Interior French Doors What are their Benefits? What You Need to Know

Published: March 11, 2021

French doors can transform any room, they let in natural light, provide views into other rooms or even outdoors and they can even be a design feature in the room themselves. French doors are great for creating division between two rooms and are more versatile than creating an open through an archway cut into a wall.

Increase Value

Not only do French doors increase the aesthetics of your home but they also increase the economic value of your home. Unless you plan on gifting your home to your kids you need to consider how your design features will impact the value of your home when it comes time to sell so that you get the most for your time and money. French doors are grand and beautiful; they can tie a room together, make it feel more open or cozy depending on whether they are open or closed.

Add More Room

Do you have a single door between two rooms that is making each room feel smaller? Adding French doors can help you increase the available space and create a more open feel without having to sacrifice having the ability to close a door.

Minimize Energy Costs

Having French doors in your home instead of open doorways or archways can help reduce energy costs especially if you are using standalone units to heat and cool an area. By closing your French doors you can enclose the area and trap the warm or cool air in that room and allow the heater or air conditioner to work less and save money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wood species work best for interior doors?

Poplar is the most popular choice for painted interior doors due to its smooth grain and affordability. For stained doors, Red Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Walnut each offer distinctive grain patterns and color tones. The best species depends on whether you plan to paint or stain.

How are custom wood doors different from big-box store doors?

Custom wood doors are built to your exact dimensions using solid hardwood and traditional joinery methods like mortise and tenon. Big-box store doors are typically hollow-core or use engineered materials. Custom doors offer superior sound insulation, durability, and a solid feel that mass-produced doors cannot match.

Can I order a custom door in a non-standard size?

Yes. Estate Millwork builds every door to your specified width and height. Whether you need a narrow pantry door, an oversized entry door, or a door to fit a historic opening with non-standard dimensions, we can accommodate your requirements.

What door styles does Estate Millwork offer?

We offer louvered, raised panel, flat panel, French, barn, arched, and mission style doors. Each style is available in multiple wood species and can be ordered painted or unfinished. Our online designer lets you configure every detail and see an instant price quote.

Design Considerations for Custom Wood Doors

Measure the rough opening, not the existing door, when ordering a replacement. Include the width, height, and wall thickness so the door and jamb fit correctly.
For high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, choose a harder wood species like White Oak or Maple that resists dents and wear better than softer species.
Louvered doors are an excellent choice for closets, laundry rooms, and utility spaces because the slats promote air circulation, reducing moisture buildup and musty odors.
When matching new doors to existing trim, bring a sample of your current wood or finish to compare. Estate Millwork offers the same species and can match stain colors for a cohesive look.