What are Craftsman Style Front Doors? Design Inspiration

Published: September 11, 2020

By the Estate Millwork Design Team | Craftsmen since 1997

Craftsman Style Front Door with Side Lites

First impressions do count. There's nothing that will add character to the entryway of your home like a custom-made craftsman door, the Craftsman-styled door is a classic that will be around a long time.

Even though craftsman style homes were popular in the early 20th century there are still these cottages and bungalows found throughout the United States. If you own one of these homes you may be in the market for a door to complement the simplicity and craftsmanship of your home.

What is a Craftsman Style Home

The craftsman style home is largely a California phenomenon was born out of the Arts and Crafts movement and featured simple styles handcrafted from natural materials such as hardwoods and stone. Today we consider a craftsman home to be one with a low profile, exposed rafters and beams, overhanging eaves, and a low pitched roof.

What's in a Craftsman Door

Authentic craftsman doors are made from solid hardwood, the most popular choices are mahogany, cherry and oak. The doors can either be painted to match the colors of the house or stained to bring out the natural grain of the wood. The trademark look of craftsman doors generally consist of glass in the top third of the door followed by wooden panels a moulding on the bottom two thirds of the door.

While craftsman style doors have been around for a while, they've never gone out of style, probably due to their fine craftsmanship and sophisticated aesthetic. You do not need to have a craftsman style home to enjoy the beauty of a traditional craftsman style entry door. These lovely doors can improve your curb appeal and make a lasting impression on guests.

The design and detail of craftsman entry doors is impressive, intricate and aesthetically pleasing so if you are in market for a unique durable door wooden craftsman-style might be for you.

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.