Wood You Like to Come In? You Can Have it All with a Wood Entry Door.

Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009

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You want a front door that will give your home maximum curb appeal, but if style was your only priority, selecting a front door would be simple. Instead, you're trying to get the right mix of security, weather resistance, and beauty - all at a price you can afford. If you're in love with the look of a wood door, it may seem even harder to get what you want since wood doors have a reputation for warping or cracking when exposed to the elements. It turns out wood may have been short-changed; many of today's wood doors are both beautiful and tough.

Wood Doors Can Be Sturdy and Affordable:

If you can't afford to spend over $600 on a solid wood door (and much more for hardwood doors), know that you have a more affordable option. Stock wood doors cost just $200, and are typically made of a wooden veneer laid over an engineered wood core, making them warp-resistant. Stock wood doors can be a life-saver, but be certain the veneer is at least 1/16 inch thick. Split construction wood doors (with vertical stiles and horizontal railing separating pieces of wood laminated together) offer nearly double the insulation value, R-5, for just $300 to $500.

Look for Shine on Pre-finished Wood Doors:

Polyurethane stains and finishes offer great protection for your wood door. When it comes to creating a weather resistant seal on a painted door, the rule is "the glossier the better." Make sure the top and bottom edges of the wood door have been coated with the finish - they need protection too.

Source:

This Old House: Front Doors

About the Author
Ellen Foster is a freelance writer and teacher. She has taught students aged five to forty-five.

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Wood You Like to Come In? You Can Have it All with a Wood Entry Door.

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Look for Shine on Pre-finished Wood Doors:

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