Choosing the material for your new doors is one of the most important decisions for your home. Before purchasing a new door, homeowners must consider a material’s durability, cost, appearance, and many other aspects. Luckily, there is no shortage of great options for materials for new doors. Read on to help decide what material works best for your new doors.
Oak Doors
Due to its durability and density, oak is one of the most popular materials for doors. There are two main types of oak used for doors: red oak and white oak. While red oak is more available, white oak is more resistant to decay and insect attack. Because oak grows in abundance in the U.S., new doors made from this material are fairly inexpensive. An oak door will generally cost anywhere from $100 to $1000.
Hemlock Doors
Hemlock is another great possibility for your new doors. This material is also abundant, especially in the western and Midwestern U.S. While there are two main types of hemlock used for woodworking, western hemlock and eastern hemlock, western hemlock is used more often for doors. This is due to the additional workability of western hemlock’s timber wood. A hemlock door will generally cost between $300 and $1,000 or more.
Poplar Doors
Another common type of woof used for new doors is poplar. Poplar is known for its charming natural appearance, which ranges from yellow-brown to a light, cream color. Additionally, the material is very easy to work with. While not as durable as some wood options, poplar is extremely resistant to rot. Additionally, poplar is simple to treat, which makes a quick touch-up or a complete makeover an easy process.
Hickory Doors
Hickory is another wood commonly used for new doors. This is due to its vibrant natural color—usually medium brown with yellow and red tints. The material is very strong, indicated by the spacing of its growth rings. However, the material’s thickness can often dull cutting tools, making hickory slightly more difficult to work with. While price may vary by composition, hickory doors are generally comparable with other wooden doors in terms of overall costs.
Aluminum Doors
Aluminum is another popular material for doors. Aluminum is a great option for homeowners looking for solid, inexpensive new doors. The material is very durable, and has a natural resistance to corrosion. The material is also fairly inexpensive, ranging from $300 to $500. This is due to the abundance of the material, as well as the ease of recycling it.
Because aluminum is one of the more easily recyclable materials, it is considered a very environmentally friendly option for new doors. However, it is less energy efficient than other materials due to its thermal conductivity. Aluminum’s R-value is generally around R-1.
Because there are so many material options for new doors, homeowners have a lot to consider. Many homeowners work closely with a contractor to ensure they find new doors that fit with their tastes and budget. With a contractor’s assistance, it’s much easier to find the perfect new doors that fulfill the specific needs of the homeowner. Get started today finding a contractor with HomeAdvancement’s easy links.
