William Raveis Real Estate
John Mahan, William Raveis Real EstatePhone: (508) 331-8339
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Doors: Pros and cons of wood

by John Mahan 02/04/2024

Wood entry doors offer a rich elegance, enhancing curbside appeal. Although other front door materials deliver significant benefits, wood ranks as the most popular option. But like any material or product, homeowners should weigh the pros and cons.

What are the benefits of wood entry doors?

Beyond eye-catching beauty, wood doors present property owners with a significant range of options. The sturdy lumber use to manufacture these products includes oak, pine, mahogany, cedar, maple, bamboo, among other types.

These options make it possible for homeowners to accentuate the grain with colored stains as well as clear protective coatings. Rarely does paint factor into the experience because the appearance of natural wood remains the most attractive option.

Although wood entry doors have a reputation for being more expensive than other products, lower-cost opportunities remain on the market. Engineered wood doors and items tend to take the edge off the price tag.

Solid wood products do come with a higher price tag than others in their class. Lastly, handy DIY homeowners are more likely to possess the tools and basic carpentry skills needed to install the door themselves.

What are the drawbacks associated with wood entry doors?

It's essential to keep in mind: wooden doors do not necessarily have innate problems. Although severe weather and moisture can cause warping and fluctuations, many of the negatives are linked to comparisons.

However, wood materials generally require more maintenance and upkeep than steel, vinyl and fiberglass. Stains and protective coatings such as polyurethane require refinishing every 3-5 years, depending on sun and weather exposure.

By comparison, some wood products may not deliver the same level of energy efficiency as items such as insulated steel options. Much of the sometimes lower rating stems from air penetrations due to shrinkage during cold weather months.

People interested in a new entry door discover wood products rank among the most attractive and can add to property values. While natural and engineered wood remains popular, it's important to explore wide-reaching options before settling on your perfect front door.

About the Author
Author

John Mahan

I'm John Mahan, Sales Associate with William Raveis Real Estate, Harwich Port Office.

Throughout his childhood, John Mahan spent summers on Cape Cod at his parents’ home in Dennis Port. His intro to the Cape was, as he puts it, when his parents “carried me down the stairs at Sea Street Beach when I was a week old.” With a lifelong connection to Cape Cod, it seemed only natural for John and his wife, Mary, to move to Harwich – where they still reside – with their two young children in 1996.

Prior to moving to Cape Cod, John lived in the Worcester-Auburn area where he worked for Mass Electric for 10 years and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Utility Workers. When John and his family moved to the Cape, he worked at NSTAR for six years.

John began his career in real estate in 2002 when he joined Team Waystack Realty in Harwich Port. He has been a consistent top producing realtor in the Harwich area for the past 20 years. John’s approachable demeanor, combined with an integral understanding of the Cape Cod residential real estate market, have allowed him to build trusting, long-term relationships with his clients – both sellers and buyers.