We know it can be challenging to decide what wood species is right for your front door. There's looks to consider as well as the wood's hardness, stiffness, and durability.

One thing many homeowners aren't aware of is how wood species respond to different climates. Our rule of thumb is that you should choose a wood species that grows in a similar region where you live. This way, it will be well-suited for seasonal changes in humidity, keeping swelling and shrinking to a minimum. 

Watch our video below to learn more about wood species suitability by region: 

Here are the wood species we recommend and use most often throughout the country: 

• Walnut. It's durable and decay resistant, has good dimensional stability, and is strong.
• White Oak. It is a closed cell wood so it is naturally water resistant. White Oak is our gold standard for exterior applications. 
• Sapele Mahogany. It is beautiful, water resistant, and dimensionally stable.   
• Western Red Cedar. This lumber is rot resistant for an average of a hundred years and uniquely strong against insect attack. It is a softer wood, but it is also lightweight, making it a good choice for very large doors like carriage doors. Western Red Cedar has been a customer favorite for carriage doors for many years. 

 You can also learn more about all of our wood species here. 

Still have questions about wood species? Give us a call at 1-800-694-5977 and we'll talk through what options are best for you and your home.