The type of wood and finish you choose for your home’s entry door affects its appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Selecting the right wood and finish can help you achieve your desired entryway aesthetic while ensuring your entry door stands up to the elements. This comprehensive guide will explore various wood species, their characteristics, and finishing options to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Good Woods
When choosing a wood for your entry door, consider factors such as stability, appearance, longevity, and resistance to the elements. Here’s a breakdown of common wood species used for entry doors along with their characteristics and price ranges:
Ponderosa Pine
Ponderosa pine is a popular choice for entry doors due to its affordability and workability. This softwood species offers several advantages to homeowners.
Character: Ponderosa pine is relatively stable, light in color and weight, and often dotted with knots. Its light hue makes it an excellent canvas for paint, as it’s challenging to stain evenly due to its variable grain pattern.
Price: Entry doors made from ponderosa pine typically range from $180 to $400.*
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Easy to work with and shape
- Takes paint well
Cons:
- May not be as durable as hardwoods
- Prone to dents and scratches
- Requires regular maintenance to prevent weathering
*All cost figures in this article are averages sourced from product pages hosted on major home retailers.
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir is another common softwood species for entry doors. It offers a unique combination of strength and beauty.
Character: When quartersawn, Douglas fir exhibits a straight, consistent grain that is stable and resistant to checking (splitting along the grain). This wood naturally darkens under a clear finish, developing a rich, warm tone over time. The aesthetic appeal of its grain pattern makes it a favorite for those looking for a blend of tradition and elegance.
Price: Douglas fir entry doors can cost anywhere from $600–$2000 on average.
Pros:
- Attractive, straight grain pattern
- Develops a beautiful patina with age
- Excellent stability when quartersawn
Cons:
- Can be prone to shrinking and swelling with humidity changes
- May not be as resistant to decay as some hardwood options
- May require more frequent refinishing than some hardwoods
White Oak
White oak is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a classic, timeless look.
Character: Naturally stable and rot-resistant, white oak showcases its distinctive flecked, open-pored grain when quartersawn and stained. Its resilience against the elements makes it a favorable option for entry doors in various climates.
Price: White oak entry doors start at around $450–$550 for basic options.
Pros:
- Beautiful grain pattern, especially when quartersawn
- Excellent stability in various climates
- Highly durable and resistant to decay
Cons:
- Can be challenging to work with due to its density
- Higher cost compared to softwood options
- May require specialized tools and skills for installation and maintenance
Knotty Alder
Knotty alder is popular with homeowners seeking a rustic, character-rich appearance.
Character: Burl clusters and small knots make alder an excellent choice for rustic doors. It features a fairly straight grain and a natural cherrylike hue that you can enhance with staining.
Price: Knotty alder entry doors generally cost between $500 and $1,000.
Pros:
- Affordable hardwood option
- Ideal for rustic or country-style homes
- Takes stain well, allowing for various finishes
Cons:
- Knots can potentially loosen over time, requiring maintenance
- May not be suitable for more formal or contemporary home styles
- Not as durable as some other hardwoods
African Mahogany
African mahogany is a premium hardwood choice for those seeking exceptional beauty and durability.
Character: This deep brown tropical hardwood is very heavy and stable, making it an excellent choice for high-end entry doors. Its rich color and grain pattern create a luxurious appearance. Its inherent resistance to decay and insects ensures longevity, making it ideal for exterior use.
Price: African mahogany entry doors start at roughly $700 but can cost you thousands of dollars for higher-end options.
Pros:
- Exceptional stability and durability
- Resistant to decay and insect damage
- Rich, luxurious appearance
Cons:
- Can be challenging to work with due to its density and hardness
- Higher cost compared to other wood options
- May raise sustainability concerns (check for responsibly harvested wood)
Finishing Options
A good finish helps protect your door from the elements. Most door companies apply a paint or polyurethane finish before delivery, but you can also order the door unfinished and apply the coating yourself to save money. Regardless of the method you choose, you should seal all of the door’s edges to prevent moisture absorption.
Here are three popular finishing options for wood entry doors:
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a highly durable and moisture-resistant clear finish that’s ideal for protecting wood entry doors. Follow these steps to use it:
- Apply two coats of exterior-grade polyurethane to start.
- Sand lightly between coats for a smooth finish.
- Reapply one fresh coat every two years to maintain protection and appearance.
Pros:
- Enhances the natural beauty of the wood
- Excellent durability and moisture resistance
- Relatively easy to apply and maintain
Cons:
- Can be challenging to repair if damaged
- May yellow slightly over time, especially on light-colored woods
- Requires regular maintenance for optimal performance
Paint
Paint is an excellent option for those seeking to add color to their entry door while providing maximum protection. To apply paint to your entry door, follow these steps:
- Use an exterior-grade oil- or water-based paint for best results.
- Apply multiple thin coats for a smooth, even finish.
- Sand and reapply every five to six years to maintain appearance and protection.
Pros:
- Can help hide imperfections in the wood grain
- Offers the widest range of color options
- Provides excellent UV protection for the wood
Cons:
- Can be prone to chipping or peeling if not properly maintained
- Conceals the wood grain’s natural beauty
- May require more frequent touch-ups in high-traffic areas
Spar Varnish
Spar varnish is a traditional finish that offers a rich, warm look while providing effective protection from the elements. Follow these steps if you decide to use spar varnish:
- Apply 8–10 coats for optimal protection and appearance.
- Sand lightly between coats for a smooth finish.
- Reapply two topcoats annually to maintain the finish.
Pros:
- More flexible than polyurethane, allowing for wood movement
- Offers good UV and moisture protection
- Provides a rich, warm look that enhances the wood grain
Cons:
- Can be time-consuming to apply properly
- May not be as durable as modern polyurethane finishes
- Requires more frequent maintenance than other finishes
Our Conclusion
We recommend considering your home’s style, the surrounding climate, and your willingness to perform regular upkeep when choosing the right wood and finish for your entry door. With proper care and maintenance, a well-crafted wood entry door can give your home a warm, welcoming atmosphere for many years.
