Are Wood Front Doors a Good Option?

Aesthetics

• Choose a wooden front door when aesthetic qualities are a top priority. Wood allows for customization because a homeowner can choose from a variety of wood stains and wood finishes to fit almost any home style -- from light to dark or matte to glossy. Solid wood doors are also strong and durable, so they can withstand minor shifting and expanding that comes with temperature changes and house-settling issues.

Resale Value

• The installation of a solid wood front door could increase the resale value of your home. Of course, it's difficult to compute just how much of the resale value is attributable to the front door. It often depends on the quality of the door, the type of wood, warranties on the door and its defining characteristics. Homeowners can expect to see an increase equal to approximately half of their total investment on the door. When it comes time to sell your home, your property might stand out if buyers have their hearts set on solid wood.

Cost

• A major disadvantage to purchasing and installing wooden front doors is cost -- they are expensive. In fact, solid wood front doors are the most expensive option for homeowners. They may run as much as 10 times more than the cost of a typical steel front door, according to the Iver Carlson and Son Inc. If money isn't a concern or you've budgeted for the expense, the long-term value of a wooden door could outweigh the initial cost.

Maintenance

• Wooden front doors that face west, are exposed to severe weather conditions or don't have a protective screen door may require additional maintenance. If you buy a wooden door that has been weather-proofed or you apply protective overcoats yourself, you probably won't need to do much maintenance. Extreme fading due to sunlight, weathering and splintering, however, might require sanding, restaining and new applications of protective sealants. Some house styles, such as Tudors, log cabins and cottages, look appealing when the wooden front door is purposely weathered.