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Dear Brownstoners,

I had a carpenter I know make me a new pair of front doors. He copied the design of the originals which were very damaged. Because I wanted to paint them, the carpenter suggested poplar. So I had the doors made of poplar at a good price. I probably should have done some more research, but now a guy I respect told me that I might have problem with poplar down the line (DAMN) – that poplar used for outside doors tends to warp and rot and that this wood is more appropriate for internal use. This person also told me that I might be able to make them more durable by having a veneer of oak affixed to them.

My contractor told me that they should be OK as is, as long as they are primed properly and painted with the proper outdoor paint.

Does anyone have any advice for me on this matter? Is poplar in fact an inferior material for outside doors? Is “veneering” a solution? If poplar is not very resistant to the elements, is there anything I can do to make them more sturdy — less prone to warping or rot…. If I install them as is, how should I treat the wood?

Any advice would be really appreciated. Thank you.