Door Wood Species
While steel, aluminum, and fiberglass doors are common, nothing beats a well-made, solid wood door. Wood also provides a superior sound barrier, keeping the warmth in and noise out more effectively than many other materials.
To make your own wood door, start by measuring the height and width of your empty doorway. Then cut a 4 ft x 8 ft sheet of plywood into four panels.
Mahogany
Mahogany has long been a symbol of wealth and status. It’s beautiful, strong, and rot-resistant, making it a great choice for homeowners who want their custom doors to make a statement in a home. Mahogany can be painted, but it typically looks best stained to highlight the wood’s natural grain.
When staining mahogany, it’s important to use a penetrating oil stain that will allow the wood to absorb the color rather than sitting on top of it. Be sure to apply the stain evenly across the entire door.
Mahogany doors can complement diverse architectural styles, adding warmth, character, and sophistication to any home. Our mahogany prehung 6-lite entry door is a great example of this.
Oak
Oak doors are very durable and offer a great look for your home. However, they do require some extra care to keep them looking their best. Oak is highly susceptible to moisture and requires more regular sanding and staining than other species.
Alder (clear or knotty) is a popular choice because it’s relatively light, easy to work with and takes stains well. Its pronounced grain and character marks make it a great complement to rustic themes. Knotty alder also provides a more rugged look and blends well with walnut, mahogany and cherry.
Cedar
Cedar is an excellent choice for homes with a rustic, outdoorsy feel. Its pronounced texture and symmetrical knots give it a look that is reminiscent of log cabins and rustic country homes. It is also known for its rot resistance and ability to ward off insect pests.
Cambek offers raw unfinished cedar doors, but most customers choose our finish ready option. This style has all knots, voids and cracks filled with a wood filler compound and is then hand sanded by our artisans to prep it for paint or stain. This provides you with a door that is ready to accept your custom color or design.
Pine
Pine has a distinct light coloring and the grain can appear straight or knotty. Knotted pine provides a rustic look and adds character to your door. It machines to a smooth finish and accepts all paints and stains well. It will darken over time adding to its charm.
As a soft wood pine may be more sensitive to damage such as scratches and dents than hardwood doors but with proper care and maintenance can last a long time. It is a great choice for families with children or pets as it will hold up to the wear and tear that boisterous indoor play can bring.
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is the most common door wood species in the west due to its exceptional natural strength and proven durability. It is naturally resistant to rot and pests and holds paints and stains well.
The texture of this softwood is smooth with a remarkably straight and handsome grain pattern. It is a light, rosy color that will tend to redden over time and has the ability to withstand weathering.
Knotty Alder is an eye-catching choice for doors with prominent knot patterns that complement rustic architectural aesthetics. This tough, honey-colored wood is a great option for humid or wet climates because it’s strong and resists shrinkage, warping and cracking.
Redwood
Redwood trees produce wood that’s resistant to shrinkage, warping and cracking. This makes it a durable choice for doors that require extra strength.
Pine and hemlock are softwoods that are easy to work with and lightweight. Both species are moderately durable and have some resistance to insect attack.
Cherry varies from rich red to reddish brown in color and features a smooth texture with a fine grain. Knots and thin gum pockets add character marks to the wood and it stains beautifully.
