Most cultures across the world believe that crossing a wooden threshold will bring prosperity and ward off negative energies. India houses a vibrant and diverse set of architecture, ranging from havelis to nalukettu, and stands as a nation where door frames hold both practical and symbolic value. While modern materials like steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and uPVC are becoming more common and easily accessible across the nation, nothing embodies artistry, heritage, or warmth like wooden frames.
But picking the right wood for the door frame makes all the difference. In this blog, we will examine in greater detail what to consider when selecting the best wood to use in the doors and frames and compare the common types of wood used. It will assist you in making the smart decision that will fit in durability, aesthetics, and cost.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood for Frames
Choosing the right wood for door frames depends on countless factors. Let us take a closer look at these influential components:
Durability & Strength
A good quality door-frame will maintain its strength and shape over time and remain functional and operate smoothly. Weaker woods can sag or crack over time, causing the doors to misalign with the frame. Durable frames can withstand and handle the overall weight of the door, the pressure from the walls, and more to maintain the functionality of the door.
Climate Resistance
In humid/coastal areas, door frames are especially susceptible to the absorption of moisture, leading to swelling, rotting, and even the growth of molds on the door frame. On the other hand, dry climates may cause the wooden door frames to shrink or even get brittle in the course of time.
Workability and Finishing
A wood that is easy to shape and cut can be installed easily and more precisely, leaving zero room for errors. This feature is crucial for door frames that require intricate joints. A wood that is easy to sand, paint, or polish helps you visually stand out while resisting moisture and scratches by presenting extremely good finishes.
Cost and Availability
Budget and convenience of access are significant factors that can be used to select the material of the door frame. The readily available materials that are within your budget can be easily sourced, and this will save on delays in construction time.
Suitability (Interior vs. Exterior Use)
Both interior and exterior frames have their own requirements. Exterior frames mandate the need to resist harsh environmental conditions, while interior frames prioritize aesthetics.
Pest Resistance
Door frames can be extensively impacted by termites, fungi, and other pests. Choose a wood that stays strong against such infestations and is strong enough to maintain structural integrity. Such hardwood also possesses a longer lifespan, and reduces the frequency of wood treatment.
Best Types of Wood for Door Frames
Wood typically offers excellent insulation and can last for decades with proper care, making them the perfect material for door frames. Some of the best wood for doors and frames include:
Teak Wood: Teak is reputed to be very strong, durable and naturally resistant to moisture, termites and decay. Teak is long lasting and easy to finish, hence it is the most suitable in exterior and interior door framing.
Mahogany: Mahogany is a hardwood known for its rich reddish color. It is highly resistant to warping and shrinking, making it the best wood for doors and frames.
Oak: Oak is a strong hardwood with a distinctive pattern. It offers durability and strength to withstand extensive pressures. Oak is also renowned for its resistance to wear and tear, and it stays strong in both dry and moderate climates.
Cedar: Cedar is a lightweight wood that is naturally resistant to insects and moisture. It is quite aromatic and comes in a reddish color that makes it a perfect choice for interior frames. It can also be molded and treated to be a durable exterior door frame.
Pine: Pine is one of the most cost-effective and widely available softwoods. It is easy to shape, cut, and finish to make interior frames. Pine can also be treated and maintained for extensive longevity.
Merbau: Merbau is a tropical hardwood that is known for its resistance to moisture, termites, and decay. It comes with a deep color and fine grain, making it a go-to option for exterior frames in humid and coastal regions.
Detailed Comparison Table: Best Woods for Doors
| Wood Type | Color & Appearance | Durability | Moisture & Termite Resistance | Workability | Maintenance Needs | Cost | Suitable For |
| Teak Wood | Golden brown, smooth grain | Excellent | High | Good | Low | High | Interior and Exterior frames |
| Mahogany | Reddish-brown, fine-grain | Very High | Good | Excellent | Moderate | High | Premium interior and main doors |
| Oak | Light to medium brown, prominent grain | Very High | Moderate | Good | Moderate | Medium | Traditional and heavy doors |
| Cedar | Reddish hue, aromatic | Moderate | High (naturally insect-resistant) | Easy | Low | Medium | Interior and moderate exterior |
| Pine | Pale yellow to light brown | Moderate | Low | Very Easy | High | Low | Interior, budget-friendly frames |
| Merbau | Dark brown, rich texture | Very High | High | Moderate | Low | High | Exterior, humid or coastal areas |
How To Choose The Best Wood For Door Frames
Choosing the best wood for doors and frames depends on certain key factors. These considerations include:
Purpose: Think about the purpose of the frame, whether it’s for an external or internal door frame. The external frames are chosen for their durability, whereas the internal ones are selected to match the overall beauty and aesthetics.
Budget: Door frames will cost depending on the type of wood to be used, labor, and finishing. A budget can also assist you to select a frame that fits your requirements.
Maintenance: Some woods require frequent treatments to protect against moisture, pests, and other agents. Some woods are naturally resistant to such influences and don’t need regular upkeep to last. Choose the right one that fits your needs and climate conditions.
Advantages of Wooden Door Frames
Wooden door frames are preferred due to the combination of strength, durability, beauty, and sustainability. The key advantages of wooden door frames include:
- Aesthetics: The wood has the patterns of the grain, warm colors, and colorful finish options, which provide an option of interior and exterior frames in vibrant colors. Moreover, wood material possesses its own unique charm that other materials cannot reproduce.
- Durability: Wood is strong and durable in nature and capable of naturally bearing heavy pressure, pests, and extreme environmental conditions.
- Natural Insulation: Wood works as a natural insulator and helps in regulating the indoor temperature and blocking excessive noise.
- Eco-Friendly: Choosing the best wood for doors and frames from the right dealers or local sources through responsible methods can be a healthier alternative to processed materials that can harm the environment.
Best Wood for Doors and Frames at Hill Wood India
At Hill Wood India, we offer sustainably sourced and eco-friendly hardwoods that combine strength, beauty, and durability. We provide a wide range of hardwood options for both interior and exterior door frames, all available at competitive prices and with various finishes. By following sustainable practices and advanced methodical procedures, Hill Wood India gives you the best-quality hardwood in India!
Contact us today to learn more about treated hardwood.
FAQs
Are solid wood door frames better than flush or engineered frames?
Yes, solid wood frames are better than engineered frames due to their durability and visual appeal, engineered or flush frames.
Which kind of wood is the best to use in exterior door frames?
Teak, Merbau, and Mahogany are the hardwoods that are most suitable to use as exterior frames as it has the natural ability to resist moisture, pests and tough weather conditions.
What wood would be a good choice to construct door frames in India?
The popular ones are hardwoods such as Teak, Mahogany, Oak, and Merbau, which are extremely strong, durable, and pest and hostile environmental resistance.
What is the best type of wood to use in door frames when there is a tendency of humid weather?
Teak, Merbau, and Cedar can be used to build door frames that are constructed to be resistant to decay, termites, and moisture; hence, they will stay strong during humid weather and exposure to moisture.
What is the best wood to use as door frame in hot and dry climate?
Oak and Mahogany are also suitable to hot and dry climates because the two can withstand cracking or warping caused by the harsh climatic conditions. They are the ideal option to use as external frames that last long because of their robustness.
What type of wood should I use to make a stable and strong door frame?
Teak is a hardwood that can be used in a door frame as the wood can hold its shape, strength, and structure without any or minimal repair over the decades.