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Frequently Asked Questions
What wood exterior doors does Windsor Plywood carry?
Windsor Plywood carries solid wood and wood-veneer exterior entry doors from brands including Jeld-Wen and specialty door manufacturers. Wood doors are available in traditional raised panel, craftsman flat panel, French, and custom profiles in species including Douglas fir, mahogany, pine, and alder. Both pre-hung systems and slab doors are available.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of wood exterior doors?
Wood exterior doors offer natural beauty, warmth, and a premium appearance that is difficult to replicate with other materials. They can be custom-milled to any profile and refinished rather than replaced when the surface weathers. The disadvantages are that wood requires the most maintenance of all door materials, including periodic sanding, priming, and repainting or restaining every 3 to 7 years depending on exposure. Unprotected wood doors can warp, crack, or develop rot in severe Canadian weather conditions.
What wood species makes the most durable exterior door?
Douglas fir and mahogany are the traditional choices for solid wood exterior doors in Canadian construction. Douglas fir's straight grain and stability make it the standard exterior door species in western Canada. Mahogany's natural durability and dimensional stability make it an excellent door material, though it requires careful finishing to maintain its appearance outdoors. Both species perform significantly better than pine in exterior exposure.
How do I maintain a wood exterior door?
Inspect the finish annually for cracking, peeling, or UV degradation. Doors on sheltered entries facing north or east require refinishing less frequently. Sand any failing areas back to bare wood, prime, and apply two coats of quality exterior paint or varnish. Seal all end grain and edges. A storm door reduces direct weather exposure significantly and extends the refinishing interval for wood doors on exposed entries.
Can a wood door be re-milled or resized if the rough opening changes?
Solid wood door slabs can be planed, jointed, and cut to fit non-standard openings to a limited degree. Removing material reduces the door's structural section and should be done cautiously — typically no more than 1/2 inch from any edge. Major size changes require a new door ordered to the correct dimensions. Windsor Plywood can advise on whether a specific door modification is feasible for the door and opening in question.