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If a wooden door swells from temporary humidity or moisture, it should return to its original size as the environment dries out. However, if the door remains swollen due to prolonged exposure to moisture or water damage, it may not fully revert to its original shape and could require repairs or replacement. Using a dehumidifier and ensuring your doorway has good ventilation can help prevent and reduce swelling in wooden doors.

Wood is by no means the only type of front door material on the market. You can also choose from several other options, including:

• Aluminum: Low-maintenance and affordable, but lacks insulation 

• Fiberglass: Offers excellent insulation and durability for a decent price 

• Glass: Offers beauty but less security or insulation, and a higher price tag 

• Steel: One of the most economical options if you’re looking for affordability, low maintenance, high security levels, and a door that will last

• Wrought iron: Attractive and secure, but costly and heavy 

Standard door sizes aren’t one-size-fits-all, but there are common go-to dimensions. For exterior doors—like your front door—36 inches wide by 80 inches tall is typical, though you’ll see 30- or 32-inch widths too, especially in older homes. Interior doors vary more. Bedrooms and bathrooms often use 30- to 32-inch widths, and closet doors can be anything from slim singles to wide bi-folds. Height is usually 80 inches across the board; however, always measure your actual opening. “Standard” only works if it matches what’s already in place.

As long as you do it carefully, you can sand and restain hollow core doors. However, it’s risky because the veneers on hollow core doors are so thin that sanding and restaining might cause damage to the doors. If you do move forward with this project, sand the doors lightly with a medium-grit sandpaper.