I’m looking for a high quality wood entry door. I need a simple craftsman style door with sidelights. It will be installed on the north side of the house in a deep, open porch, so exposure to moisture and sunlight should be minimal. The warranties are lousy on all the manufacturers I’ve checked (Simpson, Buffelen, etc). I just want a door that will last a while, look decent, with good design pressure. Does such a door exist? I live in a cold, windy place. And try as I might, I can’t make myself like the look of fiberglass.
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That's exactly what we have (north side, under cover, two side lights etc.). We went with clear VG fir, custom made in a local door/trim plant. I think the reason warranties are so sketchy is because the manufacturer has no control over the finishing and exposure. If you do a good job you shouldn't have anything to worry about.
Cost was scary ($3k), but it was actually a very competitive price compared with factory doors. Let me know if pics would help.
Scott.
Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”
Bent,
I've used the Simpson's with good luck. I'm in a cold (-17) this morning climate. Finishing is the key. My painter prefers just an oil finish for exterior doors.
Brudoggie
Scott and Brudoggie both make good points. Don't stress so much over the warranty. Most exterior door makers I know of offer 1 year--and there's so many exceptions that they hardly ever have to replace a door at their cost. Simpson is definitely a good one, and fir is a good material to use.
Just seal the thing on all six sides and maintain the finish through the years.
I've got a Simpson door in my new house and couldn't be happier.
Runnerguy
I don't know hwere you live (Please fill in your profile) but The outfit I work for makes 'em all the time. We just made a 2 1/4" thick door 4'X7' for our shop entrance. Look at some of the local cabinet and woodworking shops near you.
This is a local company (for me.)
I have one of their entry doors and I've installed a few.
Really beautiful, best materials, well-made.
Sidebar in FHB once I recall...
http://www.internationaldoor.com/craftsman/?PHPSESSID=f1c1f33f53621a1d55f0afa91d19715c