When most people start planning a home renovation, they dive headfirst into Pinterest boards filled with paint swatches, trendy light fixtures, and kitchen islands that look like they belong in a celebrity chef’s house. Doors? Most people don’t even think about them.
It doesn’t matter if you’re switching out your old front door, upgrading to French doors, or simply learning about them—knowing about wood doors and correctly choosing door measurements will help you avoid problems. We’ll go over the details you should understand.
Why Wood Doors Still Work in Modern Homes
It’s obvious that wood is something that feels both warm and never goes out of style. Both walnut and reclaimed oak give wood doors a traditional beauty that makes them stand out from many other materials.
Appearance isn’t the only factor that matters. Modern wood doors are stylish and practical. Modern procedures for sealing, insulating, and finishing give them resistance against warping, cracking, and damage from weather. If you need a door that stands up to the weather outside or separates noise in the house, these are ideal.
Wood can suit almost any look. If your home is modern, you may want a sleek style, or if it’s traditional, choose ornate carvings. Painting or staining the door to go with your decor is easy, and you can change it years on without starting from scratch.
If you’re considering upgrading or customizing your entryway, wood doors from Hotian Windows are a solid option worth exploring.
French Doors Are Beautiful, If They Actually Fit
French doors add elegance, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. But all those benefits hinge on one not-so-glamorous detail: getting the sizing right.
A lot of homeowners discover that French doors aren’t all the same size. Start by measuring your space, how the doors will swing, and how much space is available both inside and outside.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Width: Usually 60–72 inches total (30–36 inches per panel)
- Height: Standard is 80 inches, but 96 inches is trending for homes with tall ceilings
- Thickness: Typically 1¾ inches
But the right measurements make all the difference. They’re the difference between a seamless installation and a door that scrapes the floor or blocks your furniture. You need to measure:
- The rough opening (stud to stud)
- The jamb depth
- The swing direction
- The clearance for handles, curtains, and nearby walls
Want to skip the guesswork? Use a measuring checklist or consult a professional before ordering. For guidance tailored to your home’s layout, check out this handy breakdown on French door size by Hotian Windows.
What Works Best for Your Home?
Choosing between wood doors and French doors (or deciding where to use both) comes down to lifestyle, location, and personal taste.
- Solid Wood Entry Doors: $800–$5,000+, depending on species and design
- Interior French Doors: $400–$2,000
- Exterior French Doors: $1,500–$6,000+, especially from premium brands like Pella or Marvin
- Installation: $300–$700 for standard doors; $1,000+ for French doors with framing and drywall work.
- Use wood doors for:
- Solid entry doors that offer insulation and security
- Interior spaces where soundproofing or privacy is important
- Making a dramatic first impression with custom finishes
- Use French doors for:
- Transitioning between indoor and outdoor areas (like patios or gardens)
- Creating visual openness between two rooms without sacrificing separation.
- Maximizing daylight in darker spaces.
And don’t forget: wood door prices have jumped 49% since 2020. So if you’re planning a project, factor in inflation and supply chain realities.
Avoid These Expensive Door Mistakes
It’s not hard to go wrong when choosing new doors, especially when you’re focused on how things look. Here’s where most people mess up:
- Skipping the re-measure: Your wall might not care about “standard sizes.”
- Choosing style over function: A beautiful door that blocks airflow or bangs into furniture isn’t functional.
- Ignoring climate: Harsh sun? Driving rain? You need the right finish and material.
- DIYing the wrong job: Interior doors? Maybe. Exterior or French doors? Call a pro.
Doors Are More Than Just Openings
If you’re making improvements, think twice about how important your doors can be. An ideal front or interior door adds style and long-term value to your house.
No matter if you love wood or French doors, your purchase will stay valuable for years if you take the time to plan correctly. When you’re not sure what to do, use the resources and insights from Hotian Windows. It’s the details that count, and that includes the doors in your home.
