You've found the most beautiful solid wood mahogany door for the front of your home. But stop – before you place your order, is that door the best door for your home? Will it hold up well for many years? Here, you'll find a few tips that can help you decide if that beautiful door is the right choice for you.

Sun, Rain, and Wind Exposure

How protected is the front door of your home? If your front door is completely exposed to the elements, you may not want to opt for a real wood door. Wood doors do best when they are somewhat sheltered from the rain, sun, and changing temperature.

Effective coverage requires that the door be completely out of the rain and sun for most of the day. Some sun exposure won't destroy the door, but it should be limited to less than five hours each day. More than that and the clear-coat that protects the door will begin to deteriorate – leaving you having to refinish or paint the door every year or two.

Now you must consider the temperatures throughout the year. Some doors are insulated better than others. If the temperatures in your area reach freezing or below, look for a door with a higher R-value – solid wood doors are not as insulated as a steel door with fiberglass insulation inside, but with the right weather stripping, you can increase the efficacy and decrease heat loss.

Maintenance

If you're looking for a door that is completely maintenance-free, you'll probably want to steer clear of solid wood doors, an instead, opt for a steel or vinyl door. This is because the steel and vinyl doors require nothing more than a good cleaning every now and then, but a wooden door will need to be cleaned and treated every so often.

How often the door will need to be cleaned and treated depends on the amount of exposure it experiences. If the door is in a well-protected space, you'll just have to wipe the door down every so often and re-seal it every few years – or less. If the door is out in the weather, plan on cleaning and at least seal-coating it each year to protect its looks and integrity.

If you're still unsure if a solid wood mahogany door will meet your needs, talk with a door professional. He or she will be able to help you find the door that will not only look great but will also keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the changing seasons. For more information, contact a company like Discount Door Center today.