Our Select Series is an economical collection of strong, beautiful, and affordable screen doors. The one-of-a-kind wood screen doors in our Premium Series are made to the absolute highest quality. The wood species available for all doors are Poplar, Pine, Sapele Mahogany, and Douglas Fir.
We will go into more detail on our offerings below so that you can make an informed decision on what type of wood you want for your Montana Screen Door.
Douglas Fir
"One of the most striking and truly graceful objects in nature" is what botanist David Douglas himself had to say about this beautiful wood species. Widely found in our country's Northern states, the Douglas Fir is seen in many yards and parks, as well as being used as a Christmas tree for most of the nation.
Douglas Fir is a versatile wood, great for painting or staining. The straight grain and uniform texture are aesthetically pleasing. Its natural resistance to rot and insects make it a good choice for an exterior door. In addition, its strength increases its ability to withstand weathering.
We would recommend a protected location for these doors with moderate weather exposure.
Pine
One of the most widely-used trees for construction, Pine is easy to source as well as durable and versatile. Its reasonable price is due to how quickly Pine can mature--allowing it to harvested, replanted, and harvested again fairly quickly. It is available locally, which means it leaves a much smaller environmental footprint.
The coloring of Pine is light brown, sometimes with a slightly reddish hue with the sapwood being much lighter (pale yellow to nearly white). As the wood ages, the color tends to darken.
Pine tends to have less movement with shrinking and swelling as other types of lumber, which makes it ideal for doors. This lumber is both strong and durable with a uniform texture that holds finishes well. Many log cabins are made from Pine because the trees grow with minimal curving or twisting in the trunk. Pine finishes well with either paint or stain.
Our recommendation with Pine is to use it in a protected location where there is an overhang or the door is partially covered from the elements with light weather exposure.
Poplar
Poplar is one of the most beloved utility hardwoods in the country. Widely used for high-end furniture, this fine hardwood is a favorite for a variety of uses and is characterized by its off-white to yellowish brown streaks. It typically has a straight, even grain.
Poplar is an excellent wood if you plan to paint your door. We would recommend a completely covered location where the door is protected from the weather.
Sapele Mahogany
From furniture to boat building, Mahogany is widely used for many luxury products in the United States. Comprised of reddish brown hues, the appearance of a quality piece of Mahogany is unmistakable. Mahogany is also highly prized for its durability against salt water and harsh climates, making it an excellent choice for those who live near the ocean.
Mahogany is one of the best woods you can use for staining due to the interlocked grain, natural luster, and uniform texture.
You can use these doors in exposed locations due to the weather-resistant properties of Mahogany, but you will need to ensure that the finish is touched up as necessary.
Cedar
Western red cedar is a softwood found on both the East and West Coast. Its natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture makes it an excellent choice for exterior doors. Its reddish-brown color adds character, while its lightweight structure makes it easy to work with. To maintain its durability and color, cedar doors benefit from regular sealing or staining.
We would recommend light weather exposure in a partially covered application for Cedar screen doors.
Quarter-Sawn White Oak
Quarter-sawn White Oak is a hardwood highly sought after for millwork projects thanks to its durability, moisture resistance, and distinctive straight grain with ray fleck patterns. Used most notably for wine barrels, it is strong and resistant to scratches and dents, providing durability.
Quarter-sawn white oak performs well in both interior and exterior doors, offering strength, stability, and a timeless appearance that holds up under heavy use. Additionally, its effectiveness at resisting water makes it a reliable choice for exterior doors.
Accoya
Accoya is an exceptionally durable, modified wood ideal for exterior doors. Pine undergoes the process of acetylation, which enhances its resistance to moisture, rot, and warping, making it a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods. While looking very similar to poplar and pine, it is extremely flexible in design and texture, allowing it to be used for a wide variety of projects while maintaining its quality.
Accoya doors can withstand harsh weather conditions and are easily finished or painted, maintaining their stability for decades, making this a great option for exposed locations.
Sources: Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org) & The Wood Database (wood-database.com)