Your front door does more than most people give it credit for. It's the first thing visitors see, it sets the tone for the rest of the property, and it takes more punishment from the elements than almost any other joinery on a building. Getting it right is worth the time.
Here's what we think about when we're helping clients choose theirs.
Start with the property
The style of your front door should be led by the building it belongs to. A Georgian townhouse, a Victorian terrace, and a contemporary new build all have different characters — and a door that ignores that will always look slightly wrong, however good the finish.
For period properties, traditional details matter: raised and fielded panels, period-appropriate glazing, correct proportions. For more contemporary buildings, cleaner lines and simpler profiles tend to work better. Getting this balance right from the outset saves a lot of second-guessing later.
If your property is listed or sits within a conservation area, your options may be more tightly defined. A specialist manufacturer can guide you through what's required before you commit to a design.
Timber species
Accoya is our most popular choice for front doors, and it's easy to see why. It's exceptionally stable, highly durable, and carries an outstanding paint finish — making it ideal for an external door that needs to perform and look good for decades. Accoya is also FSC certified, which matters to a growing number of clients.
If you'd prefer to leave the timber unpainted and let the natural grain speak for itself, solid oak is the natural alternative. It ages beautifully and brings a warmth that painted finishes can't replicate.
Choosing a colour
Colour has a significant effect on how a door sits within its surroundings. A few things worth considering.
Match the character of the property. Period homes often suit more traditional colours — deep greens, blues, and classic whites have stood the test of time for a reason. Contemporary properties can carry bolder or more neutral choices.
Think about your surroundings. What colour is the brickwork? The window frames? A door doesn't exist in isolation — it works as part of a facade.
Consider the aspect of your door, and this is important. If your front door faces south and is unprotected by a porch or canopy, we'd strongly advise against dark or black finishes. South-facing doors receive significant direct sunlight throughout the day. Dark colours absorb heat, which causes the timber and paint to expand and contract at a greater rate — leading to bubbling, cracking, and premature paint failure. It's one of the most common mistakes we see, and it's entirely avoidable.
For south-facing doors, lighter colours — whites, creams, and softer tones — perform significantly better and will hold their finish far longer.
Glazing
Glazing can transform a front door — adding light to a dark hallway or giving a solid door a more open, welcoming feel. Stained glass is one of our most popular choices, particularly for period properties where it adds real character and kerb appeal. For those where privacy is a priority, obscure or textured glass works well without compromising on light. For more contemporary doors, a simple clear pane keeps things clean and unfussy.
Ironmongery
Hardware is often chosen last and thought about least. It shouldn't be. The handle, letterplate, and knocker are all touched every day — and on a bespoke timber door, cheap ironmongery stands out immediately. Choose hardware that's appropriate for the style of the door and built to last.
Bespoke vs off the shelf
Standard doors are built to standard sizes. Most properties aren't. A bespoke door is made to fit your opening exactly — which means no awkward gaps, no compromises on proportions, and a finished result that looks right.
It also means the design is entirely yours. Profile, panel configuration, glazing, colour, hardware — every detail specified to suit the building and the brief.
At RJ Parry Joinery, we manufacture bespoke hardwood front doors from our workshop in Chester with over 40 years of experience in bespoke timber joinery.
01244 371571 to discuss your project.
