Protect your Home from the Cold Winter Time Blues with a Solid Wood

Published: January 19, 2021

By the Estate Millwork Design Team | Craftsmen since 1997

With winter brings cold weather which affects the comfortably inside your home. No one wants to be cold inside their own home, and having a good solid entry door can help retain heat inside and keep the cold outside.

Beautiful and Beneficial

Solid Wood doors are probably some of the most beautiful doors on the market and have endless design and finish options. From as basic as a flat door to as ornate as panel doors with detailed carvings and profiling the options are endless.

Due to the inherent properties of wood, these doors are great for dampening sound and don't conduct heat and cold. Unless you're looking for lavish designs or any of exotic wood species, wooden doors can be more affordable.

When should you replace your Entry Door?

You may be under the impression that winter time is definitely not the time to be replacing your entry door. This couldn't be further from the truth, the winter season is a great time to finally get that old and dated front door replaced.

Even though you may be properly taking care of your exterior doors there comes a time when all doors need to be replaced.

Your door is just plain old. There comes a time when doors start to show their age, whether it is starting to split, it's getting drafty to the point its making your living space uncomfortable.
Your door is damaged, moisture can cause damage to your door by causing the paint to peel or the door could be starting to rot. A door that has started to rot is more than just a cosmetic problem and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Even after your best efforts to remedy issues with your door, your home is continuing to purge energy.

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.