Why Upgrade to Raised Panel Doors: What You Need to Know

Published: March 04, 2021

By the Estate Millwork Design Team | Craftsmen since 1997

Raised panel interior doors are an upgraded look to the standard flat faced door; you know the hollow core box store special with the brass coated round knob? If you haven't seen one recently it's because they tend to be pretty forgettable.

The raised panel interior door offers not only a stylish and affordable door option, but a better constructed door. The panels are normally the middle portion that is held within the stiles and rails of the door. The stiles are the up and down sides of the door, while the rails run horizontally in the door. Having the door constructed in this manner allows wood doors to contract and expand with temperature and humidity changes, which helps to keep the door from warping.

In fact, many of the modern raised panel doors are based on the styles of doors found over one hundred years ago such as the six panel Victorian door or the classic eight panel Colonial styled door. This is a tried and true method of quality door construction, as evidenced by the staying power of raised panel doors.

Since the raised panel door is more durable and less prone to warping than the flat surfaced, builder grade door, it's going to last longer and add value to the interior of the home. It's an investment well worth making when you're looking to upgrade your interior.

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.

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Our state of the art designers allow you to design and build completely customized millwork to fit your exact needs.

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Selecting the Perfect Custom Wood Door

A well-chosen wood door does more than fill an opening; it sets the tone for an entire room or entryway. Interior doors influence how spaces flow together, while exterior doors establish the first impression of your home. When selecting a custom door, consider three primary factors: the architectural style of your home, the functional requirements of the opening, and the wood species that best complements your existing millwork.

For traditional and colonial homes, raised-panel doors with six or eight panels create a classic look. Contemporary and transitional homes lean toward flat-panel or Shaker-style doors with clean lines. Louvered doors are ideal for closets, laundry rooms, and utility spaces where airflow matters. French doors with glass panels open up sightlines between rooms while maintaining the ability to close off spaces for privacy or climate control.

Wood species matters both aesthetically and structurally. Red Oak and White Oak are among the hardest domestic species, making them excellent choices for high-traffic exterior doors. Mahogany offers superior dimensional stability and a rich grain pattern prized for front entries. For interior doors that will be painted, Poplar provides a smooth, affordable substrate. Estate Millwork builds every door using mortise-and-tenon joinery with hardwood dowel pins, ensuring joints that will not loosen over a lifetime of daily use.

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