Dear Jim: I need a new front door. Several neighbors have beautiful wood doors. I want an attractive door with glass like theirs, but I am afraid it may eventually warp and need repairs. What do you think? – Sandi T.

Dear Sandi: If you install a top-quality wood front door, you won’t have to worry about it becoming warped. A warped door is not only unattractive, but the air leakage around it will increase your utility bills year-round. It also creates chilly drafts and allows allergens and dust to get indoors.

Keep in mind though, even the best wood doors require a periodic inspection and they are not as maintenance-free as are insulated steel and fiberglass doors. Wood is a natural material, so it may grow and shrink with seasonal changes in humidity and temperature.

A good-quality finish on the door should seal the wood and minimize these changes. Some doors are delivered prefinished while others are finished at your home. Your regular inspection should be for scratches and nicks that might allow moisture to enter the wood. Seal any spots with a touch of urethane.

Many top-quality wood doors are made of solid hardwood rails (horizontal sections) and stiles (vertical sections). If the climate conditions in your area are severe and have caused other front doors to warp, consider a door made of laminated veneer lumber or other engineered lumber. For stability, these consist of small pieces of wood bonded together under a wood veneer.

Another option is a wood door with a foam insulation core. Solid wood is a fairly good natural insulator, but the foam core quadruples the overall insulation level. These designs also use two-piece rail and stile construction for greater stability in any climate and weather conditions.

The type of decorative glass you install in the door will likely have a greater impact on its efficiency than the door construction or the foam insulation. Also, adding large decorative glass panels, such as leaded, stained, beveled, arched, etc., can almost double the cost of some doors.

Triple-pane glass is best for all climates. It is energy efficient (two air gaps) and it is more difficult for a thief to break through it. The decorative pane is between the outer two for protection against accidental damages or degradation by the sun, air pollution, cleaning, etc.

The wood you select (oak, maple, ash, birch, mahogany, hemlock, walnut, cherry) does not have a great impact on the durability of the door as long as you maintain it and keep the surface sealed. Make your selection of the wood type based on its appearance and your budget. If you prefer a stylish look, select one with an embossed metal (brass, copper or pewter) skin.

Write for (instantly download – www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 434 – buyer’s guide of 14 high-quality wood entry door manufacturers listing construction types, styles, glass options, features and finishing instructions. Include $3 and a business-size SASE, and send to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.