Types Of Wood Doors: Options, Prices, Installation Cost and Best Brands

Wood doors add warmth, character, and natural beauty to any home while providing durability and insulation. With numerous options available in the market, selecting the right wood door requires understanding different types, materials, designs, and price points. Wood doors typically cost between $300 and $3,000 depending on the type, wood species, and customization level. Beyond the purchase price, installation costs and brand selection also play crucial roles in the overall investment. This comprehensive guide explores the various wood door options, helping homeowners make informed decisions while balancing aesthetics, functionality, and budget considerations.

Wood doors come in several distinct categories, each serving specific purposes within a home. The main types include interior doors, exterior entry doors, patio doors, and specialty wood doors. Understanding these classifications helps in selecting the appropriate door for each space.

Interior wood doors include panel doors, flush doors, French doors, pocket doors, and barn doors. These vary in style and functionality, with some offering privacy while others focus on decorative elements or space-saving benefits.

Exterior wood doors must withstand weather conditions while providing security. Common varieties include solid wood entry doors, wood panel doors, and wood doors with glass inserts. Many exterior options feature weatherstripping, insulation cores, and protective finishes to enhance durability.

Specialty wood doors encompass custom-designed options, bifold doors, sliding doors, and Dutch doors. These serve unique architectural needs or specific functional requirements within residential or commercial spaces.

Wood Door Materials

The type of wood used significantly impacts a door’s appearance, durability, and price. Premium hardwoods offer superior strength and distinctive grain patterns but command higher prices, while softwoods provide more affordable alternatives with different aesthetic qualities.

Hardwood Options

• Oak: Known for durability and prominent grain patterns. Red oak offers warm tones while white oak provides greater moisture resistance. ($600-$2,000)
• Mahogany: Prized for rich reddish-brown color, straight grain, and excellent weather resistance. Ideal for exterior doors. ($700-$3,000)
• Cherry: Features a smooth grain with a reddish-brown hue that darkens beautifully with age. ($800-$2,500)
• Walnut: Offers dark, chocolate tones with occasional purple undertones and straight grain patterns. ($900-$3,000)
• Maple: Provides a light appearance with subtle grain patterns. Highly durable and resistant to wear. ($600-$2,200)

Softwood Options

• Pine: Lightweight with distinctive knots and affordable pricing. Often used for rustic-style doors. ($300-$900)
• Cedar: Naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insects. Ideal for exterior applications. ($500-$1,500)
• Fir: Straight grain with minimal knots. Good stability and moderate price point. ($400-$1,200)

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood doors combine natural wood veneers with engineered cores. These doors offer enhanced stability, reduced warping, and lower costs compared to solid wood alternatives. Common versions include wood veneer over MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or over a solid core. These doors typically range from $200-$800, making them an economical choice while still providing natural wood aesthetics.

Door Styles and Designs

Wood doors come in various design configurations to complement different architectural styles and functional needs.

Panel Doors

Panel doors feature rectangular panels surrounded by rails (horizontal elements) and stiles (vertical elements). They can have anywhere from one to eight panels, with six-panel doors being a classic American design. These doors work well in traditional and transitional homes, offering dimensional character while maintaining structural integrity.

Flush Doors

Flush doors present a smooth, flat surface without panels or decorative elements. These minimalist designs complement modern and contemporary interiors. While simple in appearance, wood veneer flush doors can showcase beautiful grain patterns across their uninterrupted surface.

Glass Insert Doors

Wood doors with glass inserts combine privacy with light transmission. Options range from small window panels to full-length glass inserts. French doors typically feature multiple glass panels and are popular for connecting indoor spaces or accessing outdoor areas. Glass options include clear, frosted, stained, or decorative patterns.

Craftsman and Mission Styles

These architectural door styles feature straight lines, exposed joinery, and natural finishes that highlight the wood’s characteristics. Typically having three to five panels with the top panels sometimes including glass inserts, they harmonize with Craftsman, Bungalow, and Prairie-style homes.

Wood Door Prices

Wood door pricing varies extensively based on type, material, size, design complexity, and customization level. The table below provides a general price range for different wood door categories:

Door Type	Price Range	Factors Affecting Cost
Interior Flush Door	$200-$600	Wood species, core type, size
Interior Panel Door	$300-$1,200	Number of panels, wood type, finish
French Doors (pair)	$600-$4,000	Glass type, wood species, size
Exterior Entry Door	$800-$5,000+	Wood type, insulation, decorative elements
Custom Wood Door	$1,200-$10,000+	Design complexity, size, wood species, hardware

Stock doors from home improvement stores offer the most affordable options, while semi-custom and fully custom doors from specialty manufacturers command premium prices. Exotic wood species, hand carvings, specialty glass, and oversized dimensions significantly increase costs.

Installation Costs

Professional installation ensures proper door function and longevity. Installation costs typically range from $200 to $800 per door, depending on complexity. Simple interior door replacements fall at the lower end, while exterior doors or situations requiring frame modifications demand higher investment.

Basic interior door installation typically costs $200-$400 per door. This includes hanging the door, installing basic hardware, and making minor adjustments. Exterior door installation runs $400-$800 due to additional weatherproofing requirements, security features, and potentially more complex hardware.

Custom installations involving specialized doors, structural modifications, or challenging access locations may cost $800-$1,500 or more. Additional factors affecting installation price include:

• Removal and disposal of existing doors
• Frame repairs or modifications
• Hardware upgrades (hinges, handles, locks)
• Finishing work (painting, staining, sealing)
• Local labor rates and contractor experience level

Best Wood Door Brands

Several manufacturers stand out for their quality, craftsmanship, and selection of wood doors. Top brands balance material quality, construction techniques, warranty coverage, and design options.

Premium Wood Door Brands

• Simpson Door Company: Renowned for high-quality exterior and interior wood doors with extensive customization options. Their UltraBlock technology improves moisture resistance for exterior applications.
• Jeld-Wen: Offers a wide range of wood doors at various price points. Their AuraLast wood treatment provides superior protection against rot, water damage, and termites.
• Masonite: Known for innovative engineering and diverse styles from traditional to modern. Their wood doors blend aesthetics with performance.
• TruStile: Specializes in architectural doors with precise craftsmanship and design flexibility. Popular for custom and high-end applications.
• Andersen: Primarily known for windows but offers exceptional patio and entry door systems with wood construction and weather-resistant features.

Mid-Range Wood Door Brands

• Therma-Tru: Provides wood doors with energy-efficient features and moderate price points.
• Mastercraft: Available through home improvement retailers, offering decent quality at accessible prices.
• Woodgrain Doors: Manufactures various wood door styles with good craftsmanship and value.

Pros and Cons of Wood Doors

Understanding the advantages and limitations of wood doors helps homeowners make informed decisions about their investment.

Advantages

• Aesthetic appeal: Natural beauty with unique grain patterns that add character to any space
• Customization: Highly adaptable to various designs, carving options, and finishing techniques
• Insulation properties: Good thermal and sound insulation compared to some alternatives
• Durability: Quality wood doors can last decades with proper maintenance
• Value addition: Can enhance home resale value, especially quality exterior doors
• Refinishing potential: Can be sanded and refinished to restore appearance over time

Disadvantages

• Maintenance requirements: Need regular care including refinishing every 5-10 years
• Moisture sensitivity: Can warp, crack, or swell without proper sealing and protection
• Higher cost: Generally more expensive than composite, fiberglass, or metal alternatives
• Weight: Heavier than many alternative materials, potentially requiring stronger hinges
• Environmental factors: May expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes

Maintaining Wood Doors

Proper maintenance extends the life and preserves the beauty of wood doors. Regular cleaning, inspection, and protective treatments help prevent common problems like warping, cracking, and fading.

For interior doors, dust regularly and clean with mild wood soap as needed. Apply furniture polish or wood conditioner annually to maintain luster and provide protection. Check hardware periodically and tighten loose screws.

Exterior wood doors require more vigilant care. Inspect the finish annually for signs of wear, particularly on south and west-facing doors that receive more sun exposure. Refinish every 2-5 years depending on exposure conditions and finish quality. Apply a UV-protective clear coat, varnish, or paint to shield against weather damage.

Address scratches or finish damage promptly to prevent moisture intrusion into the wood. Adjust weather stripping and sweep as needed to maintain a proper seal against the elements. Consider seasonal treatments in extreme climate areas to protect against specific seasonal challenges.