Hi all

Anybody know what is the difference between these 2 types of doors in terms of durability, safety, price etc? I was told solid wood doors may crack if expose to rain and sunshine making decorative veneer doors more preferable. Is this true.

Any inputs are welcomed.



Thank you

cracks: yes true.

safety: solid wood

durability: if installed inside the house will be pretty much the same unless you abuse the door or keep it in a very moist environment. then solid will last longer (but look crappy just as well)

price: good moulded door will be slightly cheaper than a regular solid door. but not much.

for inside i would always buy moulded doors (with full filling for sound proofing) instead of solid. have both types (kitchen is solid with glas couldnt get the design we wanted as moulded) and they are all OK but the solid one shows some small cracks at the joints due to the aircon environment.

Exterior door always the problematic one. You required safety and sun and rain resistance

Option one: You could buy those China made 2 in1 security which will cost RM1k or

Option two : Conventional way, use wooden solid door and incorporates half grille metal door.

I installed metal grille and a customized water proof metal door.

Solid door could last long if you apply protective coating paints onto it....

e.g for Nippon

1)undercoat(white)
2) 2ply of 9000 gloss enamal(any colour)

or
varnish to show wood grain
timberfinish any shade(2ply)
timberfinish(clear single ply)

paints of any reputable brand at equivalent quality will do...

choose reputable brand like nippon, PAR, Jotun or ICI....

choose premium grade series paint instead of economy. Indicator... 5.0L should range between 100-130... not 40-60

with this as decorative, you can have decorative + durability + safety....

good luck

Thanks for your reply, PJusa, limch & Awakened_Angel.

limch, may I know where you bought your metal door? Does it looks like wooden door after painting? Would appreciate if you could post a picture here. Thanks ya.