ENTRY DOORS
The Learning Center
There are two types of wood doors: solid core and solid wood. A solid core wood door is usually made with a thin piece of plywood or
laminate on either side with a thicker piece of hardboard backer behind it. The core is an energy efficient polyurethane designed to
insulate. The panels are generally done with thicker plywood and wood pieces (much like cabinetry). Any time real wood (especially
plywood or laminate) is exposed to the elements there will be problems. It won't be maintenance-free, and it will need to be refinished
down the road. The thin laminates or plywoods usually can't be sanded or can be sanded and refinished only a minimum number of times.
The coverings will absorb moisture (many times from the inside, behind the protective clear coat finish) and they will peel or bubble out.
Fading is always going to be a problem.
The second type of wood door is a solid wood door (not to be confused with a solid core wood door, which was just described). A solid
wood door is 100% wood. It is the heaviest and most secure type of door you can buy. From a high quality manufacturer, they will resist
most major shifting and expanding, although in wood this is always a risk. They will need to be kept up annually or there will be problems
with the finish, but these doors can always be sanded and refinished down the road. The major disadvantage to a solid wood door is price.
These doors are the most expensive door you can buy, running as much as ten times or more the cost of a steel door.
Natural elements including sun and humidity are a wood door’s natural enemies. Wood will slowly display use and wear, including
scratches and cracks. Re-finishing will likely be necessary, but the frequency will depend on the climate and direction of the door. Wood
doors can also warp when exposed to high moisture. If you're looking for a real wood door, expect a hefty price tag. If you find a cheap
wood door, stay away. A poorly constructed wood door will lead to nothing but problems.
3. What is a wood entry door?
< back to list of questions about entry doors
3245 Miracle Drive
Murrysville, PA 15668
724-387-2991
PA Contractor ID
PA001856
The Learning Center
There are two types of wood doors: solid core and solid wood. A solid core wood door is usually made with a thin piece of plywood or
laminate on either side with a thicker piece of hardboard backer behind it. The core is an energy efficient polyurethane designed to
insulate. The panels are generally done with thicker plywood and wood pieces (much like cabinetry). Any time real wood (especially
plywood or laminate) is exposed to the elements there will be problems. It won't be maintenance-free, and it will need to be refinished
down the road. The thin laminates or plywoods usually can't be sanded or can be sanded and refinished only a minimum number of times.
The coverings will absorb moisture (many times from the inside, behind the protective clear coat finish) and they will peel or bubble out.
Fading is always going to be a problem.
The second type of wood door is a solid wood door (not to be confused with a solid core wood door, which was just described). A solid
wood door is 100% wood. It is the heaviest and most secure type of door you can buy. From a high quality manufacturer, they will resist
most major shifting and expanding, although in wood this is always a risk. They will need to be kept up annually or there will be problems
with the finish, but these doors can always be sanded and refinished down the road. The major disadvantage to a solid wood door is price.
These doors are the most expensive door you can buy, running as much as ten times or more the cost of a steel door.
Natural elements including sun and humidity are a wood door’s natural enemies. Wood will slowly display use and wear, including
scratches and cracks. Re-finishing will likely be necessary, but the frequency will depend on the climate and direction of the door. Wood
doors can also warp when exposed to high moisture. If you're looking for a real wood door, expect a hefty price tag. If you find a cheap
wood door, stay away. A poorly constructed wood door will lead to nothing but problems.
3. What is a wood entry door?
< back to list of questions about entry doors
3245 Miracle Drive
Murrysville, PA 15668
724-387-2991
PA Contractor ID
PA001856
