WHAT IS THE BEST WOOD FOR EXTERNAL DOORS?

External doors take more punishment than any other joinery in a house. Rain, direct sun, temperature changes, and daily use all take a toll, and the wood you choose affects how well the door holds up over time.

Oak is the standard choice for solid hardwood external doors in the UK. It’s dense, hard wearing, and takes a finish well. A well-maintained oak door will outlast most other fixtures in the house. The cost reflects that — a solid oak front door typically starts at around £600 to £800 for a standard size, and considerably more for bespoke work.

Alternatives worth considering include idigbo, iroko, and sapele. These are less expensive than oak, perform similarly in terms of durability and stability, and are widely used by joinery manufacturers. If the door is going to be painted rather than stained, idigbo is a practical choice — it machines well and avoids the tannin bleed issues you sometimes get with oak on lighter paint colours.

Softwood external doors — usually redwood or European pine — are significantly cheaper, starting at under £200 for a standard ledge and brace design. They can last well if maintained properly, but they need more regular attention. Any bare softwood left exposed to the elements will start to absorb moisture within months.

Engineered core doors, which use a solid hardwood frame with a stable engineered core and hardwood facing, offer a good balance of performance and cost. They’re less prone to warping than solid timber and better suited to exposed or south-facing locations.

Whatever the species, an external door needs a good finish applied before installation — all four edges including the top and bottom, not just the face. Water gets in through end grain faster than anywhere else, and most premature door failures start there.