Being a consumer is difficult today due to the numerous options we have on the marketdoors–doors are no exception. In addition to the daunting task that is finding an affordable, high-quality product, consumers are also challenged to opt for more environmentally-sustainable options when it comes to how they spend their money. Because of the fact that doors are now made from a plethora of different materials, it makes sense to wonder whether or not wooden doors, the most traditional option, are sustainable. 

Simply put, if you are wondering whether a wooden door will be a sustainable choice, the answer is yes. However, this answer depends notably upon various different variables including the sourcing of the wood, the door manufacturing process, and how you define sustainability. When we talk about wood door sustainability, we’re referring to the capacity for wood to be used as a door option that mitigates a home’s potential negative impact on the environment. 

Is wood still a good choice for a door? 

Wood remains one of the most desirable and effective options on the market for doors, especially amongst upscale choices. Wood doors are renowned for their beautiful finishes, design adaptability, and sheer versatility in the options they provide. Solid wood doors are effective when it comes to insulation from noise as well as the elements. We carry mahogany wood doors, knotty pine, and douglas fir among other woods. 

How to tell if a door is sustainably manufactured? 

Wood doors, as showed by our sustainable practices here at ETO Doors, can be sourced and produced in environmentally-conscious ways. When shopping for a wood door, look for a manufacturer that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which attests to that company’s responsible approaches to manufacturing and forestry. Also, make sure that the wood being sourced for the door is not from an endangered species of tree. 

Some companies also go the extra mile in making their facilities more environmentally sustainable. For example, our facility in Los Angeles boasts its use of solar panels in effort to minimize our carbon footprint. 

It’s important to note that not every wood door manufacturer goes to such measures to promote sustainability, so be sure to do your research when shopping for sustainable wood doors. 

Why are wood doors sustainable choices? 

Elements that make wood a sustainable choice for doors include their durability, longevity, and persistent adaptability. If your wood door is damaged, chances are that it can be fixed. A well maintained wood door will last a lifetime as well. And worst case scenario, the wood can be repurposed. 

Here are some other ways that wood doors are sustainable choices for home doors:

• Wood’s effectiveness in insulation helps save on your energy bill, thus reducing overall waste of energy. 
• Wood is renewable resource, because trees can be replanted and their wood can be reharvested. With responsible forestry practices, trees can be cultivated and harvested in ways that do not negatively affect the environment and climate. 

• Some doors have lasted hundreds of years, showing the remarkable staying power of wood doors. When maintained and well-built, wood doors can outlive generations. No other door material can be made of a completely renewable material while also lasting so long. In terms of sustainability, wood doors truly excel at sustaining. 
• Another benefit from the sustainability of wood door usage comes from their manufacturing, which results in very little waste (if any). Leftover wood dust and pieces can be used in a variety of alternative applications. Any waste that may result from the process is biodegradable. 
• Some wood doors can actually be manufactured from recycled wood materials, which makes wood doors amongst the most sustainable options. This is usually best for interior doors which require less structural reinforcement. 

Important Notes…

A large part of what makes a door sustainable is its ability to seal and insulate a home from the outside world. In order to maximize the potential, both from sustainable and practical perspectives, of your quality wood door investment, be sure to hire a qualified professional to install the door. As time passes, make sure the door remains properly hung, and that all weatherstripping is functioning properly. This will help prevent any unnecessary loss of energy. 

You should also consider any finishes applied to the surface of an exterior wood door, as these, when exposed to UV radiation, rain, dampness, and other elements, have the potential to leaching into the surrounding ecosystem and ultimately finding a way into the local watershed and ocean. A sustainable way to keep your door beautiful, sealed, and protected, is to apply a natural penetrating finish to the woodgrain, such as linseed oil. Natural oils of the sort were amongst the first treatments used to protect wood doors, historically. 

Conclusion

Every door material has its own pros and cons. Wood is not the only door material that can be sustainable, as steel doors, glass doors, aluminum doors, and certain kinds of PVC/vinyl/composite/fiberglass doors can all also be sustainable. The use of sustainable products that come in so many different forms greatly depends on personal preference and the consumer’s ability (or willingness) to research the doors they buy to determine how sustainable they are. 

When it comes to whether or not wood is a sustainable door material, it is safe to say that it generally is. Wood is a material that is biodegradable, reusable, and renewable. Opt for a high quality hardwood door that is sustainably sourced and manufactured by a credible company. At ETO Doors, we prioritize sustainable business practices and take pride in the high quality solid wood doors we offer our clients nationwide.