Wooden external doors are a highly popular choice for homeowners due to their timeless appeal and natural beauty. Apart from their stunning allure, they come with several other benefits as well as certain disadvantages. If you’re thinking about purchasing external wooden doors for sale, you’ll want to know the good and the bad, but definitely not the ugly! Read on to explore the pros and cons of external wooden doors.
Softwood or Solid Wooden Doors? What’s the Difference?
There are two main types of wooden external doors. The main difference lies in construction.
- Softwood Doors – typically lighter in colour and more affordable, while able to last up to 30 years or more, softwood doors are more prone to warping and swelling which will deteriorate its insulating properties over time.
- Solid Wooden Doors – oak and mahogany are types of hardwood and generally more expensive. With regular painting or varnishing to prevent rot, solid wooden doors can last for over a century and present more distinct grains and patterns.
Benefits of External Wooden Doors
Wooden external doors for sale offer a range of benefits, making them a popular choice for many homes. From their attractive appearance to durability and eco-friendliness, these doors provide practical and aesthetic advantages.
Visually Appealing
Wooden doors bring a natural charm and elegance other materials struggle to match. The variety of wood grains and finishes allows for endless customisation, and unlike uPVC or metal doors, wood can be stained or painted in any colour, at any time, offering a bespoke new look that adds kerb appeal.
Provide Great Durability
Despite being completely organic, wood doors are remarkably durable when treated and maintained correctly. Quality wood, such as oak or mahogany, can withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and long exposure to sunlight. Proper sealing and maintenance further enhance their lifespan, making them a reliable, long-lasting choice for external doors.
A Greener Door Solution
Being made from a natural resource, external wooden doors are one of the greenest materials one can choose for their home. External wooden doors have a lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic materials such as uPVC and metal like steel. Wood is also biodegradable, meaning the environmental impact over time is minimal. Choosing an eco-friendly wooden door is ideal if you’re looking to promote sustainability for your home.
We are proud to say all items at Green Doors are net zero, and you can add even further to our goal of reducing emissions by donating your old door if you are considering buying one from our bespoke selection.
Drawbacks of External Wooden Doors
There are two sides to every door, and each type comes with benefits and drawbacks. While the cons are few in number, it’s important to explore them before you make the decision to buy. So, let’s take a look at the main disadvantages of wooden external doors for households.
Greater Cost
You may be taken aback by the prices of external wooden doors for sale, as they are often more expensive than uPVC, aluminium or steel doors. This is due to the use of natural, quality wood, as well as the craftsmanship involved in their production. For homeowners on a budget, this can be a disadvantage, especially when considering the long-term costs of upkeep and maintenance. A wooden door doesn’t have to be brand new though; there are plenty of options for refurbished and pre-owned external wooden doors that have a lower price.
Alternative Doors Are More Energy Efficient
Compared to modern alternatives like composite or insulated aluminium doors, wooden external doors are generally less energy efficient. This is because wood is prone to expansion and contraction with temperature changes which creates gaps that lead to heat loss. Even with proper sealing and added insulation, wooden doors typically won’t match the thermal efficiency of other materials.
More Maintenance Is Required
When investing in a wooden door for your home, it’s important to understand that once installed and fitted, the work doesn’t stop there. Regular upkeep, including painting, staining and sealing is necessary to protect the wood from weather-related damage such as warping, cracking or rotting. For homeowners seeking a low-maintenance option, perhaps consider another material type for your door.
Would an External Wooden Door Work for You? View Our Range Today
Thinking of purchasing external wooden doors for sale? At Green Doors, we have a huge range of external wooden doors featuring various styles and features. From brand new and sealed to ex-display and pre-owned wooden doors to suit all budgets and needs, there’s a choice for everyone. Explore our range of wooden external doors or get in touch with our team to discuss your purchase on 01582 34 35 34.
