with unparalleled assurance.
- Cedar Wood for Exterior Doors
- With its fine grain and warm tones, cedar enhances curb appeal while maintaining structural integrity over years of use.
- Cedar naturally repels pests and resists moisture without needing constant treatment or paint touch-ups.
- Its ability to stay stable through temperature shifts ensures your front door remains beautiful season after season.
- Although naturally rot-resistant, this is a softer wood that still requires sealing and staining every 1 to 2 years.
- Douglas Fir for Exterior Doors
- The main reason homeowners still get Douglas fir doors is because of how affordable pressure-treated wood is. By far the cheapest out of the options we discussed above.
- This wood is treated to withstand the elements, but prolonged exposure to rain, humidity, and moisture will affect this material more than others.
- Douglas fir exterior woods need to be treated regularly to maintain their qualities. Staining and sealing are mandatory every year. However, even stained douglas fir door is inferior to a solid wood like teak.
- This type of wood is not great for exterior doors, but it can work for interior doors where the material is safer.
Wood Species | Key Benefits | Considerations |
---|---|---|
Mahogany | Durable, decay-resistant, elegant reddish-brown color. | Requires maintenance to prevent warping in sun and humidity. |
Teak | Weather-resistant, termite-proof, stable in temperature changes. | Highly durable, with a distinctive golden-brown hue. |
White Oak | Strong, dense grain, weather-resistant, paintable. | Perfect for high-traffic areas, customizable design features. |
Cedar | Decay and insect resistant, fine grain, warm tones. | Softer wood, requires sealing and staining every 1-2 years. |
Douglas Fir | Affordable, treated for element resistance. | Needs regular treatment; better for interior doors. |
Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best Wood for Exterior Doors
- Wood Durability
- Wood Strength
- Stability
Alternative To Wood Doors
- Fiberglass Doors
- Steel Doors:
- Vinyl Doors
- Aluminum Doors
- Composite Wood Doors
FAQs
Conclusion
If you’ve decided to get a wood exterior door, our best recommendation would be mahogany or teak. These types of wood doors are durable, resistant to humidity, easy to refinish, and beautiful.
If you want something even better, you can never go wrong with a fiberglass or vinyl door. These cost more, but they’re so much better than wood doors.
Here at Freedom Exteriors & Constructions, we’ve been installing doors, windows, and siding for hundreds of homeowners in the Huntsville Area. We’ll help you make the door selection process easy, guaranteeing a superior product!
Whether you want more information about your new wood exterior doors or need help installing one properly, give us a call at (256) 203-3705 or send us a message via our contact form and we’ll be in touch ASAP.