Wooden Exterior Doors, What's Your Style?

Published: April 06, 2021

By the Estate Millwork Design Team | Craftsmen since 1997

Beautiful Wooden Craftsman Exterior Front Door

Your entryway is the focal point of your home's façade, with the front door usually being its most prized asset. Nothing matches the warmth and satisfying heft of wooden front doors making it easy to understand what many people still prefer wooden doors over other materials. While there are now newer cheaper options out there today, these less expensive options are not customizable like wooden doors are. Steel doors are stamped and fiberglass doors come out of a mold, while wooden doors are made custom to the homeowner's needs and specifications.

Are Wooden Doors Safe?

It's a common myth that it is easier to break through a wooden door than it is a steel or fiberglass door. When it is not the door that is the problem but the latch-side jamb where the weak link exists, this can be remedied by securing an extra long security strike plate with 3-inch screws sunk into the stud. When ordering an exterior door you will want to opt for at least the beefier 1-3/4 inch option over the 1-3/8 option, as this will still accept the same hardware as the thinner door but provide better insulation and security.

Is a Wood Door Right for You

When it comes to deciding to get a wooden front door there are some things you want to ask yourself.

Is your entryway covered?

While not required the less exposure your door has to rain the better. This helps to reduce maintenance and can limit exposure to the sun.

Will it be exposed to the sun?

Sun is the number one finish killer so if your front door is baking in the sun for 4 or more hours a day its finish can diminish without a proper care routine. If your door is clear coated you will want to recoat about every 2 years and if painted you will likely want to repaint every 5 or so depending on the color and paint.

How high is the sill?

Your front door should clear your porch by about four to six inches to prevent any rainwater from pooling or snow build up from causing rot along the bottom of the 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.