Harwood is, without doubt, one of the oldest materials used for making doors and continues to be one of the preferred choices. Having said that, no one can deny the vulnerability of hardwood when it comes to issues such as cracking, warping, and water/moisture-induced damage. No matter how much you invest in hardwood doors, there is always a risk of your investment falling short of your expectations. That explains the reason why an increasing number of property owners, architects, and designers are turning to engineered wooden doors and frames. The question that begs an answer is, “ are engineered wooden doors really worth your time and money?” To answer that, we present four key differences between hardwood and engineered wood doors and frames.
Construction
One of the basic differences between engineered and hardwood doors is the way they are constructed. Unlike hardwood doors that are constructed using solid hardwood slabs joined, dowelled, or glued together, engineered wood doors are made of HDF (high density fiberboard), also known as an ‘engineered’ core, on the top of which sits a layer of hardwood veneer making them look exactly like solid hardwood doors. Engineered wood doors are specifically engineered to provide greater stability than traditional hardwood doors and prevent issues that can stem from changing environmental conditions.
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Environment-Friendly
Engineered wood doors are considered more environment-friendly than hardwood doors, as the construction of engineered wood doors requires fewer trees to be cut. They are constructed using thin veneer sheets of high-quality hardwood on the surface and different species of wood that are easier to reproduce in the core. In short, the amount of high-quality wood used for making one hardwood door can be used to make multiple veneer sheets for several engineered doors.
Durability
Though hardwood doors are inherently strong, they are susceptible to climatic changes. For example, high humidity levels can cause hardwood doors to warp, expand, or contract and prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to mold problems. Also, if the wood is not treated on time, it could also be infested with termites. Engineered wood doors, on the other hand, are more stable than their solid counterparts, mostly because of the diverse range of materials that go into their construction. Also, unlike a hardwood door that can split easily along the grain, engineered wood doors require more force to break as they comprise different wood grains.
Cost-effectiveness
One of the biggest reasons why many people choose engineered wood doors over hardwood doors is their cost-effectiveness. The way an engineered wood door is made, you not only get the look of any number of solid hardwood doors, but it all comes at an economical price as compared with solid hardwood doors.
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Energy-efficiency
Engineered wood doors not only look elegant but are also known for their improved thermal insulation when compared with traditional hardwood doors. Improved insulation means engineered wood doors help in maintaining the comfort level of your spaces, which in turn, drives utility bills down. Also, greater insulation properties mean you will have a quieter house.
The Takeaway
While you may like the timeless charm of hardwood doors, when it comes to value for money, engineered wood doors definitely steal the show. If you are looking for wooden doors in India, check out the collection of engineered doors offered by Mikasa, one of India’s leading brands offering best-in-class wooden doors and frames. To discuss your requirements or learn more about our products and their prices, fill out our contact form or write to us at info@mikasadoors.com.