Solid Wood Doors? That’s a Thing of the Past
Solid Wood has been the preferred material choice to manufacture doors with for centuries. Sadly, it has many limitations that come with it. With ongoing research and technology, there are new types of wooden doors that are innovated. This engineered lumber is processed a different way than regular raw wood. It is also meant to perform differently, most of the time better than a solid wood. This new form of door is known as a Solid Engineered Wood Door. From the outside it feels like a regular solid wood door, but on the inside is where it is completely unalike.
Manufacturing engineered wood is a tedious process. In our factory, raw wood is received, cleaned and sorted. After sorting, it goes through Kiln drying to reduce moisture levels so that the timber is more resistant to warping. It is then sent through a planer that cuts the large slabs into smaller pieces. Waste from this process is collected to make other forms of engineered wood, like a Fibreboard. The small wood pieces are then pressed and stuck together with a strong adhesive to create a strong board that will serve as the core of the door. The quality of the door is very reliant on the quality of adhesive used, hence it is always advisable to ask what type of adhesive is utilized when purchasing a door with an engineered core. There are several types of engineered wood used for door making. Some examples are Particle Board, Finger-Joint and Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF).
Particle Board (PB) is formed using byproducts of lumber production. Sawdust is collected and compressed with adhesives.
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is also created from byproducts. But instead of sawdust, it is comprised of wood fibers which results in a stronger and heavier core compared to PB.
A Finger-Joint core is assembled by interlocking “fingers” that have been cut into the piece of wood, like a puzzle. This results in a very strong bond, even stronger than solid wood.
Finishing comes in a few options. Duco paint is the most versatile finishing technique as endless colors can be created to paint the door with and it can be used on curved surfaces. A High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) is the most durable and is usually used on “budget” doors. The end result can look and feel like real wood since the plastic laminate is able to mimic real grain texture and wood-like colors. Veneer is the most luxurious of all since it is literally a slice of real wood. This finish provides a subtle look that focuses on the natural beauty of the graining on the wood used. It adds another layer of strength to the door and is the eco-friendliest.
Choosing an Engineered door comes with many advantages. One being that it is more resistant to warping due to humidity or water than a solid wood door, while also having its strength and durability. The smaller surface area of the wood pieces used in its core causes less expansion and contraction, and hence less warping. There are also endless designs to choose from and can be easily combined with other materials to fit the design needs of customers. Due to its construction, it is better protected from termites and offers a great sound barrier. Nevertheless, engineered wood doors are not aesthetically pleasing since it is made up of small pieces of wood that are stuck together. Doors that are already made cannot be modified, so double checking the door frame dimensions is always a must.
