What to Know About Wood Clad and Solid Wood Doors

Choosing the right door material can improve the look of your home, reduce maintenance requirements, help you save money, and increase security and energy efficiency. Wood clad and solid wood doors are popular options for homeowners. Which is the better choice for your needs? Here's some more information to help you decide.

What Are Solid Wood Doors?

Solid wood doors often use several tightly fitted pieces of solid wood. Designs on the wood panels can make them more appealing, and wood doors have traditional looks that are ideal for older homes. The authentic wood grain looks warm and welcoming, and you can customize a wood door with paint, a stain, or a finish. Many types of wood doors are available, including:

• Cherry

• Knotty Pine

• Hickory

• Mahogany

• White Oak

• Maple

What Are Wood Clad Doors?

Wood clad doors use a wood veneer over a core material like composite, steel, fiberglass, or aluminum. Many of these doors look like wood on the side facing the interior of a home and another material on the exterior side. They're versatile and modern, providing the visual appeal of solid wood for home interiors while giving additional protection from outdoor conditions. People often call composite faux wood, and it's lighter and more durable than solid wood. Metal doors are more durable as well. 

Comparing Solid Wood and Wood Clad Doors

Here are some of the differences between solid wood and wood clad doors:

Appearance

Solid wood doors have natural wood grain on both sides, and wood clad doors look like a different material on the outside for more versatility. With each type of door, many distinctive looks are available. You can choose different wood grain patterns, colors, and many other options.

Durability and Longevity

Solid wood is vulnerable to cracking, warping, moisture damage, and sun damage, but solid wood doors can last for more than 100 years. Wood clad doors are even more resistant to environmental changes, and they can stay in good condition for even longer.

Maintenance Requirements

Clean solid wood doors regularly with mild soap and polish hardware like door handles. Check the weatherstripping on you door for wear and replace it when needed to keep energy efficiency high. Sand away any scratches and apply new paint, varnish, or stain every few years. If you notice any other signs of damage, have them repaired as soon as possible.

The protective outer layers of wood clad doors make maintenance easier. The inner sides of these doors may need occasional repainting or refinishing, but the outer sides only require cleaning.

Energy Efficiency

Solid wood doors provide better insulation than wood clad doors. They can help you save reduce the costs of energy bills and keep your home comfortable. They're also good at blocking sounds from outside. Many fiberglass wood clad doors are even more efficient than wood doors because fiberglass is a poor conductor of heat. However, wood clad doors with metal components are often less efficient.

Cost

Most solid wood doors range from $350 to $2,000. Thinner interior doors are less costly, and doors with carvings and designs often have higher prices. Wood clad doors are usually less expensive. Some are less than $100, but more costly options have prices similar to high-quality wood doors. Choosing a wood clad door can help you reduce long-term maintenance and repair expenses as well.

Sustainability

Producing synthetic materials for wood clad doors requires more water and emits more carbon dioxide than making solid wood doors. Growing trees for wood absorbs carbon dioxide and provides habitats for many animals.

Which Door Type Is Right for Your Home?

Wood clad and solid wood doors have many pros and cons, and evaluating your personal needs is important. Consider your budget, the climate near your home, your aesthetic preferences, and the maintenance you can complete. Wood clad doors can mimic the looks of solid wood doors while being less costly and more efficient. They also require less maintenance. Wood clad and solid wood doors are available in many styles, including patio doors, bi-folding doors, sliding doors, and French doors.

Some solid wood doors are better insulators than wood clad doors because they can contract and expand with temperature changes. Since they're more costly than wood clad doors, people often use them on home exteriors because they look more appealing. However, a wood clad door is the best option for most homeowners. 

To explore custom door options and schedule a consultation, contact Brennan Corp. Free estimates are available, and we have more than 50 experienced contractors and employees. We're committed to providing excellent craftsmanship and customer service, and our showroom is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.