Windows & Doors Review: Wood Entry Doors Part1
June 14th, 2007
The look, the texture, and even the smell of wood evoke perceptions of Old World craftsmanship and quality among homeowners. For many upscale clients, when it comes to entry doors, wood is the only material they’ll consider because of its classic curb appeal and timeless good looks.
Fir has always been the most popular species for wood entry doors because it has a uniform grain texture and accepts a broad range of stains, experts agree. However, other species are gaining ground across the country, including ash, birch, cedar, cherry, fir, hemlock, mahogany, maple, red and white oak, clear and knotty pine, poplar, redwood, and walnut.
For rustic-looking homes in the Pacific Northwest, fir and hemlock are in demand while mahogany and oak are broadly popular for regal-looking entryways in the Midwest.
Senior designer Lisa Sten and site manager Neil Schultz at Mountain View, Calif.-based Harrell Remodeling recently completed a project with a front door made of knotty alder, a species that is popping up more frequently in the San Francisco Bay area.
“The homeowner wanted to create a Snow White, cute, cottage-style feeling that happened to complement the personality of the home. The door matched the kitchen cabinets and the unit had an arch top for a warm effect that echoed the shape of the interior doors,” Sten comments.
Decked Out
In addition to a plethora of woods, the latest decorative entry door hardware is enabling homeowners to further embrace an architectural style. Most manufacturers offer clavos, knockers, grilles, straps, and handlesets in a wide variety of Old World to modern finishes. Although brass is the No. 1 hardware finish, others, including satin nickel and wrought iron, are becoming popular.
Meanwhile, most wood entry door makers offer complementary accessories such as decorative glass, sidelights, transoms, special caming, and more to highlight a home’s entrance. Decorative glass, in particular, is available in dozens and even hundreds of styles from some manufacturers.
“As high-end homes continue to become more elaborate, you’ll see more and more entry systems that include all the upgrades and extras,” says Chuck Tamblyn, vice president of marketing for TruStile’s engineered wood doors.
Across the board, improving manufacturing technologies are allowing all species of wood doors to withstand increasing amounts of abuse. For instance, some firms, like Masonite and TruStile, craft their products with engineered stiles and rails for maximum strength; others, including Jeld-Wen, offer specially treated wood that is resistant to myriad problems.
“AuraLast wood has an exclusive wood treatment process that protects against wood decay and insect damage,” says Jeld-Wen’s stile-and-rail door marketing manager, Shane Meisel, adding that no other manufacturer offers this level of protection for wood windows and doors.
Source: BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine
Publication date: July 1, 2005
Entry Filed under: Window & Doors Resource
