The Complete Guide to Wooden Doors: Wood Types, Smart Locks, and Expert Selection Tips

Introduction: The Door... More Than Just an Entrance

When you stand in front of a house, what's the first thing you notice? The door. It's the first impression visitors form about your home, the element that defines the place's identity before you even step over its threshold. A wooden door isn't just a functional piece separating inside from outside—it's a story told in the language of wood, design, and craftsmanship.

In Saudi Arabia, wooden doors hold a special place in building culture and architecture. From luxurious palace doors made of carved mahogany to modern apartment doors with minimalist designs, wood remains the first choice for those seeking warmth, authenticity, and elegance.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a complete knowledge journey: from the forests where trees grow, to the workshops where they transform into doors, to your home where they're carefully installed. You'll learn about wood types from the most luxurious to the most economical, the best producing countries, the latest 2025 designs, lock types from traditional to smart, and everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Chapter One: Why Wood? Advantages of Wooden Doors

Unmatched Natural Beauty

Wood is a living, breathing material. Each piece is unique with its natural grains and patterns that never repeat. This uniqueness gives every wooden door a special personality that synthetic materials cannot replicate. Whether you choose wood in its natural color or painted, its visual warmth adds a sense of authenticity and sophistication to any space.

Thermal and Sound Insulation

Wood is an excellent natural insulator. Solid wooden doors provide thermal insulation that helps keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter, reducing energy consumption. They also provide good sound insulation that protects room privacy.

Durability and Longevity

High-quality wooden doors last for decades when properly maintained. Some woods like oak and teak actually improve in appearance over time, acquiring an attractive antique character.

Customizability

Wood is a flexible material that's easy to shape, carve, and stain. Wooden doors can be designed in any size, shape, or pattern, making them ideal for projects requiring special designs.

Environmental Friendliness

Wood is a renewable resource, and when sourced sustainably, it's considered an environmentally friendly choice compared to plastic or metal materials that require significant energy to manufacture.

Chapter Two: Wood Types for Doors - From Luxury to Budget

Luxury Category: For Those Seeking Excellence

Mahogany: Considered the king of woods in luxury door manufacturing. It features an attractive dark red color that deepens and beautifies over time. Its exceptional hardness makes it resistant to scratches and impacts, and it's naturally resistant to moisture and insects. African mahogany is the best and most expensive, followed by American. Mahogany door prices in Saudi Arabia range from 4,000 to 8,000 SAR per door.

Oak: One of the most versatile and popular woods worldwide. It comes in multiple colors including red, white, and light brown. It features high resistance to rot, fungi, and moisture, and withstands high temperatures without warping. Its lifespan is very long, and it's ideal for both exterior and interior doors. Prices range from 3,000 to 7,000 SAR.

Walnut: Features a luxurious dark brown color that may lean toward purple. A strong and durable wood that resists rot, but not the best at resisting insects. Often used in luxury furniture and upscale interior doors.

Iroko: Nicknamed "African Teak" for its similar characteristics to teak wood. Its golden-yellow color turns dark brown with air exposure. Features beautiful wavy grains and excellent resistance to harsh weather conditions. Available in several types: African, English, American, and Austrian.

Premium Category: Balance Between Quality and Price

Beech: One of the best woods for interior doors. Features a light brown color with reddish tones and a smooth texture. Excellent rot resistance and easy to shape and paint. Available in several types: Romanian (the best), Russian, American, and Turkish (the cheapest). Prices range from 2,000 to 5,000 SAR. Important note: Beech isn't the best at moisture resistance, so it's preferred for interior doors.

Alder: A smooth and beautiful wood often used in classic furniture. Its cost is relatively low compared to other types, but it's soft and prone to scratching. It absorbs moisture significantly, so it's preferred for interior doors only. Warning: It's difficult to identify by non-specialists, which may expose buyers to fraud.

Budget Category: Acceptable Quality at Reasonable Prices

Pine: One of the most widespread woods in the world due to the abundance of pine trees. Features a yellow or white color with dark brown knots. Lightweight and easy to work with, resistant to moisture and shrinkage. Its price is very low compared to hardwoods. Available in two types: heavy pine (more expensive and luxurious) and light pine (economical). Its main drawback is that it's relatively soft and prone to scratches.

Swedish Wood: The most popular in the Saudi market for its economy. Features beautiful color gradations between shades of burnt brown. Usually used as a frame for doors with fillings of other materials. Prices range from only 150 to 900 SAR, making it the first choice for budget-limited projects.

MDF and Pressed Wood: Not natural wood in the true sense, but manufactured boards from wood chips and pressed adhesives. Its surface is smooth and ideal for painting. Very low cost (starting from 369 SAR). Suitable for interior doors in homes and offices, but less durable and moisture-resistant.

Chapter Three: Best Wood-Producing Countries in the World

The Superpowers of Wood Production

United States of America: The largest wood producer in the world with production reaching 481 million cubic meters annually. Exports high-quality woods such as maple, red and white oak, and yellow poplar. Main export markets include China, Canada, Vietnam, and Mexico.

India: Second largest producer with 296 million cubic meters annually. Produces diverse tropical woods used in furniture and construction.

China: Third largest producer with 285 million cubic meters annually. In addition to local production, it's the largest importer and manufacturer of wood in the world.

Brazil: Fourth largest producer with 236 million cubic meters annually. Famous for its hardwood tropical woods from Amazon forests.

Canada: Fifth largest producer with 177 million cubic meters, but first globally in exports with exports reaching 31 billion kilograms annually. Wood trade is a fundamental pillar of its economy. Famous for high-quality pine and fir woods.

Leading European Countries

Sweden: About 70% of its area is covered by forests. Third largest wood exporter globally. Famous for high-quality pine and birch woods. In 2021, it exported wood worth $16.8 billion. Swedish wood used in Saudi Arabia usually comes from here.

Russia: Sixth largest producer with 162 million cubic meters. Owns the largest forest area in the world. Famous for fir and pine woods.

Romania: Source of the best beech wood in the world. Romanian beech is considered the gold standard for this type of wood quality.

Where Does Saudi Arabia Import From?

Saudi Arabia imports wood from multiple sources including: Sweden (the common Swedish wood), Romania and Turkey (beech wood), Africa (mahogany and iroko), North America (oak and walnut), and Ukraine (MDF boards). Source diversity allows Saudi consumers wide options to suit different budgets and tastes.

Chapter Four: Types of Wooden Doors and Their Designs

By Manufacturing Method

Solid Wood Doors: Made from a single piece or several pieces of natural solid wood. The most durable, luxurious, and insulating. Heavy and expensive. Ideal for exterior doors, villas, and palaces.

Engineered/Hollow Core Doors: The most commonly used in Saudi Arabia. Consists of a wooden frame (usually Swedish) filled with German Fontex or MDF boards. Excellent balance between quality and price. Suitable for interior doors in homes and offices.

Laminated Doors: Layers of wood or composite materials covered with wood veneer or synthetic finish. Diverse colors and finishes. Economical and practical.

By Opening Method

Traditional Hinged Doors: Most common, open inward or outward on side hinges. Simple, reliable, and suitable for most uses.

Sliding Doors: Slide horizontally on a rail. Ideal for small spaces as they don't need opening space. Modern and elegant. Available starting from 369 SAR for simple doors and 1,209 SAR for oak doors.

Accordion Doors: Consist of equal longitudinal pieces (10-15 cm wide) that fold together when opened. Excellent for separating spaces and saving space. Add a modern look.

Swing Doors: Usually made from beech wood, used to separate kitchen from living room. Modern and practical design, but advised to avoid if there are young children.

Pocket Doors: Slide into a wall cavity. Save significant space (about 10 square feet per door). Ideal for bathrooms, closets, and tight spaces.

Pivot Doors: Rotate around a central axis instead of side hinges. Allow for large, heavy sizes. Create a dramatic distinctive entrance. One of the prominent 2025 trends.

2025 Door Design Trends

Oversized Doors: Very tall doors (reaching room ceiling) have become very popular. Give a sense of luxury and spaciousness.

Clean Lines and Minimalist Design: Simple doors without complex ornaments, relying on the beauty of natural wood.

Geometric Patterns: Raised geometric carvings (triangles, diamonds, parallel lines) add dimension and depth to the door.

Bold Colors: Dark green, navy blue, and matte black have become common choices for exterior doors.

Glass Integration: Incorporating glass panels (clear, frosted, or colored) allows light in and adds a modern touch.

Biophilic Design: Using wood with its natural texture and original patterns to connect with nature.

Chapter Five: Types of Locks

Traditional Locks

Mortise Lock: One of the most commonly used locks worldwide. Features difficulty in breaking and ease of use. Multiple key copies can be made. Low installation cost. Ideal for interior and exterior wooden doors.

Yale Lock: Available in two types: the first with a latch button for opening from inside, and the second requiring keys from inside and outside. Provides high security and is commonly used on main doors.

Multi-Point Lock: Contains at least 3 metal tongues that close while turning the key. Provides very high security. Ideal for exterior doors of villas and parking garages.

Deadbolt: One of the strongest traditional locks. Requires a key to open from outside. Provides excellent resistance against breaking and intrusion. The double cylinder type requires a key from both inside and outside for maximum security.

Smart and Electronic Locks

In 2025, smart locks have become the first choice for modern homes. They combine advanced security with ease of use and allow remote control via smartphone.

Fingerprint Lock: Uses your unique fingerprint to open. Accuracy up to 99.8% in the best models. Can register 50-100 different fingerprints. Very fast (less than half a second). Cannot be forgotten or lost like a key. Top brands: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch, Kwikset Halo Touch, ULTRALOQ.

PIN Code Lock: Numeric keypad for entering a secret code. Multiple codes can be created for family members or guests. Some models allow temporary codes. Anti-peeping feature: adding random numbers before and after the real code.

Smart Card Lock (RFID/NFC): Opens by swiping a card or smartphone. Common in hotels and offices. Fast and convenient, but the card may be lost or stolen.

App-Controlled Lock: Complete control via smartphone app. Can lock and unlock from anywhere in the world. Create virtual "keys" for guests. Track entry and exit logs. Instant notifications when door opens. Requires WiFi or Bluetooth connection.

Voice-Controlled Lock: Works with smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Can open door with voice command. Ideal for elderly or people with special needs.

Smart Lock Advantages

No need to carry keys or worry about losing them. Ability to grant temporary access to guests or maintenance workers. Track who enters and when through activity log. Instant security notifications on phone. Automatic locking after specified period. Integration with smart home systems. Most models retain traditional key option for emergencies.

Important Considerations When Choosing a Smart Lock

Battery: Most locks run on batteries lasting 6-12 months. Ensure there's a low battery alert and emergency charging port.

Compatibility: Ensure the lock is compatible with your door type (wood, metal, glass) and dimensions.

Cybersecurity: Choose trusted brands with strong encryption (AES 128-bit minimum).

Weather: For exterior doors, choose a water and heat resistant lock (IP65 rating or higher).

Smart lock prices in Saudi Arabia: Range from 150 SAR for simple models to 2,000 SAR for advanced models.

Chapter Six: Door Accessories

Hinges

Hinges are the joints that allow the door to move. Choosing the right hinge is essential to ensure smooth door operation and long life.

Butt Hinges: Most common, attached to door edge and frame. Available in different sizes (3-6 inches). For heavy doors, use 3 hinges instead of 2.

Butterfly Hinges: Their decorative shape makes them visible as an aesthetic element. Ideal for cabinets and small doors.

Piano Hinges: A long hinge extending the full length of the door. Provides equal support and high strength.

Self-Closing Hinges: Automatically close the door after opening. Ideal for kitchen and bathroom doors.

Concealed Hinges: Not visible when door is closed. Give a clean, modern look.

Handles

Lever Handles: Easy to use, can be opened with elbow if hands are busy. Ideal for elderly and children.

Knob Handles: Classic and elegant. Require full grip to open. Less suitable for people with special needs.

Pull Handles: For sliding doors or cabinet doors. Available in various shapes and sizes.

Materials: Stainless steel (most durable), brass (luxurious and classic), aluminum (light and economical), plated zinc (diverse colors).

Trending finishes in 2025: Matte black, antique brass, polished gold, satin chrome.

Other Accessories

Door Stops: Prevent door from hitting wall. Available floor or wall mounted.

Thresholds: Seal the gap under the door. Provide air, water, and insect insulation.

Weather Stripping: Rubber or foam strips around door to prevent air leakage.

Peepholes: Allow seeing who's outside without opening door. Available in digital versions with screen.

Chapter Seven: Tips for Choosing the Right Door

Determine Use First

For exterior doors: Choose hardwood resistant to weather (oak, mahogany, iroko). Invest in a high-quality lock. Ensure thermal and water insulation.

For interior doors: You can use less hard woods (beech, pine, MDF). Focus on design and coordination with decor. Engineered doors are an excellent choice at reasonable prices.

For bedrooms: Good sound insulation is important. Solid or thick engineered doors.

For bathrooms and kitchens: Moisture resistance is essential. Avoid regular beech. Laminated or WPC doors are a good choice.

Measure Accurately

Before buying, measure door opening accurately: width, height, and depth. Standard dimensions in Saudi Arabia: 70×200 cm, 80×200 cm, 90×200 cm, 100×200 cm. If your opening is non-standard, you may need a custom door.

Test Samples

Don't rely on pictures alone. Visit the showroom and view wood samples. Feel the texture and look at color in natural lighting. Ask about wood source and type.

Think Long-Term

A door is a long-term investment. Choose quality that lasts years. Consider the possibility of repainting or renovation. Solid wooden doors can be maintained and renovated, while MDF is difficult to repair.

Don't Forget Installation

The best door loses its value with poor installation. Hire a specialized technician. Ensure frame and hinges are level. Test opening and closing before completing payment.

Chapter Eight: Prices and the Saudi Market

Price Range in 2025

Wooden door prices in Saudi Arabia vary widely depending on type and quality:

Budget Category (350-1,000 SAR): MDF and pressed doors, simple Swedish wood, suitable for apartments and offices.

Mid-Range Category (1,000-3,000 SAR): Good engineered doors, Swedish wood with oak or chestnut veneer, suitable for homes and small villas.

Luxury Category (3,000-10,000+ SAR): Solid beech, oak, mahogany, custom designs, for villas and palaces.

Where to Buy?

Large chain stores: SACO, Home Centre, IKEA (for ready-made models).

Specialized suppliers: Local door factories, wood showrooms.

Custom: Carpentry workshops for special designs.

Direct import: For large projects or special tastes.

Conclusion: Your Door Reflects Your Personality

Choosing a wooden door isn't just a practical decision—it's an expression of your taste and lifestyle. Whether you choose mahogany luxury, oak warmth, or Swedish wood practicality, your door is the gateway that welcomes you and your guests every day.

In 2025, authenticity meets technology: wooden doors with traditional designs featuring smart locks that open with your fingerprint. This blend embodies what we all seek: combining our roots with our aspirations.

We hope this guide has illuminated your path in the journey of choosing your doors. At Raghdan, we believe every detail in your home deserves care and attention, and that knowledge is the first step toward sound decisions. Whether you're building a new home or renovating an old one, we wish you doors that open to happiness and comfort.