One of the most important decisions when ordering a new interior door is selecting the wood species. The material you choose affects everything from the door’s durability and ability to take a stain to its final aesthetic and price.
We build every door with a full, solid wood core—ensuring premium quality regardless of the species you select. Below, we break down the pros and cons of six popular domestic woods to help you decide.
1. White Oak
White Oak is a timeless classic, especially favored for its distinctive, tight grain pattern and durability. It’s an ideal choice for modern and transitional interiors.
Pros
Durability: Extremely hard and resistant to wear.
Grain: Has a beautiful, straight, and slightly varied grain that finishes cleanly.
Water Resistance: Its closed grain makes it naturally resistant to moisture.
Acoustics: Excellent sound-dampening qualities due to high density.
Cons
Cost: Often one of the higher-priced domestic options
Finishing: Requires careful and longer sanding due to its density and hardness.
2. Red Oak
While similar in name, Red Oak differs from White Oak in color and grain structure. It’s an American favorite for traditional and rustic designs.
Pros
Cost: Typically more affordable and easier to source than White Oak.
Finishing: Takes dark stains exceptionally well and uniformly.
Hardness: Very hard and durable for high-traffic areas.
Cons
Grain: The grain pattern is coarser, featuring visible "cathedral" arches.
Porous: Its open grain is more porous and less water-resistant than White Oak.
Color: Has a reddish-pink undertone that influences lighter stains.
3. Alder
Alder is often called the "poor man's cherry" because of its smooth, straight grain that takes stain beautifully to mimic more expensive hardwoods.
Pros
Workability: Very soft and easy to work with; ideal for custom carvings and intricate paneling.
Finishing: Accepts stain incredibly well and yields a very smooth, uniform finish.
Price: Highly economical compared to the Oaks.
Cons
Softness: Susceptible to dents and scratches.
Color: Can show color variation or small knots, especially when unstained.
4. Ash
Ash is a strong, dense wood that shares many similarities with White Oak, offering an excellent alternative for those seeking durability and a unique look.
Pros
Shock Resistance: Highly resilient and known for excellent shock absorption.
Strength: Very durable, making it great for high-use doors.
Cons
Finishing: Can yellow slightly over time if exposed to direct sunlight.
Uniformity: Can have slight variations in color, though less pronounced than Red Oak.
5. Maple
Maple is characterized by its exceptionally fine, closed, and subtle grain pattern. It is the go-to choice for painted doors and ultra-clean, modern aesthetics.
Pros
Finishing: Virtually invisible grain makes it the superior choice for a smooth, high-gloss painted finish.
Hardness: Very hard and resistant to impact damage.
Clean Aesthetic: Its subtle grain is perfect for minimalist and contemporary styles.
Cons
Staining: Can sometimes resist stain, leading to splotching if not properly conditioned beforehand.
Cost: A mid-to-high cost option due to its density and popularity.
6. Poplar
Poplar is a softer hardwood, primarily used when the main goal is a painted finish. It is rarely stained due to its inconsistent, pale green or brown coloring.
Pros
Cost: One of the most economical hardwood choices available.
Painting: Extremely smooth and accepts paint primer and topcoats perfectly.
Workability: Easy to cut, shape, and route for custom panel designs.
Cons
Staining: Poor results when stained due as it is soft and has varying green/brown tones.
Softness: Very easy to dent or scratch compared to Oak or Maple.