How are timber panels utilised for the manufacture of doors?
Most of the timber used in modern construction comes from sustainably managed forests. Softwood, hardwood and engineered timber panels are a popular choice for external doors. As non-plastics, timber panels are robust and have a reduced carbon impact, and they can be easily shaped and combined with other materials such as glass.
The natural moisture resistance of a timber panel will depend on the type of wood used to manufacture it. Whilst engineered timber has the highest level of natural moisture resistance, for outdoor applications, the surface needs to be finished to protect the door from moisture ingress that could damage the wood panels and affect the door’s performance. Arctek® Technology can improve the moisture resistance of timber panels, add lifespan to the paint system and extend the design life of doors.
Timber panels used for doors will need sanding and smoothing before priming and painting to achieve a high quality finish. Although engineered timber has fewer imperfections, such as knots, than natural wood, the lamination and finger joints can often be visible through the paint. A high performance overlay will reduce the amount of work needed to achieve a smooth and high quality painted finish.