When you are designing your home exterior, the front door is the most important aspect. It’s the focal point of the home and it ties the whole thing together, so you need to get it right. If your front door has seen better days, you should think about upgrading it with a fresh coat of paint or some door furniture. However, you might decide that it’s time to replace the door, and choosing a new one is harder than you might think.

There’s a lot to consider when you are choosing a new front door but deciding on the material is the best place to start. Wood is a popular choice, but is it really the best? Although there are some great things about wooden doors, there are some big downsides that you should consider. These are the pros and cons of a wooden front door. 

Pros

They Look Great

The thing that people like most about wooden doors is the way that they look. If you go for a uPVC door, it might be more durable and better insulated, but it doesn’t have the same effect. Wooden doors look much nicer and you have the freedom to paint them in any colour that you like. 

They’re Secure

Security is an important concern when you are choosing a front door. The good news is, wooden doors are just as secure as other types of doors on the market. 

They Last A Long Time

When you invest in home renovations, you want them to last a long time. Wooden doors are relatively durable and if you look after them properly, they can last up to 30 years or more before needing to be replaced. 

Cons

They Require A Lot Of Maintenance 

The big downside to wooden doors is that they need a lot of maintenance if you want them to last a long time. The weather will take a toll on wooden doors and if you don’t paint them to protect them, they could warp and the wood can rot. If you don’t want to keep up with the maintenance, you may be better off with an iron door (click to find out more) instead. They are long lasting and they look great, but they don’t require anywhere near as much maintenance. 

They Can Be Expensive

If you are looking for a cheap option, wooden doors are not the best choice. A solid wooden door will be quite a bit more expensive than uPVC or metal, so if you are working to a tight budget, these other options are best. 

They’re Less Energy Efficient Than Other Materials

Being energy efficient is a priority for a lot of people because it’s good for the planet and it helps you save money. Compared with other materials, wood is not as energy efficient, so if you want to cut your energy bills, you should go with uPVC or fibreglass instead. 

Although wooden doors do look great and they last a long time when well looked after, there are some big downsides so you should consider the alternatives.