When shopping for a new interior door, you might have a clear idea of the look you want, but have you considered how to choose the best species of wood? The type of wood you select can affect the price, weight and maintenance, so it’s important to consider the specific needs of your home.
To help with your decision, we’ve rounded up the pros, cons and unique characteristics of seven species of wood.
Cherry
Know for its red or reddish brown color, cherry is a fine-grained wood with a smooth texture. This texture makes it easy to stain, if necessary. While it does react to sunlight and darken over time, cherry is an upscale wood that can elevate any room of your home.
Knotty Alder
Any knotted wood is going to have tons of personality thanks to the variety in the grain. Knotty alder is light brown in color, but sturdy — making it a good choice for an informal area of your home that receives substantial traffic.
Knotty Pine
The light color and tight knots of knotty pine give a rustic, casual feel to your home. Pine is a lightweight wood, which makes it ideal for homes with small children opening doors; however, it does scratch or dent more easily than some other, heavier woods.
Mahogany
Rich in color and extremely durable, mahogany is a great, classic choice for an interior door. The thickness and stability of the wood also makes it very energy efficient.
Maple
This wood has a smooth texture and is often characterized by a warm color with dark streaks. It is dense and durable, with a nearly universal appeal in a variety of home styles.
Pine
Similar to the knotty pine, but without the inconsistencies of the knots, pine doors are ideal for the person who wants the lightweight benefits of pine, but with a more uniform appearance.
Red Oak
With a timeless look and open grain, red oak is a classic choice with a dense stability. It best suits craftsman or midcentury-style homes, and the red breed stains more easily than white oak.
Each species of wood has its own unique properties. Take the time to consider the benefits and qualities of each type to determine the best door for your needs.
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