Just like the inside, the outside (and especially the front) of your home can give passers-by an insight into your personality and lifestyle.

Installing a timber door can give your home a sense of character and style that doors made from other materials may not be able to achieve. They’re also just as sturdy and secure as doors made from PVC and other materials so you don’t have to sacrifice security for style.

If you’re looking for the best external door for weather resistance, look no further than Leader Online.

What is the best wood for an external door?

For any external door, you want a timber type that will keep your home secure as well as last a lifetime. Therefore, you should try to opt for a wood type for strength, durability, and stability. Wood also offers excellent insulation and helps to keep your home feeling warm and cosy.

Timber doors and windows

Wood is commonly split into two main categories: hardwoods and softwoods. External hardwood doors are made with wood that comes from broad leaf-bearing trees such as oak trees while softwood comes from needled, cone-bearing trees such as pines.

These terms do not mean that hardwood is physically harder than softwood, nor is softwood softer. Instead, hardwood trees and the wood they offer are generally considered to be heavier and denser than softwoods. This is why hardwoods are more commonly used for the construction of walls, ceilings and floors while softwoods make the ideal timber for doors and windows.

Popular hardwood timbers

• English Oak
• Beech
• Ash
• Elm
• Sycamore
• Birch
• Walnut

Popular softwood timbers

• Pinus Sylvestris (aka Redwood)
• Cedar
• Western Red
• Douglas Fir
• Hemlock
• Parana Pine
• Spruce

How to make timber doors weather resistant

Although wood does have a certain level of weather resistance, you will want to treat the timber to ensure it stays strong and sturdy throughout its lifetime.

If you’re planning on painting your door, make sure you treat it with a primer first to help maximise the longevity of the wood. Painting your doors, especially softwood pine external doors, with suitable paint will help to keep them protected from the elements. Make sure you keep on top of the upkeep though to help the wood last as long as possible.

Alternatively, hardwood, such as external oak doors, can be varnished instead to bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain. Make sure you use the correct type of oil or varnish. For example, exterior-grade products will have a degree of UV protection to help prevent fading. Again, ensure you stay on top of the upkeep for maximum durability of the wood!

For a huge range of doors to suit any taste, decor theme, and lifestyle, check out our full range of external doors for the perfect entrance into your home and have a browse of our Help & Advice Centre for all the information and inspiration you could ever need!