Understanding Door Terminologies for Engineered Wood Doors
Shopping for a door can indeed be overwhelming, especially when you are bombarded with unfamiliar terminology. However, getting to know some basic door jargon can significantly simplify the process and help you make informed decisions.
What is an Engineered Wood Door you ask? Well, these doors are made by bonding together multiple layers of wood or wood particles, using adhesives and heat. This construction enhances their stability and minimizes warping or shrinking issues commonly associated with solid wood doors.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential door terminologies to know when buying engineered wood doors:
1. Build and Construction: When we refer to the “build” of a door, we’re talking about its overall structure and composition. Engineered wood doors are constructed using a combination of smaller pieces of wood. At Ecolux, we produce three kinds of engineered doors: Solid Engineered, Semi-solid Engineered and Hollow.
2. Core Choices: The “core” of an engineered wood door refers to the interior composition, which can vary based on the manufacturer and specific door type. At Ecolux we use four types of cores:
- PB (Particleboard) Core: This type of core is the most commonly used for engineered wood doors. It is constructed from compressed wood particles, often sourced from collected wood shavings, a byproduct of door manufacturing. Particleboard (PB) provides a balance between stability and affordability, making it a cost-effective choice.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) Core: MDF is made from wood fibers, usually from byproducts of door manufacturing, and is combined with a resin adhesive and compressed into flat panels. It is often used in higher-end engineered wood doors. It provides a smooth finish, good resistance to warping and has a good weight to it.
- FJL (Finger Joint Laminated) Core: FJL involves creating a core by joining smaller pieces of wood using finger joints and laminating them together. It enhances strength and durability. This core is used for Solid engineered wood doors since it is the heftiest and heaviest among the other choices.
- Honeycomb Core: This type of core is made of cardboard and shaped into a honeycomb like structure. It gives the doors a lightweight and “hollow” feel. For people looking for an inexpensive and fairly strong interior door, this is the core to go with.
3. Finishes: The “finish” of an engineered wood door is crucial for both its appearance and protection. These finishes not only enhance the visual appeal of the door but also contribute to its longevity and ability to withstand various environmental factors. When choosing a finish, consider the desired aesthetic, maintenance requirements, and the level of protection needed for your specific application.
- Veneer: Engineered wood doors typically have a wood veneer finish, where a thin layer of real wood is applied to the surface. This gives the appearance of solid wood while utilizing less material and reducing costs.
- UV Coating: UV coating is a popular finish for engineered wood doors. It involves applying a protective layer that is cured using ultraviolet light. This coating enhances the door’s resistance to scratches, stains, and fading due to sunlight exposure.
- Duco Lacquer: Duco lacquer is a high-quality finish that provides a smooth, glossy surface to the door. It offers a contemporary and sleek look while ensuring durability and resistance to daily wear and tear.
- Clear/Color Stain: Staining involves applying a transparent or semi-transparent layer of color to enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain. Clear stains allow the natural wood color to show through, while colored stains can complement or match the overall decor.
4. Styles and Designs: Engineered wood doors offer a wide range of styles and designs to suit different architectural preferences and interior aesthetics.
- Panel Doors: These doors have panels on their surface, often arranged in a symmetrical pattern. A panel door can be customized with glass inserts – plain or decorative. The glass adds a touch of elegance and allows light to flow between spaces.
- Flush Doors: Smooth and plain doors that have flat surfaces and no detailed designs, providing a modern and minimalistic look. These doors are preferably used for indoor spaces.
Understanding these door terminologies will ensure that you choose the right door that suits your needs and preferences. Engineered wood doors provide a cost-effective and attractive alternative to solid wood doors, offering both style, strength and durability.
