Solid Wood Door Design and Terminology
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Solid wood doors are timeless elements in both residential and commercial architecture, where they are prized for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and versatility. Understanding the construction and terminology of solid wood doors - both interior and exterior - is essential for homeowners, builders, and design enthusiasts.
This primer explores the fundamental aspects of solid wood door construction, key terminology (both historical and modern), and delves into the specifics of interior and exterior doors, including their trims, parts, and styles.
By familiarizing yourself with the terms and construction methods outlined in this primer, you can better appreciate the craftsmanship of solid wood doors and make choices that align with your design vision and functional requirements.
Introduction to Solid Wood Doors
Solid wood doors are crafted from a single piece or multiple pieces of timber, providing strength, longevity, and a natural aesthetic that enhances any space. Unlike hollow-core or engineered wood doors, solid wood doors offer superior insulation, soundproofing, and structural integrity, making them suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
Solid wood doors have stood the test of time, not only as functional elements of architecture but also as objects of enduring value and craftsmanship. Unlike modern mass-produced doors, made from questionable manmade materials and intended to be disposable, solid wood doors are built with respect for tradition and the natural materials they embody. This attention to detail and quality allows them to age gracefully, acquiring a patina and character that only enhances their appeal. A well-constructed solid wood door can become an heirloom, passed down through generations, or even attain historical significance, embodying the artistry and cultural heritage of the era in which it was made. Whether as a cherished family piece or a restored element in historic preservation, solid wood doors hold intrinsic value that transcends their original purpose.
Benefits of Solid Wood Doors
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Durability: Resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a long lifespan.
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Aesthetic Appeal: Rich natural grains and textures add warmth and character.
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Customization: Available in various styles, finishes, and designs to match any decor.
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Insulation: Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
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Intrinsic Value: Have value beyond their basic cost, enhancing the overall value and appeal of a property.
Basic Parts of a Door
Understanding the basic components of a door is fundamental before exploring specific terminologies and styles. Both interior and exterior doors share these common parts:
Stile: The vertical side members of the door.
Rail: The horizontal members of the door.
Panel: The flat sections between the door’s frame or stiles and rails. Can feature a raised profile or be flat.
Sticking: The tongue and groove shape of the door components (can be square or profiled).
Mullion: Vertical members within the door that divide panels in smaller sections.
Muntin: Vertical or horizontal bars that divide glass lites into smaller sections. Historically, this is referred to as True Divided Lite (TDL). In modern use these are often decorative, preference being given to monolithic tempered glass, and are referred to as Simulated Divided Lite (SDL).
Panel Moulding: Applied decorative mouldings used in lieu of a sticking profile that allow for profiles not otherwise possible with sticking.
Bolection Moulding: Mouldings, like panel moulding, used in lieu of a sticking profile that sit proud of the face of the door, adding depth and detail.
Face: The front and back surfaces of the door.
Edge: The sides of the door that join to the frame.
Head: The top edge of the door.
Sill: The bottom edge of the door, particularly relevant for exterior doors.
Jamb: The frame around the door that gives the door its structural support and that the hinges and latch are mounted to.
Casing: The trim that frames the sides of the door opening and jamb.
Architrave: More elaborately profiled trim that caps the top of the door, not to be confused with casing.
Stop: The strip of wood that prevents the door from swinging through the frame when a rabbeted jamb is not used.
Door Styles
Doors come in many shapes and sizes, with design as varied as the customer or maker. These are just some of the more obvious design styles and is not an exhaustive list, as many styles of doors can be mixed and matched. The style of a door does not generally limit its application, although certain design decisions can enhance or detract from its suitability as either an interior or exterior door.
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Flush Doors: Flat, smooth door without panels that offer a modern and understated look. Historically uncommon, these are now widely used in modern architecture for minimalistic looks. Their construction generally requires the use of manmade materials, and, while they can be made with solid wood, they are rarely ever 100% solid wood (or shouldn’t be, at any rate).
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Panel Doors: Doors made from stiles, rails, and inset panels. Traditional designs included four, six, or eight-panel arrangements, with detailed mouldings, profiles, or curves. Exterior panel doors have thicker panels and more robust framing. Modern designs may use insulated panels to improve energy efficiency.
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Full Lite Doors: Doors with no panels, instead substituting a large glass pane, which can be decorative or insulated. For exterior applications these doors often feature double or triple-pane glass to improve insulation.
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French Doors: Typically double doors, but the term can be used to describe a single door as well, with multiple glass panes, divided by muntins, used to create open visual spaces between rooms.
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Louvered Doors: Slatted doors that provide ventilation between spaces, often used in closets or utility rooms.
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Dutch Doors: A historical door type divided horizontally, allowing the top half to open independently from the bottom half.
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Batten Doors: Composed of vertical wooden planks secured with horizontal braces, traditionally used in barns and cottages. Modern versions may have a more refined appearance. One of the oldest of historic door designs.
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Plank Doors: Composed of vertical wooden planks either side of a horizontal support frame. One of the oldest designs of doors, and still found on many castles and historic buildings. Modern Plank doors can be insulated.
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Carved Doors: Elaborately carved designs for a grand and ornate entrance. Historically seen in European architecture, featuring intricate designs carved into the wood. These doors were often symbolic of wealth and craftsmanship.
Construction of Solid Wood Doors
Time Honoured Construction Methods
Historically, solid wood doors were constructed using solid panels or a combination of panels with frames. Traditional joinery techniques such as mortise and tenon joints were employed to assemble the door’s components without relying on modern hardware or questionable adhesives. Panels were often raised or recessed to add depth and decorative appeal.
At Chronicle Custom Woodworks, our solid wood doors maintain much of the historical methodology. We still use mortise and tenon joinery, although our methods and machines have improved. Our stiles and rails are all 100% solid wood. Panels can be veneered wood products, or solid wood, depending on application or cost preference.
The traditional design of doors comes about from practical lessons learned over many years and generations. As designers explore more ideas and styles, this can often lead away from traditional standards. Designers should be mindful, however, of the lessons learned by those that have gone before.
Living and Building with Real Wood
Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs and releases moisture from the surrounding air. This property causes wood to expand and contract as humidity levels change. The degree of movement depends on factors such as wood species, grain orientation, and the type of finish applied.
By far the largest concern in any door design is wood movement. In high humidity, wood absorbs moisture and swells, which can lead to tight-fitting doors that stick or warp. In low humidity, wood releases moisture and shrinks, potentially causing gaps, loose joints, or misalignment. Wood constantly seeks equilibrium with its environment. If a door is installed before it acclimates to the space’s humidity, it may experience significant movement after installation.
Effects of Moisture on Door Performance
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Warping & Cupping: Uneven moisture absorption can cause doors to twist or bow.
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Joint Stress: Expansion and contraction can weaken glue joints and cause separation.
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Surface Cracking: Rapid moisture loss may lead to surface checks or splits.
Construction Considerations for Wood Doors
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Acclimatization: Doors should be stored in the installation environment for at least a few days (or longer, depending on conditions) to adjust to local humidity before hanging. Never store a door on bare concrete, as concrete can store moisture, which the door will absorb.
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Proper Sealing: All surfaces, including top and bottom edges, should be finished to slow moisture exchange and prevent uneven expansion.
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Wood Selection: Quarter-sawn lumber is more stable than flat-sawn wood, reducing the risk of warping, and is often considered more aesthetically pleasing.
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Controlled Environment: Maintaining indoor humidity between 35-55% can minimize extreme movement.
Interior Wood Doors
Aesthetic Design & Construction Considerations for Solid Wood Interior Doors
Solid wood interior doors add warmth, durability, and a timeless aesthetic to any space. When designing and constructing these doors, several key factors must be considered, including material selection, construction techniques, standard sizes, and hardware choices.
Material Selection
The choice of wood species impacts both the appearance and performance of the door. Common options include:
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Hardwoods (e.g., Oak, Maple, Cherry, Walnut) – Known for durability and rich grain patterns.
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Softwoods (e.g., Pine, Fir, Cedar) – Lighter and easier to work with but more prone to dents.
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Engineered or Laminated Solid Wood – Provides stability while maintaining the aesthetic of solid wood.
Wood choice for interior doors almost always comes down to aesthetic appeal and durability concerns. For the most part, interior doors can be made out of any wood species.
Each species has unique grain characteristics that influence the overall design style, from contemporary minimalism to rustic charm, and choosing the correct species for the application should be given as much consideration as the design.
Standard & Custom Sizes
Interior doors follow industry standard dimensions, but custom sizes are common in high-end or historical applications. We receive many requests for custom doors of historical character that adhere to no normal size.
Standard Door Sizes:
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Width: 24", 28", 30", 32", 36"
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Height: 80" (Standard), 84", 96" (Tall ceilings)
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Thickness: 1-⅜" (Residential), 1-¾" (Commercial or Premium Residential)
Custom doors may be designed to accommodate unique architectural requirements or stylistic preferences. At Chronicle Custom Woodworks, given the nature of the materials we generally use, our standard Interior door thicknesses are 1-½” or 1-¾”. The 1-½” thickness works well with the material sizes we have most readily available, and gives an upscale feel to our standard doors. As long as your jamb is not rabbeted, this won’t pose a problem.
Hardware Considerations
The choice of hardware complements the aesthetic and functionality of a solid wood door. Quality doors deserve quality hardware. Key considerations include:
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Metal Type: Stainless steel, zinc, bronze, or brass. We prefer brass, as it’s self lubricating and won’t rust.
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Hinges: Heavy-duty, ball-bearing, or concealed hinges for smooth operation and longevity.
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Handles & Locks: Options range from traditional mortise locks to modern lever sets, or smart locks and 3 point latching systems.
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Latches & Closures: Soft-close mechanisms or magnetic catches for a refined feel.
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Pocket Doors: Spacing saving for smaller areas and of a historic nature, pocket doors easily create or remove privacy and can be of any size.
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Sliding or Pivot Systems: Barn door hardware, concealed tracks, or pivot hinges for contemporary designs.
Matching finishes to other architectural elements and the door style itself enhances cohesion in interior spaces and should be given full consideration.
Finish & Detailing
The final look of a solid wood door depends on surface treatment and detailing. The highest quality door will present very poorly if finished poorly. With their inherent quality and durability, and longevity, consideration of the type and quality of finish is important.
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Stains & Clear Coats: Highlight natural grain while protecting the wood.
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Painted Finishes: High-end enamels or lacquers for a smooth, durable surface.
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Distressing & Aging Techniques: Hand-scraping or wire-brushing for a rustic look.
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Molding & Paneling: Routed edges, raised panels, or V-grooves add character and are functional as well.
Proper finishing prevents moisture absorption and prolongs the lifespan of the door. At Chronicle Custom Woodworks, our preferred finish is Odie’s Oil. 100% non-toxic, plant based, and easy to use, Odie’s Oil offers unmatched versatility and durability.
Installation & Structural Considerations
In many cases, if you’re used to pre-hung, factory built doors, the weight of a solid wood door will take you by surprise! As such, there are several things to consider when choosing a solid wood door:
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Jamb & Casing Alignment: Ensuring proper fit and reveal for a seamless look. Most custom, solid wood doors will not come pre-hung. There may be considerably more on site work to get the door installed correctly.
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Expansion Gaps: Allowing for wood movement in varying humidity conditions. Houses will often settle and doors may mysteriously stop working. Unlike composite doors, however, solid wood doors can be trimmed slightly to make them fit without compromising the beauty or integrity of the door.
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Jamb Type: Solid wood doors are heavier than hollow-core alternatives, requiring robust framing and high-quality hinges for long-term performance. Industry standard jambs may be inadequate.
Solid Wood Interior Door Styles for Different Interior Themes
Selecting the right solid wood door style enhances the overall design language of a space. Below are a variety of styles and suggestions on how they complement different interior aesthetics:
Traditional & Classic Interiors
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Raised Panel Doors – Feature decorative, profiled panels with intricate moldings.
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Six-Panel Doors – Symmetrical, structured look that fits colonial and classic designs.
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French Doors – Glass-paneled for elegance and openness.
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Wood Species: Oak, Mahogany, Cherry
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Finish: Rich stains, lacquered wood, or painted in deep tones (navy, emerald, or classic white).
Modern & Minimalist Interiors
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Flush Doors – Clean, unembellished surfaces, often with hidden hinges.
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Pivot Doors – Large, statement doors with smooth operation.
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Slatted or Reeded Wood Doors – Vertical or horizontal grooves add texture without being ornate.
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Wood Species: Maple, Birch, Walnut
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Finish: Matte or satin clear coat, natural woodgrain, or monochrome paint.
Farmhouse & Rustic Interiors
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Plank and Batten Doors – Vertical planks with visible bracing, often barn-style.
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Dutch Doors – Split horizontally, allowing the top and bottom halves to open separately.
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Distressed Panel Doors – Classic panels with an aged, reclaimed look.
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Wood Species: Pine, Knotty Alder, Cedar
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Finish: Weathered stains, whitewashing, or hand-scraped distressing.
Industrial & Urban Lofts
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Metal & Wood Combination Doors – Incorporating steel elements for an industrial edge.
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Sliding Barn Doors (with Black Metal Track) – Space-saving and visually striking.
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Frosted Glass Panel Doors – Offers a blend of modern and industrial aesthetics.
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Wood Species: Reclaimed Wood, Ash, White Oak
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Finish: Charred or wire-brushed texture, dark stains, or raw natural wood.
Mid-Century Modern Interiors
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Flush Doors with Woodgrain Emphasis – Simple with a focus on warm, natural materials.
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Asymmetrical Panel Doors – Geometric patterns with subtle variations.
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Louvered Doors – Provides airflow while maintaining a retro aesthetic.
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Wood Species: Teak, Walnut, Mahogany
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Finish: Oiled or satin-finished natural wood.
Contemporary & Luxury Interiors
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Oversized Statement Doors – Full-height doors that blend into the walls.
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Hidden or Frameless Doors – Integrated flush with the wall for a sleek look.
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Minimalist Glass & Wood Hybrid Doors – Frosted, smoked, or tinted glass for subtle elegance.
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Wood Species: Ebony, Rift-Cut Oak, Exotic Hardwoods
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Finish: High-gloss lacquer, deep stains, or ultra-matte clear coat.
Scandinavian & Japandi Interiors
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Simple Panel Doors with Natural Wood – Light, airy, and warm.
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Shoji-Style Doors – Thin wood frames with translucent panels.
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Flat Panel Doors with Vertical Grain – Subtle texture with a minimalist approach.
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Wood Species: Birch, Beech, White Oak
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Finish: Light stains, clear finishes, or whitewashing.
Each interior design style has distinct characteristics, and the right door plays a significant role in enhancing the aesthetic. Whether it’s a grand pivot door in a modern home or a rustic barn door in a farmhouse, the right combination of materials, construction, and finish can create a cohesive and intentional space.
Exterior Wood Doors
While many of the same principle are involved with interior and exterior wood doors, exterior solid wood doors must meet higher standards for durability, insulation, and construction. Exterior wood doors often incorporate additional features and are built with more involved techniques.
Material Selection
Choosing the right wood species is critical for longevity and performance. Our northern climates are put a lot of stress on wood, and knowing which species of wood are going to last is one of the critical elements of ensuring that you have a quality door:
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Hardwoods
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Mahogany – Dense, stable, and resistant to moisture.
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White Oak – Strong, rot-resistant, and available in rift-sawn for a contemporary look.
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Softwoods
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Douglas Fir – Straight-grained with good weatherability when properly sealed, it’s not very dense and prone to dents.
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Cedar – Naturally resistant to rot and insects but softer than hardwoods.
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Construction Considerations
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Stile & Rail Construction – Traditional method that allows for expansion and contraction while maintaining structure. Exterior doors with floating panels require extra attention to tolerances and weather sealing.
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Panel Size – Modern aesthetics often incorporate large single panels, a feature that has traditionally been eschewed in exterior doors due to the complications of wood movement.
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Plank Doors – Plank-on-frame doors allow for separation between the interior and exterior layers, allowing for the incorporation of insulation, as well as doing away with the issues involved with floating panels.
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Thermal Break: Solid wood provides a natural thermal barrier and good insulative value.
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Protection: While a stained wood door is the ultimate in beauty, careful consideration for an exterior door needs to be given to protection and preservation. The biggest issue faced by interior doors is lack of humidity, which can cause shrinkage and failure of the wood. The biggest issue facing exterior doors is excess moisture, leading to rot and joint breakdown. Overhang protection, orientation, and UV exposure are all things to consider. Paint offers the best UV protection of any finish, however in many cases it’s the least desirable finish.
Standard & Custom Sizing
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Width: Most exterior doors come in 36” or 42” sizes. However, as a custom shop, we can manufacture to (mostly) any specification.
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Height: 80", 84", 96", or custom heights for grand entryways.
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Thickness: We offer a range of doors at 1-3/4" thickness, however all of the doors we manufacture in shop are 2-1/4" or more.
Double doors, oversized pivot doors, and arched designs require reinforced framing and additional construction considerations.
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