Wood Species

When you need the right species for an exterior or interior custom wood door, Traditional Door has the perfect option for your home.

Choosing the best species for your custom wood door is no easy task. There are a
variety of factors to consider—including the door’s location, its application, its
surroundings, and more.

Fortunately, there are various wood types of custom interior doors and exterior doors alike. At Traditional Door, we carry some of the most popular options. What’s more, we have a team of professional design experts who are ready to help you choose the best species for your custom wood door and give you a final product that makes you proud.

Some of the most popular wood species on the market include the following:

Alder

Alder is primarily used for interior doors and is one of the more affordable wood species available. Although it has a prominent wood grain, its light colour makes it a strong candidate for various stains.

Ash

Ash is extremely versatile, as it can be used for both interior and exterior doors. It is not only durable but also very inexpensive, sharing a similar grain to that of mahogany at a fraction of the cost.

Birch

Birch is best reserved for interior doors, as it is not very weather resistant. Similar to maple, it has a golden colour and very mild wood grain. Because it is often knotty, it doesn’t always accept wood stains or paint well.

Cedar

Cedar is a popular option for exterior doors, as it is highly weather resistant and moderately priced. This wood species is very durable and requires little maintenance.

Cherry

Cherry is a hardwood that is beloved for its beautiful reddish wood tones and relatively fine grain. Its rich colour can be preserved with a light stain.

Hickory

Hickory is one of the strongest and densest wood species on the market, making it a great option for both exterior and interior doors. Its medium brown colour can be left unfinished or paired with a light wood stain.

Mahogany

Mahogany is one of the most recognizable hardwoods, thanks to its dark brown hue and tight wood grain. Although more expensive than many other species, mahogany is both durable and versatile.

Maple

Maple is used for both interior and exterior custom wood doors, thanks to its incredible hardness and shock-resistant qualities. Similar to birch, it has a light golden colour and tight wood grain.

Oak

Oak is a sturdy hardwood that is used for both exterior and certain interior doors. While there are various species of oak, red and white and the most popular options.

Pine

Pine is used almost exclusively for interior doors, as it is not the most weather-resistant wood species. It is, however, both durable and relatively affordable.

Poplar

Poplar is another affordable option for interior doors. Like alder, it has a light colour that allows it to pair well with wood stains and paints. Its wood grain, however, is more
obscure than most.

Walnut

Walnut is one of the best wood types of custom interior doors, as it has a very distinct dark brown colour that pairs well with a light stain.