Suitable Timber for External Doors

[ikearns]

I am going to have a punt at making an external door. I think I have got the design and layout sorted. I've calculated dimensions etc however I am stuck on what timber to use.

Ideally I would have liked to use white oak however the cost involved concerns me as this is my first attempt then at the price quoted then I dont want to 'balls it up'.

I spoke to the local timber yard and they recommended Sapele or Idigbo however the write-up on Sapele appears to indicate that it doesnt machine very well when using planes, routers etc (which is common in myand the info on Ibigbo is minimal but it is also a dark would like Sapele and as I am painting this (or getting it sprayed if I can find someone) then I would prefer to use a light coloured wood.

So here is my question - what would should I use which is hardwood and stable but also cost effective and not the end of the world (or £200) if I make a mistake?

I had thought about having a test run using cheap softwood / pine but even then if it goes well then I have a door which I dont necessarily have a use for.

TIA

 

[Notch7]

Steer clear of idigbo.

There arent really any light coloured external joinery timbers.

I would choose either sapele, utile, red grandis, meranti.

You could consider engineered laminated timber -see timbmet

http://www.timbmet.com/uk/products/range/engineered-timber/

Softwood tec would be stable

 

[ikearns]

Appreciate the reply and the suggestions. I have fed these back to the timber merchant to see if they can compare pricing.

Cheers

 

[Notch7]

Im not sure whether you are planing the timber to size or not.

You need flat timber for the stiles, if you start with bowed or twisted stiles you will struggle to end up with a usable door.

 

[ikearns]

Thanks for the pointer.

It's my plan to get the timber from a merchant that can square and plane it for me.

 

[Notch7]

Thanks for the pointer.

It's my plan to get the timber from a merchant that can square and plane it for me.

I dont have much faith in timber merchants producing flat timber, its not generally their area of expertise and doors stiles are one of the most critical components kn joinery.

You might do best seeking out a small local joinery shop and see if they could supply some machined timber.

Tip: a well laid out cutting list will encourage them!

Laid out something like this:

100 x 44
2 @ 2100
1 @ 900

150 x 44
1 @ 900

180 x 44
1 @ 900

So, section first, then list the lengths for that section -make lengths at least 100mm overlength and round up.

 

[ikearns]

In our local area there are a few well respected timber merchants recommended by trade and the more common DIY'er. I have bought timber from them before and they seem very helpful

 

[^woody^]

And make sure the timber is carefully selected for the job - quarter-sawn (or more expensive rift sawn) for doorstiles and rails to prevent them twisting.