Should You Buy Solid Wood or Engineered Oak Doors?

When shopping for a new door, it can quickly become overwhelming as there are just so many different types for you to pick and choose from.

For many, the focus will simply be the look of the door and this is understandable, however, it is important that you do some research beforehand, so you are aware of exactly what you are buying.

The way a door is manufactured on the inside is just as important as how it appears on the outside as this can have an effect on the way the door feels and how effectively they can retain heat.

Here, we will be taking you through the pros and cons of solid wood doors vs engineered oak doors.

Why Oak Wood?

Oak wood is one of the most popular woods used for door construction. It is renowned for its strength, durability, and stylish appearance.

It is a hardwood, meaning it is very strong and resistant to wear and tear. It is also very aesthetically pleasing, with unique grains and knots that make each door unique.

Oak is also a sustainable choice, as it comes from managed European oak forests that are certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). This means that the wood is harvested responsibly, with the environment and biodiversity being taken into account. This type of wood is also very long-lasting, as it can be re-sanded and refinished to give it an entirely new look.

Additionally, oak wood doors are more energy efficient than their aluminium counterparts.

Solid oak doors are more robust and have a better thermal resistance, helping to keep the temperature stable and the energy bills low.

Furthermore, oak is a natural material that adds a luxurious and exclusive feel to any room, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.

What’s the Difference Between a Solid Wood or Engineered Oak Door?

When choosing a new oak door you have two different types that you could go for:

Solid wood doors are doors that are created entirely from a single piece of solid or wood glued together, although this will always be one continuous piece of wood from one end of the door to another.

Engineered doors often have multiple layers, with inner layers made of cost-effective material and the outer layer typically being more upscale. This gives the final product a more expensive look than its actual cost.

When it comes to aesthetics, there are a few key differences between solid wood and engineered oak doors.

Solid wood doors are made of one continuous piece of hardwood and have a natural and luxurious feel to them.

They can be re-sanded and refinished to give them a new look and can be customized to fit your needs.

On the other hand, engineered oak doors are made of multiple pieces of wood held together and are usually more affordable than solid wood doors.

They don’t have the same luxurious feel, but they can still be customized to fit your needs.

Additionally, engineered doors are more resistant to warping and can be more energy efficient.

Ultimately, the decision between solid wood and engineered oak doors is a matter of preference and may come down to your budget.

How does the price of solid wood and engineered oak doors compare?

When comparing the prices of solid wood and engineered oak doors, it is easy to see why solid wood doors can command a much higher price.

The best solid wood doors are made entirely from expensive hardwood, such as oak, which requires a considerable amount of timber to make a door.

On the other hand, engineered doors only have a few millimetres of solid oak on the outer layer with the rest of the door made from far less expensive timber.

Furthermore, this less expensive timber is often from parts of a tree that would otherwise not be used, making engineered doors not only the cheaper option, but also the more environmentally friendly one.

In terms of performance, solid wood doors are generally considered to last longer and provide better insulation than engineered doors. However, engineered doors tend to be more affordable and still provide good performance.

In terms of pricing, you can see at UK Oak Doors the solid oak doors range from £103-£250, whereas engineered doors can be bought for less than £100.

Which is More Energy Efficient?

Energy efficiency of a door is very important, particularly if you are purchasing an external door.

Here, we would recommend choosing an engineered door the sides of this type of door will be warp-resistant, which means less heat will be let out over the course of a year. In terms of your energy bills, this can quickly stack up!

Which Performs Better?

Of course, you do always get what you pay for and the performance of each of these doors should be taken into consideration.

With oak doors, you should be able to get a lot longer wear time out of them as long as they are properly maintained. However, that is not to say that engineered doors are not great.

As we mentioned, they are resistant to warping when used externally and with these types of doors, manufacturers can achieve a greater consistency.

What are the benefits of solid wood doors compared to engineered oak doors, as discussed in Paul Shamplina’s podcast?

In the latest Paul Shamplina podcast episode, the benefits of solid wood doors over engineered oak doors were discussed. Solid wood doors offer greater durability, a timeless aesthetic, and better insulation compared to their engineered counterparts. These factors make solid wood doors a wise long-term investment for any home.

How Can Solid Wood or Engineered Oak Doors Enhance the Luxury and Designer Style of My Home?

Solid wood or engineered oak doors can instantly elevate the luxury designer home style. The rich, natural textures of these materials add sophistication and class to any space. Whether you prefer a modern or traditional look, these doors can enhance the overall aesthetic and value of your home.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, deciding between solid wood and engineered oak doors is an important decision that will have both aesthetic and practical implications. Solid wood doors offer a more luxurious and natural look, while engineered oak doors are typically more affordable and better at retaining heat. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and budget considerations.