Custom wood doors are a popular option for homes in Canada, with entrance doors being particularly important as they create that important first impression of your home. Used in both interior and exterior settings, wood doors are versatile and can last for years with proper care. However, before placing your order for new wood entrance doors, there are several important factors you need to carefully consider to ensure you get exactly what you need for your project.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the factors all homeowners should consider before buying custom wood entrance doors for their properties.

The Direct Manufacturer Advantage

One of the most overlooked aspects when purchasing custom wood doors is the source of manufacturing. When you purchase from a direct door manufacturer, you benefit from:

Lower costs without sacrificing quality
Direct communication with the craftspeople making your door
More customization options without price markups
Faster production timelines with fewer delays
Greater accountability for the final product

This eliminates the additional markups that usually occur when products pass through distributors or retailers. For high-quality items like custom wood entrance doors, these savings can be substantial while still ensuring you receive a premium product.

How to Identify a Quality Solid Wood Entrance Door

It’s important to know how to recognize a high-quality solid wood door for your home entrance:

Weight Test: Solid wood doors are significantly heavier than hollow core doors. For entrance doors, this weight is essential for security and durability.
Finish Examination: Manufacturers usually paint hollow core doors rather than stain them. A stained entrance door, especially a heavy one, is more likely to be solid-core.
Panel Assessment: Quality entrance doors feature detailed, authentic panels made from natural wood like oak, mahogany or walnut, offering both beauty and strength.
Durability Check: Solid wooden entrance doors are harder and more resistant to damage, showing fewer signs of wear and tear over time.
Price Consideration: While solid wood entrance doors are more expensive, they provide better insulation, sound blocking, security, and curb appeal.

What Are Your Exact Door Measurements?

Knowing the precise size requirements for your wood entrance doors is important before you start the purchasing process. Obtain measurements of your door frames’ heights, widths, and thicknesses before selecting your wood doors.

Another important consideration is your jamb width—the dimensions of the horizontal and vertical parts of the frames where the doors are secured. While most jamb widths for exterior doors are around 6-8 inches, be sure to check your specific requirements. For the best results, have a professional from a direct manufacturer assess your needs to ensure a perfect fit.

What Finish Best Complements Your Home?

The finish you select for your wood entrance doors impacts both appearance and weather resistance. Different finishes create different aesthetics:

Refined and polished for traditional homes
Rustic and natural for farmhouse or country styles
Painted and contemporary for modern designs
Glossy and dramatic for statement entrances

An excellent finish protects wood entrance doors from sun exposure, rain, temperature fluctuations, and everyday wear.

Will Glass Enhance Your Entrance Door?

Adding glass elements to wood entrance doors can dramatically change both their appearance and functionality. Consider whether your entrance would benefit from:

Full glass panels
Decorative inserted or non-inserted wrought iron glass
Frosted or textured glass
Stained glass
Small windowpanes or sidelights

What Type of Hardware Meets Your Needs?

The hardware you choose for your entrance door must be both secure and aesthetically pleasing. Before making your purchase, determine whether you need:

Traditional deadbolts and mortise locks
Smart locks with keyless entry
Multi-point locking systems for enhanced security
Decorative handle and hinge options
Mail slots

Popular finishes for entrance door hardware include:

Oil-rubbed bronze for traditional homes
Satin nickel for contemporary designs
Polished brass for classic elegance
Matte black for modern aesthetics

Working with an experienced manufacturer allows you to select hardware that perfectly complements your door without the markup costs typically added by middlemen.

Which Way Should Your Door Swing?

Door swing direction is particularly important for entrance doors. Generally, exterior doors swing inward (toward the interior of the home) for security and weather protection, but there are exceptions based on your entryway configuration. When determining swing direction, consider:

Available space in your entryway
Protection from weather
Security concerns
Accessibility needs
Building code requirements

How Long Will Production and Installation Take?

Production and installation timelines are practical considerations that can impact your project schedule, especially for custom entrance doors.

Custom wood entrance doors may take up to several weeks to produce from a typical manufacturer. As a direct wood door manufacturer, Master Doors can often reduce these timelines significantly. The complexity of the design, custom finishes, and specialty glass can affect production time, so it’s important to plan for this as well as potential adjustments.

What Building Codes Must Be Followed?

Entrance doors must comply with specific construction and energy codes to ensure safety and efficiency:

Energy efficiency ratings (U-factor and R-value)
Security standards for exterior doors
Local building codes that may vary by region
Historic district regulations for certain neighborhoods

A reputable door manufacturer will be familiar with these requirements and ensure your entrance door meets or exceeds all applicable standards.

Contact Master Doors for Custom Wood Doors Today!

If you have additional questions about choosing, installing, and maintaining your wood entrance doors, our team of experts at Master Doors is here to help. As a reputable door manufacturer, we offer several options in various wood species, sizes, and glass configurations specifically designed for home entrances.

Factors to Consider Before Ordering Custom Wood Doors