Hometech Windows and Doors Inc Front Door - Creating That Illusive View From The | Page 7

Wooden Front Doors
Wood is possibly the first material you think of when considering a front door as this is how
doors have been traditionally made over the years. Wooden doors can be very attractive when
they are stained to bring out the lovely grain and natural beauty of the wood. However they
can also be painted if you prefer either at the factory or you could do it yourself if the colours
you want aren’t available. The advantages of wood is that it is easily customized and fitted as
it can be readily cut or trimmed to fit any door frame. Wood is also a good insulator for both
temperature and sound and it is naturally strong with a reassuring weight. Wood is also
readily customized so it can incorporate other materials such as glass panels to let in more
ambient light or just for decorative purpose. Factory prepared doors using wood as the
material are typically long lasting and require little maintenance. However, if you are painting
and preparing the door yourself you must ensure that it is fully sealed before or immediately
after installation. If you do not then the wood will absorb moisture in the air and swell or
even warp over time. This is why wood is often not a good choice for very wet climates or
those that have high temperatures and humidity. In addition, you will need to reseal the door
every two years or so. Another consideration is that due to the wooden naturally solid build
and heavy weight it will sometimes have a tendency to sag over time. This is nothing too
drastic as it can be easily remedied by skilled maintenance and adjustments to the frame.