Hemlock for exterior door?

Joannaclaire

We're in the market for a new front door. I want to try and get a 1930s period style to match the era of the house and also others on the street as half have original or repro ones that blend in nicely.

A lot of the door supply websites seem to have pine or hemlock wood doors. Is hemlock a good material for an external door? They seem cheaper so I'm wary about the pay for what you get issue. Am I right in thinking hardwood is better?

We'll probably paint it in any case, so I assume that would provide some sort of protection against the elements?

I guess I'm more concerned re the security aspect/solidity of the wood, as we don't plan to live there for more than 3-5 years, so longevity isn't an issue in theory, although we don't want it to warp or split too early on in it's life and want something reasonably safe and solid.

woodbutcher_2

You are right in thinking hardwood is better but if you are painting then Hemlock is suitable.Done lots of these over the years.A bigger concern for doors is construction.Are they dowelled or mortice and tenoned?The latter is better.

Joannaclaire

Thanks for that. Hardwood would be lovely in an ideal world, but our budget is now somewhat tight on our [STRIKE]money pit[/STRIKE] house, so hemlock seems like it is an ok option then, along with some weatherproof type paint. So far most I've seen are mortice and tenoned, so that's a good start I guess.

macchicken

hemlock is an exterior grade wood as long as its sealed correctly you wont have a problem.
Go for a M&T door rather than a dowled one if your budget can accomodate it.