Issue with New Front Doors
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…
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.
the poplar in use today is great to work with and a fine choice for interior trim work. however, as southslope indicated, it’s a poor choice for exterior applications because it’s prone to degrading when exposed to the elements. the best thing you can do for the new doors you have is to be vigilant about keeping them primed, painted, and therefore, protected.
interesting to note that old poplar (e.g. 19th century) is a phenomenal choice for exterior applications. i’ve seen old poplar that hasn’t been painted or maintained for decades that is completely intact and stable. the difference is due to forestry practices.
lastly, you’ll note that southslope employed quotations around the word carpenter. southslope is correct again in indicating that many people who would be quick to adopt that name aren’t really qualified to do so. a really good carpenter could take the very damaged doors you had apart, repair and rebuild them (using salvaged wood where patching was necessary) and leave you with better doors than you could buy new.
keep paint on the ones you have and you’ll be ok.
can you tell me who made the new doors, and what was the approx. cost? thank you.
Thank you so much for your explanation. It looks like I probably should have researched this more before I got the doors but for now, priming and painting carefully will be the best way to keep the doors from rotting or warping (much). Who knew? I appreciate your sharing of your expertise. Thanks again.
The north and south components are called stiles and the east and west parts are called rails. Stiles should be made using stave core construction if it is a hardwood door. Most softwoods, like Spanish cedar, are stable enough to make solid stiles.
A stave core is made up of strips of softwood (eastern white pine or basswood)with the grain turned in alternating directions (like a butcher block) for stability. Hardwood lumber is then re-sawn into 1/4″ thick skins and laminated to the core. If you google “stave core” will find some illustrations.
It is not possible to attach veneer properly after the door is assembled as this step is done in a press.
Clarification of my question, could the existing poplar door be used a a “core” for a stave core door? Thanks.
Clarification of my question, could the existing poplar door be used a a “core” for a stave core door? Thanks.
Thanks for this response SouthSlope. What is a stave core and how is that different from a solid core? These doors have big glass inserts so there
is a piece which goes east west on top and bottom and then north south on the sides of the glass window (which is quite long) on each door.
Another question — is there any value to affixing a veneer to the surface or would proper treating and painting be sufficient? Thanks.
Poplar is prone to fungus growth and should not be used in damp areas. A good primer/paint will keep the moisture content in check. The most vulnerable part of the door and most often neglected is the bottom. For some reason “carpenters” enjoy trimming the bottom of the door and neglecting to seal it as well as the rest of the door. Perhaps this is because no one will ever look at the bottom of the door.
If the door is over 80″ and is a solid core it will probably warp. If he built a stave core-it will be straight for the next 100 years (that is how the old ones were made).
It would be best to remove the hinges and hardware before applying finish to seal every part of the door. Prime your door with a linseed oil based primer followed by several top coats of a high-quality oil based paint. finepaintsofeurope.com