There’s a reason wooden doors have been used since 3000 B.C. Wood is strong, resilient, and well-suited for shrinking and swelling due to seasonal changes. Wooden doors are always in style, and because wood is a natural resource, no two pieces are alike. This results in a beautiful, natural-looking door that is uniquely your own.

Mahogany is one of the best woods used for doors. Mahogany's stability and hardness resist rot, so this wood is perfect if you live in a humid climate. Mahogany stains very well if you should ever want to recolor your door.

Due to its popularity, many impostors are claiming to be mahogany. Look for these labels: Genuine mahogany, Swietenia macrophylla, or Khaya ivorensis.

You should also look for a country of origin: Honduras, Brazil, West Africa, the Dominican Republic, the Americas, and Belize. American (Swietenia macrophylla), Latin and South American mahogany are the most durable species because the trees grow in hot, wet climates.

Cherry is a hardwood with color spanning from vibrant red to light reddish-brown with blonde streaks. Additionally, the wood darkens over time, especially when exposed to sunlight, making it a striking and unique choice. While it's resistant to dents, moisture, and decay, it also has little insulating value.

Oak trees provide highly stable wood and are insect and fungus resistant. However, not all oak is created equally. Some breeds repel moisture, while others soak it up. Be sure to choose the type of oak that suits your area.

Maple is known for its longevity, smooth texture, even grain, and beauty. However, this wood can be brittle, so harsh weather or a rogue baseball could easily cause breakage. Only use maple doors for the interior of your home.

Walnut remains one of the most versatile types of wood. It’s a tight-grained, dense, rigid timber and comes in a variety of colors, from creamy white to chocolate brown. Because this wood absorbs finishes so well, you can stain a walnut door with numerous other colors. However, its porous nature means you'll have to coat the wood with preservatives to prevent water damage.

Jarrah, a species of the eucalyptus tree, is a dense, fibrous wood that becomes a reddish-brown hue as it ages. When Jarrah is freshly cut, carpenters can shape it with little effort. But over time, the wood becomes so hard and strong that traditional tools can no longer be used. Jarrah is termite-resistant, which makes it ideal for doors, railings, and other wood structures. It also resists water and rot. If you choose Jarrah, you can be confident it will last longer than most other wood types.