Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 12/3/2006

Question
Hi Richard,
I'd like to replace my front door but am not happy with the "standards" offered at the box stores.  I want something different, with character (but affordable!).  The house is a brick cape.  The steps leading up to the front door are granite, trimmed in brick...a unique design, I believe.  The door opens into a dining/living room combo with oak hardwood floors and French Provincial furnighings.  The interior doors are 6-panel, white, with brass hardware. So, I'm asking for your suggestion as to a style of door and some guidance on where to find it...maybe some websites with good selections.  I will also need to replace the screen door...again, would like something "different".
(By the way, the overall decor I'm trying to achieve is Tuscan Country in a Philadelphia Cape Cod).
Thanks much,
Marci  

Answer
Marci - thanks for your question!

I know the frustration you're feeling!  Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. don't carry much outside of standard Colonial design.  Maybe that will change as more people like you ask for something different.

Many of the larger window and door manufacturers carry a wider variety of door designs; I'd suggest Jeld-Wen (www.jeld-wen.com) for starters.  On their website you can find a local supplier.  Another good source is Therma-Tru (www.thermatru.com).

I would expect that you'll have a wide selection of suppliers available in Philly.  You could also try finding a local woodworking shop to build a unique door system from scratch, but a manufactured product will be less money and should hold up better.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com