If you are looking for a new solid oak external door, you may come across two common options: European oak and American oak.
At first glance, they can look very similar. However, there are some important differences worth knowing before choosing the timber for your front door.
What is European oak?
European oak comes from oak trees grown across Europe, including countries such as France, Germany and the UK.
It has traditionally been used for buildings, furniture, flooring, beams and exterior joinery.
European oak usually has a fairly straight, attractive grain with a warm natural colour. It can also contain knots and other natural features, depending on the grade of timber selected.
For external doors, European oak is a popular choice because it is a naturally durable hardwood and has a long history of being used for exterior joinery.
What is American oak?
American oak, often referred to as American white oak, mainly comes from North America.
It is also a strong and attractive hardwood and is widely used for furniture, flooring, cabinetry and joinery.
American white oak can have a slightly different appearance to European oak. It often has a lighter colour and can have a more prominent grain pattern.
Like European oak, it can be used for external joinery when the timber is correctly selected, designed, manufactured and finished.
What is the difference between European and American oak?
The biggest differences are usually the appearance, availability, timber characteristics and suitability for the particular job.
European oak tends to have a warmer, more traditional appearance, which makes it particularly popular for period properties and traditional-style front doors.
American white oak can have a lighter appearance and a more pronounced grain.
There can also be considerable variation within each type of oak. Two pieces of European oak can look very different, just as two pieces of American oak can.
This is why the quality and grade of the timber are just as important as where the tree was grown.
Which is more durable outside?
Both European oak and American white oak are durable hardwoods.
However, simply choosing oak does not guarantee that an external door will last for decades.
The design and construction of the door are extremely important.
The timber needs to be properly selected and the door needs to be designed to deal with rain, changes in temperature and moisture levels.
Good drainage, suitable joints, correctly designed thresholds and an appropriate exterior finish all play an important part.
A well-made oak door can provide many years of service, but it still needs looking after.
Which looks better?
This really comes down to personal preference.
European oak tends to suit people looking for a traditional, warm appearance.
American white oak can be a good choice if you prefer a lighter timber with a more pronounced grain.
For a bespoke door, the appearance can also be influenced by the way the timber is cut and selected.
At LSC, we can select timber to achieve the appearance you are looking for, while still taking the requirements of an external door into consideration.
Is European oak more expensive?
Prices can vary considerably depending on the quality, grade and availability of the timber.
The cost of the finished door is also affected by its size, design, glazing, ironmongery, finish and construction.
It is therefore difficult to say that one type of oak will always be more expensive than the other.
When comparing quotes, it is worth checking exactly what timber is being used and what is included in the finished door.
Which oak is best for an external door?
For many UK homes, European oak is an excellent choice for a bespoke external door.
It has the appearance that many homeowners associate with traditional oak joinery, it is naturally durable and it works particularly well with both traditional and modern door designs.
However, the timber is only one part of the finished product.
A high-quality external oak door needs to be properly designed, manufactured and finished to cope with the British weather.
European oak or American oak: which should you choose?
If you are trying to decide between the two, think about the appearance you want, the style of your property and how the door will be finished.
For a traditional UK property, European oak is often the natural choice.
For a lighter, more distinctive grain appearance, American white oak may be worth considering.
Ultimately, the quality of the timber and the quality of the door construction are more important than simply choosing one type of oak over another.
At LSC Joinery & Manufacturing, we make bespoke solid European oak external doors and frames to suit individual properties. Every door can be made to your required size and design, with your choice of glazing, ironmongery and finish.
If you are considering a new oak front door, get in touch with LSC for a free quote.
