The world of architecture and design has always embodied the phrase "good artists borrow, great artists steal." Many of the most beautiful buildings on the planet take a hefty inspiration from an existing structure, and then the concept further than anyone imagined. This article will hopefully help you do the same thing on a smaller scale, your home's exterior wood doors. We'll be looking at a few different architectural inspirations for doorways with an emphasis on designs that can be easily adapted for your home. We'll look at some classic European style doors, some elaborate Spanish designs, and how you can bring a touch of classical Japanese refinement into modern home out west. Hopefully these ideas will be the inspiration you need to find the ideal exterior wood doors for your home.

Traditional Old World Exterior Wood Doors for a Timeless Rustic Style

Rustic décor can play out as a new world ranch house comfort, popular across Canada, but the other intriguing direction is old world class with enduring appeal. Rustic kitchens that take a mix-and-match approach to old and new world styles can look great and feel sturdy and enduring in a reassuring way. If you want to take that theme throughout the home wood furnishing can cover part of the distance, but classic exterior wood doors and window frames complete the look. These traditional doors lend a sense of stepping back to a simpler time when you walk through the front door, but open to reveal a contemporary castle inside. It's a great way to strike the balance between old and new that makes the mix-and-match rustic look so popular. A range of stains and varnishes can look great with stucco or stone exteriors too.

Spanish and Mediterranean Style Doors Help Summer Last All Year

If you like the prospect of a solid and sturdy wood door to lead out to your patio Mediterranean inspired doors can imbue some warmth inside and out. Characterized by oversized archways, tile work, and highly textured engraving, the right exterior wood door can conjure up the south of France or Spain in your backyard. Perfect for lush gardens these doors help create the sense of a garden as a truly isolated and relaxing space within an otherwise busy or hectic home. Mediterranean inspired exterior wood doors can make a great backdrop for garden parties, evenings lounging outside with a glass of wine, or a weekend brunch in the sunshine. These doors are also a great option for patios that use a lot of warm natural stonework. These traditionally thick exterior wood doors can be given a dark stain that provides an earthy contrast to the stonework.

Japanese Shoji Sliding Doors for the Contemporary Backyard

For the contemporary home the more sophisticated feeling of Shoji sliding exterior wood doors might be right for you. Although these doors stretch back hundreds of years across Japan and Asia, they are relatively new in the west, and can be used to create a very popular and chic east-meets-west vibe for your back yard, patio, or garden. These exterior wood doors are perfect for pool houses, garden sheds, or verandas that you want to turn from an eye-sore into a trendy feature. Additionally it’s a natural complement for koi-ponds or relaxing small gardens. As with all exterior wooden doors the range of stains and varnishes you can use lets this work without any color scheme you could want, from a warm and earthy wood tone to a very dark black formal shine. Although this look is currently very popular it’s also  been around in the west just long enough you don’t need to worry about it going out of style any time soon.

Explore some gorgeous exterior wood doors.

The front door symbolizes first impressions. It's the last touch of your home when you leave for the day, and the first thing that greets you when you get home. It's no wonder more and more people are exploring their options for truly memorable exterior wood doors. The right door can make an impression on guests before they even ring the bell, or it can complement the décor inside the home. This article will look at several interesting styles you can take with your exterior wood doors, including going for a rustic look to match existing themes, incorporating glass to let in more light, and ways to contrast wood with different exteriors. The exterior doors connect your home to the larger world, so hopefully you'll pick up some ideas on how to make that connection memorable.

The Rustic Look to Complete a Theme

A rustic theme has become increasingly popular to inject a touch of nostalgia or old world charm into our modern homes. A few rustic kitchen elements contrasted with modern appliances and functional spaces has become a kitchen trend that looks great. If you've gone down that route or are considering it you can add rustic touches with the woodworking throughout a contemporary and stylish home to complete the theme. Exterior wood doors for both your main entrance and patio can be done in this style easily and with great impact. Perhaps the best thing about this look is the wealth of personal touches that can make your doors perfectly match any details of your home. Any rustic look will be embracing wood tones, so a wooden exterior door can match almost anything. From a warm golden hue to a dark rich and luxurious shade the doors can easily be made to match any other woodworking in the house. You could take exterior wood doors even further with detail work or inlays that play off other woodworking elements in the home.

Incorporating Glass to Bring the Outside World In

Custom exterior wood doors with glass set into them can create a tasteful and classy alternative to sliding glass patio doors. The wood allows you to match other design elements around the patio in a way you just can't match with doors purchased off the rack. If you have arches or columns the doors can be shaped to mirror them, creating a reflection of your patio style. Similarly if you have any wooden patio furniture, tasteful tables, lawn chairs, or a barbecue bench, the exterior wood doors can match the tone of the wood to tastefully complete the colour scheme.

Doors that Accent Your Exterior

Using exterior wood doors to create the perfect portal into your home doesn’t need to be restricted to houses that extensively feature woodworking. There are lots of great ways to use the flexibility of wood to match existing stonework, stucco, or almost any colour of siding. If you have a light earth tone for the exterior of your house, consider contrasting it with a dark stained front door. This can tie together the earth tones while still being an effective point of contrast. Similarly if you have used stucco consider an exterior wood door that contrasts in colour while playing to the texture with beveling or other engravings. If there is a lot of glass welcoming visitors to your home you can provide a different kind of contrast by embracing a sturdy and solid wooden door in a color that compliments the other exterior colors, making the glass the point of contrast.

Explore some gorgeous exterior wood doors.

With summer sneaking up on us it’s the time to start thinking about sprucing up the patio before barbecue season settles in to stay. If you’re touching up the back patio, don’t skip over the wooden exterior doors. Wood is Canada’s most popular choice when it comes to your porch, patio, or veranda so wooden exterior doors are a logical extension of the classic Canadian back-deck.

This article will showcase some great alternatives to the standard metal sliding glass doors such as traditional cabin-patio style wooden doors, classical old world inspired doors, and contemporary variations on the back door. We hope this article gives you some inspiration for touching up your patio this summer and the difference high quality wooden exterior doors can make, and before you know it you’ll be enjoying the patio of your dreams.

Tradition Updated for the Cabin… or Just Feeling like You’re at a Cabin

Verandas and cabins at the lake are two of the most Canadian traditions. Relaxing with the family outside after dinner, or eating lunch outside before going for a swim are exclusive domains of the veranda. Traditional wooden exterior doors can help create this look at your cottage, or bring it home to your back yard. Wooden doors and prominate wooden beems or roofing are a must for this look. Part of the apeal of this style is the traditional simplicity of cottage architecture. No elborate arches are required, just high-quality hand-crafted woodworking that harkens back to a simplier time. Glass can be incoporated prominately in the wooden exterior doors to blend the beauty of the outdoors with the luxury of a family home. Traditional stains and varnishes are highly recommended. Holding on to the feel of real wood and the comforting reliability of simple architecture is a must.

Old World Style Patio Doors and Exterior Archways

The cabin is just one direction tradition can take you. There is also the refinement of old world inspired outdoor design and the timeless sophistication of a carefully cared for garden. Archways with accented stonework and tasteful wooden exterior doors can be perfect for a wall around a garden or a gate to a pool. Doors with an engraved pattern or an inlay can be that extra touch of manufactured refinement that compliments a lovingly maintained garden. Alternatively metalwork can be used to provide that sense of classical texture. Such doors become focal points that the liveliness of the garden can play off of and contrast with. They can also make entering your garden feel like stepping into another world, cut off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They work well with stonework, bricks, or stucco finishes.

Modern, Memorable, and Unconventional: Folding doors bring something new to your garden

Tradition is warm and comforting, but it can be exciting to embrace the new and the contemporary too. No need to get stuck in the past. Trendy folding wooden exterior doors can provide even larger open spaces than conventional sliding doors, truly making the patio a part of your home. When these doors are closed they still let in the light and the beauty of the outdoors, but when you throw them open it’s like you’ve replaced a wall of your home with the great outdoors! The best thing about these wooden exterior doors is the flexibility of other styles and decors you can pair them with. It looks great with a dark varnish in a trendy and modern home, or with a warmer touch it fits perfectly with a classic kitchen.

View photos of beautiful crafted wooden exterior doors.

When you're buying new wooden exterior door, you think about things like ease of use and security for yourself and your family. But what happens when one or more members of your family are of the four-legged variety? One option is to install a pet door into your storm door, but you can also install them in wooden exterior doors. Installing an opening in your exterior door makes it much more convenient for your pet, and for you if you don't have an obliging storm door, but it does pose some unique challenges. Follow this guide to making your wooden exterior doors pet friendly and avoid some of the common pitfalls that many people encounter.

Determine the size of the opening

Of course, you'll need an opening that your pet can fit through. If you have a large breed, such as a Great Dane or a Saint Bernard, you may want to give your decision more serious consideration. With such a large dog, you'll need an opening large enough for a human to fit through, and that can pose some safety concerns. Also, keep in mind that larger pet doors are more expensive than smaller ones, so expect to pay a lot more for a large breed. Fortunately, since you'll be adding this to exterior wood doors, the one thing you don't have to be concerned about is stability. Because solid wood is sturdy and durable, you won't have to worry about compromising the door's structure as long as you're creating a standard-sized opening.

Choose a reliable brand

Your wooden exterior doors were built to last, so why would you bother installing a cheap, throw-away accessory? If you have to replace the flap later, you may end up having to rough out another opening or fill in space for an opening that is too large for your new doggie door. Instead of dealing with this hassle, just buy the right product from the start. Avoid soft plastic and opt for something that looks like it was built to last (metal or hard plastic are usually very durable). You'll spend more upfront, but it'll save you money and time in the future.

Think about the weather

If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, you're probably going to spend a little extra money on your wooden exterior doors to get a weatherized finish. You may even install weather-stripping at the door's bottom to keep the draft from entering the house. Don't stop there. If you choose the wrong pet door, you'll leave your home exposed to blistering drafts. Buy a model that allows you to cover or seal the door when it's not in use. The seal must be airtight or a draft is going to be inevitable.

Buying wooden exterior doors is an investment, so it stands to reason that any changes you make to your doors should be considered with the same level of importance. It's kind to want to give your pets free reign of the house, inside and out, but a doggie door shouldn't be an impulse buy. Research your options and ask as many questions as you have until you're comfortable that your purchase is going to enhance your exterior doors instead of detract from their value.

View pictures of stunning wooden exterior doors.

When the air starts getting crisp and the leaves start to change, it can only mean one thing. Time for apple cider and pumpkin pie? Okay. Maybe it means two things. It's also time to winterize your exterior wood doors. You can watch the weather report and read the farmer's almanac, but the truth is that none of us really know what the next winter will bring. Maybe it'll only flurry once or twice, or maybe we'll see the blizzard of a lifetime. So, it's best to be prepared if things start getting ugly. Well, ugly for your exterior doors anyway. Follow these simple tips this fall and your doors should stay looking fresh and new throughout the winter.

Install a storm door

If you haven't done so already, it's time to install a storm door. Wood doors are strong, but they will definitely benefit from the added layer of protection that a storm door provides. You may want to choose one that has optional screens, but be sure they're covered when the weather starts getting cold. If your budget is very tight, you can opt for a storm door that has just one panel, but keep in mind that it will be more expensive to repair if that panel gets damaged.

Seal up any exposed cracks

Stand inside your home facing your front door and look for any cracks. Evaluate everything around the paneling, and windows, if you have any, to see if there are any holes. If there are, fill them in with a small dab of wood glue. Now, do the same thing on the other side. Weather extremes can cause cracks in exterior wood doors to expand, which will only result in more difficult repairs later if it's not dealt with now.

Don't be afraid to use weather-stripping

Many people shy away from using weather-stripping on their exterior wood doors for two reasons. First, you usually have to drill into the bottom of the door in order to install the weather strip. Second, poorly installed weather-stripping can make it difficult to open and close your exterior doors. But, the rewards are worth the risks in this case. Not only will the weather-stripping protect the bottom of your door from water damage, but it will also keep any drafts out of your home, which will help save on heating bills. It's a win-win situation. If you haven't installed this before, call in a professional or grab a friend or family member with some experience to minimize the risks of mistakes.

Apply a weather-resistant finish

Even with a storm door, exterior wood doors can experience some damage. So, double your layer of protection by adding a weather-resistant finish over your paint or stain. You have two choices here. You can apply a surface finish or a penetrating finish. Surface finishes dry on top of the wood and provide a stronger layer of protection, but they don't look as natural. Penetrating finishes are also easier to apply, but ultimately, your choice will depend on the look you're trying to achieve for your home.

Many people don't like to think about the cold winter days on the horizon and the potential damage that comes along with them, but it's always wise to be prepared. If you weatherize your exterior wood doors in the fall, you won't have to worry about replacing them in the spring. It may be a little extra work, but that work will keep your doors looking great for years to come.

Learn more about exterior wood doors.

There are several reasons why you would want to add a storm door over any exterior wood doors or decorative entries that grace the portals of your home. If you live in a storm-prone area, you'll probably even want to install one if your doors are made of durable metal. A storm door not only increases security by providing an extra, potentially locked, layer of protection between your family and the outside world, but it also helps protect your beautiful exterior wood doors from severe weather damage. Keep in mind, though, these reasons only apply to storm doors that are properly fitted and hung, which means you need to take the right measurements in order to actually protect your exterior wood doors and get the most out of your storm doors. Here is how to make sure that happens.

Orientation and Outswing

Are you left-handed or right-handed? Do you have a single door or double exterior wood doors? These are questions you'll have to ask yourself in order to decide how the storm doors will open. This won't directly affect your measurements, but this decision will determine where the hinges are placed - and that's important when you're ordering new storm doors. If they belong on the left side, you need to take measurements for a left-hinged outswing. If they're on the right, it's a right-hinged outswing. You'll need to send this information along with your measurements.

Measuring Height

When you're measuring for height, it's not enough to just measure in one spot. Instead, measure in three places, from the top of the threshold to the underside of the top trim. Start by positioning the tape measure on the top of the threshold, which may be made of brass, silver, wood, or concrete. Bring the tape measure all the way up to the inside of the top trim. Your measurement should be somewhere between 80 and 81 inches, if your home is new. If the home is older, the measurement for your wooden exterior doors may be between 96 and 97 inches. Now, you need to take this measurement twice more. In total, you should have one measurement for the left, one for the right, and one for the center of the threshold. If they're all the same, well, you probably have a new house without much settling. If the numbers are different (and they shouldn't be drastically different), choose the smallest of the three and write it down.

Measuring Width

When you're measuring width, always measure from left to right on the inside of the trim. Similar to what you did for the height, you will need to take three measurements here. Start by measuring at the top of your exterior wood door and work your way down to the bottom. Again, you're going to write down the smallest measurement to ensure that you won't have to trim any part of the door when it's ready to be installed.

Now that you have accurate measurements for the storm doors you'll need to shield your exterior wood doors and enhance your home's security, you can give them to your general contractor, take them to a home improvement store, or give them to the custom exterior wood door designer who initially made your doors to obtain the storm doors that best suit your needs. Keep in mind that as long as the width is the same as a standard stock door, you can pick up a storm door at most home improvement centers. But if you have unusual measurements, you may need to buy custom storm doors to match the measurements of your existing exterior wood doors and entrance ways. Remember, if you think it's a custom size, measure twice to double-check your numbers, and then head to an exterior wood door designer with your measurements in hand.

Learn more about exterior wood doors and how to protect them.

If you value simplicity above all else, then you may appreciate the straightforward look of wooden exterior doors. They're flat, they're straight, and they're clean and simple. But if you like a bit more personality in your surroundings, standard doors just won't do. If you feel the need to add some charm, there's a great little trick you ought to know about. With just a little decorative molding, you can make your standard wooden exterior doors look like designer masterpieces! And this way, you'll get all the style at just a fraction of the cost it would take to buy new doors. All you need is some flat trim molding, wood glue, and a miter saw. Here's how it's done.

Removing the Doors

Before you get to work creating your DIY masterpiece, you have to remove the doors from their hinges. This can be done by tapping the pins up and out by using a hammer and chisel. If you have a friend around, ask them to help hold the door while you remove the hinges so it doesn't fall. You can certainly do this yourself, but it's easier if you have an extra set of hands. Now, set the door down in the area where you want to work. Face its front side up.

Measure and Mark Your Panels

Using your tape measure and pencil, decide where you want to place the door trim. Usually, paneled wooden exterior doors have four or six panels, so you'll need to measure four to six squares (or eight or 12, if you so desire). The panels should start at about three to five inches from each edge of the door, so they don't get in the way of the doorknob.

Measure the Molding

Now it's time to measure and cut the molding. The old adage "measure twice, cut once" definitely applies here. Take note of the measurements you made for the panels and then double check them. Use a pencil to mark where you'll cut on the molding; just be sure to mark the inside. You don't want to leave visible marks on your finished wooden exterior doors.

Cut the Molding

Place the molding on your miter saw with the marked side facing in the direction of the blade. Position the mark right under the blade and turn the blade to a 45 degree angle, pointing inward. Now, it's time to make the cut. Do the same on the other side, except this time, you reverse the blade. It should still be sitting at a 45 degree angle, but just in the other direction. Cut again. If this process is completely new to you, you may want to keep a few extra pieces of molding on hand to account for mistakes.

Assemble Your Paneling

Place a thin line of wood glue on the underside of the piece of molding you plan to start with. Please keep in mind that a small amount goes a long way. Too much wood glue will leave a mess that could potentially ruin your project, so use it sparingly. Affix the cut piece to line up with the pencil mark you made on the door. Continue placing molding until you've completed one square, and then continue completing all of the boxes. It's surprising how quickly your wooden exterior doors begin looking paneled.

Finishing Touches

The glue will need to dry for at least one day, but then you're free to paint or finish as you'd like. Of course, the paint or finish will also need to dry, and then you're ready to hang the door!

Just because you bought a house with plain wooden exterior doors, it doesn't mean you have to live with it forever. You don't even have to spend a fortune replacing them! All you have to do is use this handy DIY guide to add the illusion of paneling to your doors. Guests won't know the difference and you'll have money left over to put towards the other home improvement projects on your list. If you're planning to paint the doors anyway, it's a great time to consider adding these easy decorative elements to your wooden exterior doors.

Learn more about exterior wood doors and their design possibilities.

Whether you're up to your elbows in plans for a new custom-built home, planning an addition, or just freshening up the entrance of your home, you know how easy it is to stray from your budget. A few dollars here and a couple of cents there can really add up. And nothing adds to your budget more than mistakes. Anything that isn't done right is going to cost you. That's as true for exterior wood doors as it is for windows and hardware. If you're looking to buy an exterior wood door that perfectly fits your house, you'll want to know about good measurement practices and the basic facts surrounding standard door sizes.

Measuring your Door Properly

If you have a door that you're looking to replace, measure the existing door from top to bottom, and round off the measurement to the next inch. Now measuring it from left to right and round the measurement up again. Next measure the thickness of the door. Most doors are built to a standard 1 ¾ inch thickness, so it probably shouldn't be far off from that. Make a special note if it is. To be on the safe side, also measure the width of the door jamb itself and the height and width of the frame, not including trim. This way you'll have everything you need to find a suitable match wherever you go looking.

Rough-In Measurements

Once you have measured your exterior wood doors, add two inches to each measurement. That's what people in the industry call a 'rough-in measurement', and they use it to allow for the space you'll need for things like shimming material and hinges. So, for example, if your door is going to be 32 by 80, your rough-in measurement will be 34 by 82. Be sure to let your contractor or the vendor you're purchasing from know that you're giving them rough-in measurements so they don't mistake them for the actual door size. It may seem obvious, but it's better to be safe than sorry! If they don't need them, they'll say so, but it's good to have them on hand.

Standard Widths

Single door sizes have been heavily standardized to ensure a healthy supply and demand marketplace exists. If you're going with a single door, you have three choices. Single exterior wood doors come in 30, 32, and 36 inch widths. For many people the choice is aesthetic, but if you want to make the home extra spacious or wheelchair friendly, you'll want to consider a 32 or 36 inch width. Most wheelchairs are between 24 and 27 inches, so any door would technically work, but the larger sizes will make entry and exit much more comfortable. The wider doorway will also make it easier for you to move things in and out of the home without damaging your investment.

Standard Heights

Unlike with the width of exterior wood doors, there aren't multiple options for standard heights. All standard exterior wood doors are exactly 80 inches tall. At almost 7 feet, this height works for most people (especially when you consider that standard ceilings sit at 8 feet above the floor) so it hasn't required much fiddling. If you or someone in your family is especially tall though, you may want to consider custom sizes if your ceilings can accommodate them. It'll be a touch more expensive, but it beats having to duck every time you enter your own home, and isn't a lot more work to cut a few inches up if you're already putting in a new jamb to match the door.

If you're able to order standard-sized exterior wood doors for every entryway, you can save a lot of your hard-earned money, so make sure your measurements are right and you aren't asking for sizes you don't need. Once you're armed with the correct measurements, finding the right exterior wood doors will be a piece of cake, and your budget will thank you.

Learn more about exterior wood doors.

Wooden exterior doors are simply beautiful, no matter what type of home you may have. They have such a warm and classic appeal that many people can't help but love. Choosing a high grade wooden exterior door made by a professional, who specializes in woodworking, will not only ensure a beautiful piece that would look stunning on your home but also the fact that you will have something that will look pristine through the ages.

In order to help extend the life and beauty of your wooden exterior doors, there are several things to have done prior to installation and a few care instructions that should be carried out on a regular basis.

Oil Based Stain or Paint

A natural finish for a door may look very nice and rustic, it's simply not recommended for wooden exterior doors, especially when considering the type of weather it will have to withstand over the years. Having the door stained or painted with an oil base is by far the best way to go. Not only will you have the option to have any colour for the door, but you also have the option to keep it as natural looking as possible with a very light stain.

UV Resistant Sealer

The next important thing to have done on the door is to have a UV resistant sealer applied. This will help prevent any fading or warping from humidity and extreme temperature changes. The sealer must be applied to all sides of the door, including the areas near the hinges, which is one of the areas that many people seem to miss.

Caulking

Caulking may seem like an unlikely material to use on wooden exterior doors but it's highly recommended for doors that have particular decorations or windows on them. The spaces between the door and the window or decoration are perfect for moisture penetration. By sealing these areas with clear caulking, you can prevent moisture from being absorbed, which may lead to warping or even mold growth.

Cleaning

Many people don't consider cleaning doors since they almost never seem to get dirty but to help keep the wooden exterior doors in top condition; it's a good idea to regularly clean them with a soft damp cloth. Dirt particles can build up on a door, which may scratch or dull the finish of the door.

If the doors have not been resealed over a long period of time and happen to become very wet or covered with snow, it's recommended to dry it off with a soft cloth. Keeping the doors wet for long periods of time may eventually warp them.

Regular Care

Some things to do on a semi-regular basis are resealing and surface care. Although it's certainly not necessary on a yearly basis, it is recommended to check and reseal the surface after some fair use. This will ensure that the door has remained its shape well and to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the elements.

With these few tips and care instructions, you can surely enjoy the beauty of wooden doors for many years to come. While they are a very inviting sight for visitors, they are also a great investment for increasing a home's value far more than any other type of doors that may be available on the market today.

Wooden exterior doors have come a long way over the years. There are virtually endless options available to perfectly customize doors according to specific requirements and style needs. While some people may find wooden exterior doors old fashioned and boring in terms of their personal taste, they should really see how a simple wooden door can change its look from a traditional country home to a modern shop entrance in a bustling city.

More than simple paint work or even intricate carvings, there are some basic options that immediately change the look and feel of an entrance.

French Doors

Although most people prefer having single doors for their entrances, especially when it comes to wooden exterior doors, there are others who would like to try new looks by having French doors instead. French doors have that lovely symmetrical look and seem to have a grander feel for a home's entrance.

French doors can be as simple or decorative as desired. Whether they're a simple set of wooden French doors or ones with large windows that allow maximum light into a home, every last piece of the doors can be customized to best suit the home.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are another great option to break away from the standard single hinged wooden exterior doors. Depending on the style and decorative touches added to them, they can have anything from a contemporary, traditional or ethnic feel to them. There are quite a few homes that have exterior sliding doors that lead out to gardens but they are also a great choice for areas that may have minimal space for a door to swing open. This offers more space for people to stand in or for decoration like topiaries by the entrance.

Hinges and Handles

If single wooden exterior doors are still the ideal choice but you would like to have smaller changes made to have it stand out from the rest, consider little changes that can make a big difference in the look and feel of the door. Hinges and handles are rarely, if ever considered as decoration because most people consider them solely for their practical applications.

Today, there are a wide range of decorative hinges that add a subtle artistic touch to an otherwise overlooked part of doors. The handles also come in a variety of different styles and finished that quickly changes the look of a door.

For a sleek modern look, consider getting polished or brushed silver/stainless steel metal handles with smooth rounded edges. For a contemporary geometrical look, consider light black metal or brass handles with squared edges. If you are the type of person who prefers a more rustic look for a door, consider heavier iron handles that offer a solid aged look to an entrance.

To see what works best for you and your home, it's always recommended to play around with different styles, colours and additional touches. Every last detail of a door will change the way it looks and feels on a home. Decide whether you would like the door to be the focal point of the home or not, this will give you a good starting point for things to look for.

Wooden exterior doors are wonderfully versatile and a very smart investment for the long term, which is why taking the time to get the perfect look the first time around, is the best choice