Wood door quality factors include wood type, thickness, joinery, construction and hardware.
The door construction and purchase market has experienced a revolution in terms of the types of materials available over the past several decades. Doors may now be made from alternative products such as metal, fiberglass and vinyl. Environmental concerns have led to the use of recycled products like processed and recycled steel, particularly when fire safety is a particular concern. Despite the many types of doors available, the hardwood door panel remains common in high-end homes, restaurants, offices, hotels and institutional buildings. The traditional wood door is often restored during the course of its lifetime, and sometimes re-purposed in custom-built home models.
Overall Quality
The quality of the wood used to make a door is the first thing to consider when choosing to make or purchase a wood door of any kind. Characteristics to check as to wood quality can include strength and stiffness, density, drought resistance, uniformity of growth rings, straightness of grain, percentage of the wood that is knot-free, color and dimensional stability. Consider choosing hardwoods over softwoods. Since softwoods are usually less durable and dense, this can make them less desirable for exterior door use. Also, the porous and open grain of softwood causes them to be more likely to become rotted and less long lasting.
Construction
The finish of high quality wood should be smooth and not too glossy, and it should have no scratches, dull or rough spots, dust specks or bubbles. (However, rustic style doors will appear worn.) The door should consist of solid, quality wood as opposed to particle board with a wood veneer. A solid wood door will sound more firm and sturdy when knocked than a cheaply made version, which may have a clanking sound.
Thickness
The door should have appropriate thickness for its purpose. For example, if it is to be used as an exterior barrier, pick one that is at least 1-3/4 inches thick, preferably 2-1/4 inches thick. Not only is a thicker door better for safety reasons, but thinner doors can contribute to air-leak, which increases energy costs.
Joinery and Hardware
Joinery consisting of traditional mortise-and-tenon panels has been used for centuries. These panels are some of the strongest available, and indicate the highest quality construction. While good joints may have screws or dowels, they should not be stapled. Also, glue should not be visible outside of the joint area.
Be certain that the hardware matches the overall quality of the wood door. For example, heavy duty style brass hardware should be used on more substantial kinds of doors made of heavy wood such as mahogany.
Custom Built Wood Doors
Choose a custom woodworking or door-building shop if your wood door requires a special size or curvature. Check and ask for references of any shop to ensure the highest quality of custom woodwork. Go to the Better Business Bureau and check the company record to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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