African Mahogany, also known as Khaya, is one of the most popular wood used for high-end architectural millwork. It is also our standard for exterior doors. One of the reasons why it is preferred for exterior use is its resistance to rot and fungi. This lends it to have extreme durability, allowing it to hold its beauty for years to come. One of the many characteristics of African Mahogany is the wide array of color and grain. If you would like your color and grain structure to be more consistent, consider using Genuine Mahogany. African Mahogany holds both paint and stain very well.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is a strong, dense wood and is known as the hardest cedar in the world. It resists weather and insects, which makes it ideal for exterior use.
Anigre offers a warm color palette as well as a distinct but subtle woodgrain. Anigre is not recommended for exterior use because it is not resistant to insect attack, and therefore preferred for interior use only.
Antique Heart Pine is a reclaimed wood that is ideal for interior doors. It is not preferred for exterior use because of water infiltration. Heart pine is the center of a pine tree where the wood has "died," hardened, and ceased to pass nutrients up the tree. It dries to a much darker color than the sapwood.
Ash has excellent shock resistance but is not resistant to insect decay. It is not recommended for exterior use, but rather, interior only. Ash takes stain very well, and when stained, looks very similar to Oak.
Birch has a beautiful blend of light and dark tones. If just the light tone is sought after, consider using Maple. Birch is used for interiors only and is not preferred for exterior use due to the fact that it will decay over time if exposed to the elements.
Birdseye Maple is a light colored wood that gets its name from the distinctive pattern in the grain that resembles tiny swirling “bird’s eyes.” It is not recommended for exterior use because it could rot if exposed to the elements. We recommend using a clear top coat to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Butternut is also known as White Walnut. Butternut takes a finish very well, and when stained, it resembles Walnut. It is used for interior applications. It is not recommended for exterior use because it is more susceptible to insect attack.
Cherry is known for its cathedral grain and reddish brown tint. Cherry is frequently used in high end interior millwork. It accepts a variety of stains but we recommend using a clear top coat to highlight the natural beauty of the wood. Cherry is not recommended for exterior use. If you are looking for a Cherry exterior door, we recommend using Clear Alder. When stained, it resembles Cherry.
Clear Alder is a beautiful wood that is used due to its elegant grain patterns and overall hardness. It is recommended for exterior use because when stained, it resembles Cherry, but is more durable for exterior use than Cherry.
Clear White Pine is typically used in interior doors for timber-frame and log homes, but can be used in any type of home. It offers a pale color and accepts stain very well. It is not recommended for exterior use because it could decay if it is exposed to the elements.
Crotch Mahogany is part of the African Mahogany family. The term Crotch comes from where a limb separates from the main trunk of the tree or the trunk splits. Its outer grain tends to have a feather like appearance and is typically used in the reverse of the way it actually grows. It is very vivid and is truly a statement piece to any door. This type of veneer can be used in exterior applications. We recommend using a clear top coat to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Cypress is very durable and accepts stain very well. We recommend using a clear coat on Cypress to bring out its natural honey-toned hues. While Cypress is rated for exterior use due to its resistance to decay and insects, we do not recommend using it because this type of wood moves and checks too much for exterior use.
European Beech is a very light toned wood with flecks that show up when quarter sawn. It is used on interior doors, and is not recommended for exterior use. While hard, resilient and strong, it is susceptible to insect attack.
Genuine Mahogany is very durable and resistant to rot and fungi, which makes it an excellent choice for exterior use. It has tight grain and consistent coloring throughout, which is perfect for stain applications. Genuine also takes paint very well.
Hard Maple is a light, near-white tone. It is very smooth and fits in well with contemporary or traditional settings. We do not recommend using it for exterior use due to a chance of rot. It is recommended to use a clear top coat to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Hickory is naturally strong and dense. While very strong and shock-resistant, it is not recommended for exterior use because it is too porous and susceptible to insect damage and decay. Hickory fits well in rustic homes and is recommended to use a clear top coat to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Ipe is a very dark beautiful brown tone. While rated for exteriors, this type of wood moves and checks too much for an exterior use. We recommend using it for interiors only.
Knotty Alder is a rustic type of wood. It has different color variations, mineral streaks, and knots. Any knotty wood is not recommended for exterior use because water could infiltrate the knots. We recommend Knotty Alder for interior use only with a clear top coat on it to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Knotty Pine is a rustic type of wood. It has different color variations, mineral streaks, and knots. Any knotty wood is not recommended for exterior use because water could infiltrate the knots. We recommend Knotty Pine for interior use only with a clear top coat on it to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
LVL is a product that we use for engineered interior cores, but can also be used as the face of a door for a modern aesthetic. LVL consists of multiple layers of thin wood that is pressed together with adhesive. LVL is very durable and straight. It is not recommended for use in exterior applications due to water infiltration. It is recommended for interior use only with a clear top coat on it to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
MDF is not a wood species, but instead a fiberboard of particles pressed together with adhesive. MDF is ideal and preferred for interior paint grade doors. MDF is smooth, sound-resistant, and can be painted any color to match any home. MDF doors receive a poplar insert along the edges for added strength for hardware installation.
Red Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods in the United States. It is very durable and strong. Plain Sawn Red Oak is typically straight-grained with cathedrals and takes stain very well. While hard and strong, Plain Sawn Red Oak is not recommended for exterior use because it is extremely porous.
Walnut is a beautiful, rich dark brown. Plain Sawn Walnut offers a grain that makes a very modern statement throughout a home. We recommend Walnut for interior use only with a clear top coat on it to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Plain Sawn White Oak is similar to Red Oak but smoother and lighter in color. White Oak can be stained in a variety of finishes. White Oak can be a great addition to any contemporary or traditional home. Its natural resistance to rot makes it a good choice for exterior doors.
Poplar has a dramatic color tone ranging from a brownish yellow all the way to green. Poplar can be stained but we recommend painting it for interior applications. Poplar does not bleed through after paint is applied. It is not recommended for exterior use because it is too soft for exterior use and high chance of insect and rot damage.
Red Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods in the United States. It is very durable and strong. Quarter Sawn Red Oak is cut in a manner to highlight the flecks in the wood. Flecks, or rays, create a tiger stripe effect throughout the wood. It is not recommended for exterior use because it is extremely porous.
Quarter Sawn Sapele has a very distinctive wood grain that offers a ribbon effect and therefore is very eye catching. It offers a true statement piece in any home. We recommend Sapele for interior use only with a clear top coat on it to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Walnut is a beautiful, rich dark brown. Walnut offers a grain that makes a very modern statement throughout a home. Quarter Sawn Walnut is cut in a manner to highlight the flecks in the wood. Flecks, or rays, create a tiger stripe effect throughout the wood. We recommend Walnut for interior use only with a clear top coat on it to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Quarter Sawn White Oak is similar to Red Oak but smoother and lighter in color. White Oak can be stained in a variety of finishes. Quarter Sawn White Oak is cut in a manner to highlight the flecks in the wood. Flecks, or rays, create a tiger stripe effect throughout the wood. White Oak can be a great addition to any contemporary or traditional home. Its natural resistance to rot makes it a good choice for exterior doors.
Radiata Pine is lighter in color and tends to have fewer knots than other pine species. We recommend Radiata Pine for interior use only with a clear top coat on it to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Red Grandis is aesthetically similar to Cherry, Mahogany, or Spanish Cedar. It is recommended for exterior use due to its stability, durability and resistance to decay. Red Grandis offers an ecological alternative to many of the tropical hardwoods as it is 100% pure FSC certified.
Redwood is very stable and offers limited movement. We do not recommend it for exterior use because it is too soft and lightweight. We recommend Redwood for interior use only with a clear top coat on it to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Red Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods in the United States. It is very durable and strong. Rift Sawn Red Oak is typically straight-grained without flecks and takes stain very well. While hard and strong, Rift Sawn Red Oak is not recommended for exterior use because it is extremely porous.
Rift Sawn White Oak is similar to Red Oak but smoother and lighter in color. White Oak can be stained in a variety of finishes. White Oak can be a great addition to any contemporary or traditional home. Its natural resistance to rot makes it a good choice for exterior doors.
Soft Maple is a light, near-white tone. It is very smooth and fits in well with contemporary or traditional settings. We do not recommend using it for exterior use due to a chance of rot. It is recommended to use a clear top coat to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Spanish Cedar is extremely durable and has excellent weathering characteristics. It is a great choice for exterior doors due to its natural resistance to rot and decay. The natural oils in cedar offer a unique fragrance that keeps insects away. We recommend using a clear top coat or one of our Klima stains to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Teak is the best option for exterior use, even without a finish. It is rock hard and extremely oily, making it water resistant. Teak can handle a variety of temperature changes without warping or cracking. Teak is naturally immune to termites and rot. We recommend using a clear top coat or one of our Klima stains to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Utile is also known as Sipo, which is alternatively used to other Mahogany species. Utile is consistent in color, weight, and texture. It offers a warm brown tone. We recommend using Utile in exterior environments because it is very durable and insect resistant.
Vertical Grain Douglas Fir offers a smooth, even, straight-lined grain that is easily distinguishable. It is very stable and rot resistant. Other manufacturers use this as their standard for paint grade doors, but Douglas Fir has a tendency to surface check and splinter. We would recommend using African Mahogany if you are looking for a wooden paint grade option.
Walnut Burl is one of the most popular burl veneers available. It showcases a unique swirl of many different brown hues. It is very vivid and makes your door a true statement piece. This type of veneer can be used in both interior and exterior applications. We recommend using a clear top coat to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Wenge offers a unique, dark tone that is desired in many contemporary doors. It is sleek and visually striking, especially when paired with stainless steel inlays. It offers a consistent color and grain structure. Wenge is recommended for both interior and exterior use because it is extremely durable and holds up to the elements. We recommend using a clear top coat to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Western Red Cedar offers a warm pallet of rich amber tones with interesting grain patterns. We recommend using Western Red Cedar on exterior doors because it is durable and weather-resistant. However, it is a softer material, which is not ideal for high-traffic areas. We would recommend using this type of wood for a side door instead of the main door.
Wormy Chestnut is part of the American Chestnut trees that were killed by blight in the early 1900s. The trees were subsequently damaged by insects, leaving holes and discoloration. The trees were harvested and converted into lumber. Wormy Chestnut is typically salvaged from old barns and other old structures. Between the nail holes, discoloration, and insect damage, it is preferred in applications where a rustic appearance is desired. It is not recommended for exterior use since water could infiltrate the holes. We recommend sealing with a clear coat to highlight the natural beauty of the reclaimed wood.
Yellow pine is known as one of the strongest, most versatile softwoods. Yellow Pine’s wood grain pattern and golden color provides visual interest with a high quality look. We recommend using this for interior doors only, as it could decay if it is exposed to the elements.