Back Doors what's Popular and What Should I Choose

Published: April 30, 2021

By the Estate Millwork Design Team | Craftsmen since 1997

When it comes to choosing a new back door for your home there is no shortage of options. If you're not sure where to start, our comprehensive guide on how to choose a back door covers the key factors to consider. However when it comes to choosing a new backdoor that fits your daily needs, style and on top of that offers your home the security it should can take a bit of time and research. Two of the most popular rear entry door styles are French doors and standard wooden entry doors.

French Doors

A set of French doors or even one French door can be a beautiful and practical choice for your back door if you are looking to let in light and enjoy a view of the outdoors from the comfort of your home. When considering French doors you need to take a few things into account, first and foremost you want to consider how you will lock the door or doors when closed, if you are installing 2 French doors that close in the middle you will want three points of locking on the doors (top, middle & bottom) so that the doors are secure. If you are only installing one French door your standard door lock will be sufficient. If you are looking to gain some privacy from your French doors you may consider installing some curtains or blinds that can be closed when you require a little more privacy.

Standard Doors

Maybe you are just in the market for a more functional back door that provides security but also still provides some elegance to the rear of your home. One of the most common types of rear entry doors is a standard wooden door with or without glass panes. These wooden exterior doors can usually bring more of a utilitarian use but they can also be customized to fit your style whether you are looking for a modern look or you are trying to continue the farmhouse look through your back door.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wood species work best for interior doors?

Poplar is the most popular choice for painted interior doors due to its smooth grain and affordability. For stained doors, Red Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Walnut each offer distinctive grain patterns and color tones. The best species depends on whether you plan to paint or stain.

How are custom wood doors different from big-box store doors?

Custom wood doors are built to your exact dimensions using solid hardwood and traditional joinery methods like mortise and tenon. Big-box store doors are typically hollow-core or use engineered materials. Custom doors offer superior sound insulation, durability, and a solid feel that mass-produced doors cannot match.

Can I order a custom door in a non-standard size?

Yes. Estate Millwork builds every door to your specified width and height. Whether you need a narrow pantry door, an oversized entry door, or a door to fit a historic opening with non-standard dimensions, we can accommodate your requirements.

What door styles does Estate Millwork offer?

We offer louvered, raised panel, flat panel, French, barn, arched, and mission style doors. Each style is available in multiple wood species and can be ordered painted or unfinished. Our online designer lets you configure every detail and see an instant price quote.

Design Considerations for Custom Wood Doors

Measure the rough opening, not the existing door, when ordering a replacement. Include the width, height, and wall thickness so the door and jamb fit correctly.
For high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, choose a harder wood species like White Oak or Maple that resists dents and wear better than softer species.
Louvered doors are an excellent choice for closets, laundry rooms, and utility spaces because the slats promote air circulation, reducing moisture buildup and musty odors.
When matching new doors to existing trim, bring a sample of your current wood or finish to compare. Estate Millwork offers the same species and can match stain colors for a cohesive look.