Wood Entry Doors: Cost, Safety, and Buying Tips

Your front door is one of the first things guests see in your home. You want it to speak to your personal style while also welcoming people in. Wood entry doors are a great option: Their natural beauty and timeless elegance create an inviting ambiance that few other materials can match.

Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about wood entry doors. We’ll delve into popular wood species, explore various styles, and discuss essential factors like maintenance and security.

Types of Wood for Entry Doors

The type of wood you choose for your entry door impacts its appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Each wood species has unique characteristics, from color and grain patterns to density and resistance to the elements. Here’s a look at some popular options:

• Oak: A classic choice for entry doors, oak is known for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain patterns. It comes in two main varieties: red oak, with a reddish-brown hue and prominent grain, and white oak, with a lighter color and more subtle grain. Oak doors are renowned for their longevity and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Mahogany: Prized for its rich reddish-brown color, fine grain, and natural resistance to rot and decay, mahogany offers a luxurious and timeless look. It’s a popular choice for high-end homes and can be stained or finished to enhance its natural beauty.
• Walnut: A premium wood with a dark, chocolate brown color and a straight grain, walnut adds a touch of sophistication and drama to any entryway. It’s a denser wood than oak or mahogany, making it more resistant to dents and scratches.
• Fir: A more affordable option, fir is a softwood with a warm honey color and visible knots. It’s a popular choice for rustic and cabin-style homes, adding a touch of natural charm. However, fir is less dense and more prone to wear than hardwoods like oak or mahogany, so it requires more frequent maintenance.
• Cherry: Known for its rich, reddish-brown color that deepens with age, cherry offers a warm and inviting look. It has a fine, straight grain and takes stain well. Cherry is a softer hardwood, so it’s important to protect it from dents and scratches.
• Maple: With its light cream color and subtle grain pattern, maple provides a clean and versatile backdrop for various finishes. It’s a hard and durable wood that resists wear and tear.

Wood Entry Door Styles

Wood entry doors come in a vast array of styles, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal and character. We’ll walk you through some of the most popular styles below.

• Panel doors: Panel doors are the most common style, featuring a frame with inset panels. Panel designs can range from simple raised or flat panels to more intricate recessed or molded panels. You can choose from doors with two, four, six, or more panels, arranged in various configurations.
• Craftsman doors: Craftsman doors are known for their clean lines and simple rectangular panels, which often incorporate decorative glass elements.
• Arched doors: Arched wood doors feature a curved top that adds a touch of elegance and grandeur. They can be found in various panel designs and glass options.
• Flush doors: Flush doors have a completely smooth surface on both sides, with no raised panels or other design elements. Their sleek and understated appearance complements contemporary architecture.

• Dutch doors: Dutch doors are split horizontally in the middle, allowing the top half to open while the bottom half remains closed.
• French doors: French doors are double doors that open outward. They often feature glass panels for maximum light transmission, bringing the outdoors in.
• Rustic doors: Rustic doors embrace the natural beauty of wood. They may incorporate distressed or reclaimed wood, knotty or distressed finishes, rough-hewn textures, and simple hardware.
• Carved doors: Carved doors showcase intricate wood carvings, adding a touch of artistry and personalization.

Wood Entry Doors vs. the Alternatives

Wood entry doors offer natural beauty and timeless elegance, significantly boosting a home’s curb appeal. Wooden doors can be extensively customized with various materials and finishes, and they are easily repaired and refinished.

However, wood entry doors are typically more expensive and less energy-efficient than other options. They also require consistent maintenance to prevent warping, rotting, or insect damage. Here’s a quick look at how wood entry doors compare to fiberglass and steel alternatives:

Aesthetics and Customization

The rich grain patterns and warmth of wood create an inviting and elegant entrance. Wood also offers more customization options than steel or fiberglass. You can choose from various wood species, each with unique colors and textures, and apply a wide range of stains and finishes to achieve your desired look. Additionally, wood doors can be easily carved, molded, or fitted with decorative glass inserts to create a truly personalized design statement.

Energy Efficiency of Wood Doors

While wood is a natural insulator, solid wood doors may not be as energy-efficient as high-end fiberglass doors or insulated steel doors. However, insulation options like composite cores or thermal breaks can significantly improve the energy efficiency of wood doors. Weatherstripping and proper installation also play a crucial role in preventing drafts and improving the overall energy performance of a wood entry door.

Wood Door Maintenance and Longevity

Wood entry doors require regular maintenance to protect them from the elements and ensure their longevity. This includes periodic cleaning, refinishing with stain or paint, and inspecting for any signs of damage or wear. In harsh climates, more frequent maintenance might be necessary. 

If properly maintained, a wood door can last for decades, adding value and charm to your home. However, neglecting maintenance can lead to warping, cracking, or rotting, particularly in harsh climates.

Installation and Security

While wood doors are generally secure, their security level depends on factors like the type of wood, construction, and locking mechanisms. Solid wood doors with reinforced frames and multi-point locking systems offer the highest level of security. 

Keep in mind that wood doors—especially solid wood versions—can be heavy. Secure installation requires sturdy hinges and proper framing, which may be beyond the skillset of many homeowners.  We recommend hiring professional installers to ensure the door is correctly fitted, weatherproofed, and operates smoothly.

Exterior Door Costs

Wood exterior doors tend to be more expensive upfront than fiberglass or steel options. While steel doors cost $150–$1,400* and fiberglass doors cost $150–$3,000, wood doors range from $500–$5,000. The exact cost varies depending on the wood species, design complexity, customization options, and installation.

However, wood doors often have a longer lifespan and can be refinished multiple times, potentially offering greater long-term value. The increased home value and timeless appeal that wood doors bring should be weighed against the initial investment.

*Cost data in this article sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.

Environmental Impact

Choosing a wood entry door can be an environmentally conscious choice if sourced from sustainably managed forests. Look for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal, which ensures responsible forestry practices. Some manufacturers also offer recycled wood options, further reducing the environmental impact. 

While wood is a renewable resource, its production and transportation do contribute to carbon emissions. However, wood stores carbon throughout its lifetime, making it a more sustainable option than materials like steel, which require energy-intensive manufacturing processes.

Sound Insulation

Wood is a natural insulator. Its dense cellular structure of wood effectively absorbs sound waves, making it a superior choice for sound insulation compared to fiberglass or steel doors.

A solid wood entry door can significantly reduce noise transmission from outside, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment. This is particularly beneficial for homes located in busy urban areas or near noisy streets.

Fire Resistance

Wood is naturally combustible, so it won’t be as fire-resistant as steel. However, there are ways to enhance its fire resistance. Some wood species, like mahogany and oak, are naturally more fire-resistant than others. Additionally, wood can be treated with fire-retardant chemicals to further improve its fire performance. 

While treated wood doors may not match the fire resistance of steel, they can offer a substantial level of protection. Building codes often have specific requirements for fire-rated doors, so it’s important to consult local regulations when choosing an entry door.

Is a Wood Entry Door Right for You?

Before you decide on a wood entry door, consider these key factors to determine if it’s the right fit for your home:

• Protection from the elements: Wood doors last longer and require less maintenance when sheltered by a porch or overhang. The ideal roof overhang should extend one-third to one-half the distance from the door to the eave, and its width should exceed the door’s width on both sides. A deeper overhang may be necessary in harsher climates.
• Sun exposure: Consider how many hours of direct sunlight your door receives daily. Excessive sun exposure (more than four hours) will require more frequent refinishing to maintain the door’s appearance.
• Sill height: The sill of a wooden door should be raised at least 4–6 inches above the porch landing. Otherwise, moisture from snow drifts or pooled rainwater can seep into the wood and cause it to rot.
• Fire safety: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, consult local building codes for fire-rated door requirements. Some wood doors are rated to withstand 60-minute infernos.
• Climate: Standard wood doors have R-value of 2.5, which is similar to that of a double-paned window. They provide decent insulation, but not as much as a foam-filled fiberglass or steel door. However, proper weatherstripping can significantly improve their energy efficiency.

Safety Considerations for Wood Doors

Understanding the potential vulnerabilities of wood doors is the first step to ensuring safety.

• Door thickness: A beefy 1 3/4 inches beats 1 3/8 inches and still accepts standard locksets. If your door is any thicker than that, you’ll need a special lock and bigger hinges.
• Hinges: Use 3-inch-long screws in all three hinges to anchor the hinge-side jamb securely to its stud.
• Glass: Tempered glass panels won’t stop a would-be intruder from breaking them and opening a door from the inside. To thwart such a break-in, order hurricane-rated glass, which has an unbreakable inner layer of plastic.
• Lockset: Mortise locks are typically built with higher-grade steel and are therefore stronger than the average bored locksets from a home center.
• Door frame: Choose a solid wood or reinforced frame for maximum security.
• Strike plate: Install a long, reinforced strike plate with heavy-duty screws (3 inches or longer) to secure the latch side of the door.
• Deadbolt: Add a high-quality deadbolt with a throw bolt at least 1 inch long for an extra layer of protection.
• Peephole or smart lock: Enhance security and convenience with a peephole for visual identification or a smart lock for remote access and monitoring.
• Alarm system: Integrate your wood door with a home security system to deter intruders and provide peace of mind.

For more information about how to install a wood entry door, check out the video below with This Old House’s Tom Silva:

Measuring for a Wood Entry Door

Before ordering a door, carefully measure the door opening. Here are the key measurements to take:

• Width: Measure the distance between the inside edges of the door jamb at the top, middle, and bottom. Ensure these measurements are consistent to confirm the opening is square. If not, address the framing issue before proceeding. Use the smallest measurement as your reference for door width.
• Height: Measure the distance from the top of the threshold (the bottom piece of the door frame) to the underside of the header (the top piece of the frame).
• Thickness: Measure the thickness of the door slab itself. Standard exterior door thickness is typically 1 3/4 inches.

Note that door dimensions are given in feet and inches, with the width listed first. A door 3 feet wide by 6 feet 8 inches tall—the most common size—is called a “three-oh, six-eight.” Other common sizes include 32 or 36 inches wide and 84 inches tall.

If you are replacing an existing door, it’s helpful to measure the old door as well. This can give you a good starting point for selecting a new door of the correct size. You should also pay attention to whether the door is right- or left-handed. A right-hand door has its hinges on the right side when you look at it from the outside. A left-hand door has its hinges on the left.

Keep in mind that wood doors can expand and contract slightly with changes in humidity. Allow a small gap (about 1/16 inch) on the sides and top and 3/16 inch at the bottom to allow for seasonal movement. If you’re unsure about taking accurate measurements or have an unusually sized opening, consult a professional installer or door supplier for assistance.

For prehung doors, you’ll also need to measure the frame dimensions, including the jamb width and the overall unit size. Make sure your chosen door and frame size will fit within your existing rough opening. We recommend choosing a door that is about 1/4 inch shorter and narrower than the opening so the door will swing freely—unless the opening isn’t perfectly square and level. In that case, you should order a door that is slightly larger than the opening and trim it to fit.

Choosing Your Wood Entry Door

With many styles, wood types, and customization options available, finding the ideal door can seem daunting. In this section, we’ll explore a few factors to consider when selecting a wood entry door.

Prehung vs. Slab Doors

Wood doors are available in two main configurations, prehung and slab. Prehung doors come preassembled in a frame with hinges, eliminating the need to square the door in its jamb. Because of this, prehung exterior doors are easier and faster to install, especially for DIYers. However, they offer limited customization options, as the frame and door are already paired.

Slab doors, on the other hand, are just the door panel itself. They’re sold without hinges and may not even have pre-drilled holes for the lockset. This design allows for greater customization but makes installation trickier, and you’ll need to source the frame and hardware separately.

Salvaged Wood Doors

For a unique and eco-friendly option, consider a salvaged wood door. These doors offer a one-of-a-kind charm, often for a fraction of the cost of new wood doors—sometimes as little as $300. However, be prepared to strip, repair, and refinish the door yourself, or budget an extra $700 or so for a fully restored, ready-to-install slab.

Measure as if you were ordering a new slab. Unless you find a door that fits your opening exactly, get one just a bit bigger and cut it down. “As a general rule, you can shave up to 1 inch off the top rail, 2 inches off the bottom rail, and 1 inch off each side, just as long as the cuts are proportional,” says Bob Reed, a millwork restorer at The Stripping Workshop, in Washington, D.C.

Solid vs. Engineered Wood

When choosing a wood door, you’ll need to decide between solid and engineered wood. Solid wood doors are crafted from a single piece of wood, offering a traditional and authentic look. However, they are more prone to warping and typically more expensive than engineered wood doors. 

Engineered wood doors are made from layers of wood veneer bonded together, offering stability and resistance to warping. This makes them a popular choice for modern homes, and they often come at a more affordable price point.

Customization Options

Wood entry doors offer a wealth of customization options to match your home’s style and your personal preferences. Here are some key areas where you can personalize your door:

• Finishes: A stained finish highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain. You can choose from a spectrum of colors, from light oak to rich mahogany. For a broader range of colors, opt for a painted finish. A clear varnish or polyurethane provides a protective layer while showcasing the wood’s natural texture, with glossy and matte finishes available.
• Hardware: The most prominent piece of hardware will be the handleset. Options include classic lever handles, elegant knobs, or modern pulls in materials like brass, bronze, or nickel. You can also choose from decorative hinges in various finishes or concealed hinges for a more minimalist look. For a little more flair, consider adding a door knocker, kick plate, or speakeasy.
• Glass options: Decorative glass inserts add visual interest and natural light. Choose from clear, frosted, stained, leaded, or textured glass. You can also upgrade your door with sidelites or transoms. These glass panels flank or top the door to bring in more light and create a grander entrance.
• Energy-efficient upgrades: Choose a door with an insulated core, such as foam or fiberglass, to improve thermal performance and reduce energy bills. If you opt for glass panels, consider low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, which reflects heat and improves insulation.

Our Conclusion

Wood entry doors offer unparalleled customization options, allowing you to create a unique entrance that reflects your personal style and complements your home’s architecture. While they may require more maintenance than other materials, their aesthetic appeal, sound insulation, and potential for longevity make them a worthy investment.

By carefully considering factors like wood species, door style, finishes, hardware, and energy efficiency, you can select a wood entry door that not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also provides security, durability, and lasting value.

FAQ About Wooden Front Doors