The surge in demand for wooden and timber products worldwide over the past few years, coupled with the need to ensure that the raw materials for these products are sustainably sourced, has significant implications on the downstream timber industries, including (and perhaps in particular) those in building and construction. Timber is a preferred material for many parts of a building, especially doors and door frames, due to its aesthetic qualities, strength and durability, ecological friendliness, and reasonable cost, amongst other reasons. Doors are essential components of any and every building project that perform several practical and critical functions. Using timber and wooden doors and doorframes offers distinct advantages, whether in a residential or commercial or even industrial setting, and they remain perennial favourites to this day amongst Malaysians.
The rising demand for timber and wooden products is due in large part to the use of such products in building and construction. Timber finds itself used in myriad ways, from building foundations, frames, and both internal and external walls, to flooring and interior decoration. Doors and door frames in particular, appeal to many, especially in Malaysia – even doors made from other materials will feature wooden façades or finishes.
Wooden doors have been in use as far back as 5,000 years ago, in the Stone Age. Aside from controlling access to and from an enclosure, they also play key roles in the areas of ventilation, lighting, and privacy. These days, specialised doors such as security doors and fire doors are necessary components of a building’s safety and security system and evacuation plan. Beyond these practical elements, the right choice of doors can also make a building’s décor more pleasant and attractive to prospective purchasers and users.
As such, choosing the right types of doors and door frames for any building project should take into consideration the type of materials they are made from, the level of safety and security required from them, especially if used in high-rise buildings, and other factors such as ease of customisation and installation. Using timber or wooden doors comes with a few advantages, as detailed below:
Aesthetics. Wood and wood products are endlessly customisable and can be worked in myriad ways. They come in a range of finishes and can be painted any colour desired to match the rest of the décor. Wooden doors and door frames provide an endless, classic, and elegant look and feel that will liven up any property, providing a warmth that other materials find hard to match. Timber can also convey a plush feeling of luxury as compared to PVC or metal.
Durability. With the proper treatments and maintenance, wooden doors can withstand the test of time. The oldest wooden doors still in use today are over 900 years old, and more modern wooden doors can easily last 60 years or more. Wooden doors are also resistant to heat, thanks to their thermal properties, and can be used as fire doors, with some being rated for up to 2 hours.
Sustainability. Wood is inherently a sustainable construction material, being a natural carbon store with each tonne of dry wood produced sequestering 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), and the production of a single wood door potentially saving up to 725.4kg of CO2 equivalent in emissions. Unlike metals, glass, or PVC, which are popular alternative materials for making doors and door frames, timber is a renewable resource, as it is harvested from trees that can be replanted indefinitely. Wood is also a natural insulator, so wooden doors can help with room insulation and lower energy costs. Timber doors can help with compliance with the Green Building Index or other green building codes and regulations.
This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Wood Moulding and Joinery Council (MWMJC). MWMJC represents the downstream timber ecosystem in Malaysia, including key industry leaders in the timber door and door frame subsector.
For more information on how MWMJC can assist you with your wooden door and/or door frame requirements, visit its website at https://www.mwmjc.my/ or call the Secretariat at +603-9283 7893.
