The best value wooden doors should be more than just functional barriers.

They should set the tone for each room and contribute to the overall aesthetic. But with so many wood options available, selecting the perfect wooden doors can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created this guide, which delves into the best types of wood for doors, considering factors like durability, appearance and sustainability.

Hardwood doors

When you’re ready to buy wooden doors online, a good thing to look out for is any design advertised as a hardwood door.

This is a type of door made from the wood of broadleaf trees, also known as angiosperms. These trees typically have denser wood than coniferous trees (softwoods) like pine or spruce.

Common hardwood door options include oak, mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple and alder. Each wood offers distinct characteristics such as colour, tone, grain pattern and varying levels of performance.

Hardwood doors can be solid wood, engineered wood with a hardwood veneer (or a combination of both). Solid wood doors offer the most authentic natural beauty and strength but can be more expensive and susceptible to warping. Engineered wood provides stability and affordability while still maintaining a real wood aesthetic.

Oak doors

This ultra-classic wood is particularly popular and transcends trends, delivering on both strength and visual appeal.

A more red toned oak boasts warmth and character, while paler, whiter toned oak shines with its lighter tones and tighter grain. Rustic oak doors provide countryside-inspired charm while sleek shaker doors or Mexicano doors are best for a fresh, modern vibe.

Overall, oak doors offer excellent sound insulation and resistance to wear and tear. Perfect for both exterior and interior applications.

Pine doors

Moving away from hardwoods, pine doors are constructed from pine trees which are softwoods which are known for their easier workability. It’s this lighter weight which makes them simpler to install and handle compared to heavier hardwoods like oak. This characteristic also makes them suitable for custom designs or modifications.

Pine doors may not be as hardwearing but they’re still a good option for internal doors due to their affordability, versatility, and warm toned aesthetic. Looking for doors for utility rooms? Pine doors are super-water resistant too. Nice.

Other types of wooden doors

Accoya
This champion of durability reigns supreme for exterior doors. Accoya wood undergoes a special acetylation process, enhancing its resistance to moisture, rot, and even insects. Its stability allows for minimal warping and a lifespan that stretches for decades.

Teak
Renowned for its natural oils, teak boasts exceptional weather resistance, making it a popular choice for exposed entryways. Its warm golden hues and rich grain patterns add a touch of timeless elegance.

Mahogany
Available in various types, mahogany offers beauty and resilience. Sapele mahogany, with its reddish-brown tones, excels in resisting the elements. Honduran mahogany offers a lighter hue and superior workability.

Cherry
This hardwood offers a luxurious feel with its reddish-brown hues, which deepen with age. Its fine grain and ability to take stains beautifully make it a versatile choice for interior doors.

Alder
Alder’s creamy white colour and smooth texture provide a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Its stability and resistance to warping make it suitable for various interior applications.

Poplar
A cost-effective option, poplar offers a neutral palette and takes paint well, making it perfect for doors that need a pop of colour.

Cedar
Known for its aromatic scent and natural insect repellence, cedar is a beautiful choice for closet doors or laundry room doors.

Walnut
For a touch of luxury, walnut boasts a rich, dark brown shade and distinctive grain patterns. Its durability makes it suitable for high-use areas. Also good to know: walnut fire doors are one of our top bestsellers.

FSC® Certified doors

Before you buy wooden doors online, consider the environmental impact. An easy way to make sure your doors have been sustainably sourced is to look out for the FSC® Label.

FSC-certified doors are doors made from wood that has been sourced from forests that are managed in a responsible and sustainable way, according to the standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The FSC is a non-profit organisation that promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests.

Benefits of choosing FSC-certified doors

Environmental
By choosing FSC Certified doors, you’re helping to protect forests from deforestation and illegal logging. FSC Certified forests are managed in a way that minimises impact on the environment, such as by protecting biodiversity and soil health.

Social
FSC certification ensures the rights of workers and indigenous communities are respected. It also promotes fair labour practices and helps to improve the lives of people who depend on forests for their livelihoods.

Economic
FSC certification helps ensure forests are managed in a way that’s economically viable for forest owners and businesses. This helps create long-term stability and prosperity for forest communities.

Find out about CLIMADOOR’s FSC certification and why it matters.

Common wooden door queries

Where should wooden doors be used?

Whether you’re looking for laundry room doors, closet doors or bedroom doors, this is a material with lots to offer. But its best to make sure your wooden doors are ideally situated to really get the most from their attributes.

Entrance doors
Strong and sturdy, nothing beats a traditional wooden front door. Make a classic design statement, boost kerb appeal and create that secure-home feeling; a wooden entrance door ticks all the boxes. Find out more about wooden front door security in this article by our stockists Vibrant Doors.

Interior doors
Wooden tones evoke a sense of prestige which enhances both modern new builds and period properties. The naturally knotty grain patterns and unique variations between each door help create a rustic charm and warm welcome, ideal for every room. Thick and study wooden doors also provide additional home security and energy efficiency.

High traffic areas
Wooden doors are an essential for those spaces within our homes where it can feel like everyone is coming and going. This is because wood offers superior resistance to scratches, dents and additional wear and tear. And because they’re denser, they provide better soundproofing between rooms and from the outside world.

Can wooden doors be painted?

Most solid wood doors (except for those with a waxy surface) can be painted after proper preparation.

If you want to paint doors, it’s best to choose unfinished doors. These are products that haven’t been painted, stained, or varnished by the manufacturer. They arrive with only the bare wood sanded, ready for you to customise with your choice of finish.

Some engineered wood doors with real wood veneers can be painted. However, check with the manufacturer for specific instructions as some veneered doors may have restrictions.

Laminate doors generally cannot be painted directly due to their slick surface. You’d need special primers or to consult a professional for best results.

What are the pro’s and cons of wooden doors?

As with any purchase, there are things to consider. Wooden doors require more maintenance than others (think: regular oiling or staining) and they can be more expensive.

However, it may be worth that initial investment. High quality wooden doors can increase the value of your home due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. It’s that same durability which also makes them ideal for busier areas such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms.

Whichever type of wood you choose, they all offer that same essential natural warmth and richness with unique grain patterns and shade variations. Ideal for adding visual interest and texture – an essential component of interior design. Learn more about introducing texture in this article by our stockists Doors & More.

Buy wooden doors online in just a few clicks

With the right wood choice, your doors can become stunning focal points, adding value and character to a property for years to come. So, explore, compare and choose wisely – your perfect wooden door awaits.