Your home's entry makes a first impression, setting the style and enhancing curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency. Whether installing a new door or upgrading, the right choice matters.

Here’s 5 things to keep in mind when selecting your custom wood door.

1. Match Your Door to Your Home’s Style

Your home’s architecture should guide your customized door selection. The right entryway enhances your home’s design, while the wrong one can feel out of place.

  • Traditional Homes (Colonial, Craftsman, Victorian): Paneled doors with decorative glass and classic hardware work well here. These doors often feature symmetrical designs and warm finishes.
  • Modern Homes: Clean lines, flush panels, and minimalist hardware define this look. Consider oversized formats or bold colors for a striking entrance.
  • Farmhouse or Rustic Styles: Natural wood tones, crossbuck panels, and iron accents create a warm, welcoming feel.
  • Transitional Designs: Combine classic shapes with modern touches for a timeless look that fits many home styles.

Want to see something amazing? Use our interactive Test Drive Your Door tool to upload a photo of your house and place different door styles directly onto your image. Visualizing the perfect match has never been easier—explore possibilities and find the ideal entrance for your unique style.

A large stone building featuring wooden entry doors and multiple windows on its exterior.

2. Choose the Right Configuration

Beyond style, how your door functions matters. Attention to detail on the specs of your customized door is crucial to ensure you find what's best for your home.

  • Single Doors: The most common and versatile option for standard entry doors. They’re quite simple to install and maintain.
  • Double Doors: Offer a grand entrance and wider access—great for entertaining or moving large items. Homeowners often use these in traditional or transitional homes.
  • Pivot Doors: A growing trend in modern design, pivot doors rotate on a central axis rather than side hinges. They allow for wider, heavier panels and create a sleek, architectural look.

Our latest collection includes four pivot door systems designed for smooth operation, energy efficiency, and modern aesthetics. These options are ideal for homeowners looking to make a bold design statement with high quality materials.

Modern home featuring large glass windows and elegant wooden entry doors.

3. Personalize with Color, Glass, and Hardware

Once you’ve chosen your door’s style and configuration, it’s time to make it your own.

  • Color: When selecting your door consider the wood type you have selected to ensure you select the right paint or stain for that species.
  • Glass Inserts: Add light and visual interest. Options can vary and add a touch of elegance to any door. You can use glass in the door itself or in sidelights and transoms.
  • Hardware: Choose finishes that complement your home—matte black for modern, brass for traditional, or brushed nickel for transitional. Smart locks and keyless entry systems add convenience and security.

Coordinate your door hardware with exterior lighting, house numbers, and mailbox finishes for a cohesive look.

A dog sprawled on the floor by an exterior wooden door, enhancing the welcoming feel of the entryway.

4. Choose Simpson Door Company as your Exterior Door Builder

The quality of your door is only as good as the team behind it. Simpson Door provides homeowners with the following:

  • A Legacy of Trust and Experience: With a legacy dating back to 1912, Simpson is renowned for crafting exterior wood doors that beautifully blend tradition with innovation. Our long-standing reputation ensures every door is built to the highest standards, making your entrance a testament to timeless quality and expert craftsmanship.
  • Endless Ways to Express Your Style: With Simpson, you’re invited to explore a world of styles, finishes, and design options. Create a door that’s more than an entryway and is crafted to capture your unique vision and elevate your home’s first impression.
  • Support That Sets the Standard: With Simpson Doors, you’re gaining a partner. From expert advice and seamless communication to helpful installation tips and responsive customer care, we are there every step of the way to make your vision a reality.
  • Industry Leading Innovation: Simpson Door Company is committed to advancing the industry by integrating the latest technologies and manufacturing techniques, ensuring your door offers lasting value, enhanced performance, and enduring beauty.

By choosing Simpson Door Company, you’re assured that your exterior door will not only enhance your home’s beauty but also deliver exceptional performance for years to come, backed by a century of expertise and craftsmanship.