How to Buy Raised Panel Doors
- 1). Understand the difference between stile-and-rail and pressed panel doors. Traditional, stile-and-rail panel doors are made from carefully constructed wood components that are joined using special woodworking techniques. Pressed panel doors are made from a flush door that has been molded to form raised panels. Pressed varieties are more affordable, but don't offer quite the same look as stile-and-rail doors.
- 2). Review the various patterns available. The most widely used raised panel doors feature four or six panels arranged in a standard pattern. To explore the dozens of other panel variations available, refer to the Panel Door Designs Web site in the Resources section of this article. You can also review the selections offered by one of the specialty manufacturers listed below. Take the time to find a design that complements your home, as these doors can last for many years.
- 3). Determine what size door you will need. The average doors used in the home are 3 feet by 6 feet 8 inches or 7 feet. If you plan to install your new door in an existing frame, measure the inside frame dimensions. If you plan to install a new frame, measure the size of the rough opening, if applicable.
- 4). Size the door properly. For a 3-by-7 door frame, the door itself is actually sized at 2 feet 11 1/4 inches by 6 feet 11 7/8 inches. This is because the door must be undersized by 3/4 inches in width and 1/8 inch in height to allow room for clearance. If you are purchasing a door and frame together, they will sized to fit, but if you are ordering your door from a specialty distributor, you'll need to provide accurate sizing information.
- 5). Choose your material. Stile-and-rail raised panel doors are made from a variety of wood species, such as cherry or oak. Pressed panel doors are generally made from hardboard or Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF.)
- 6). Select finishes. Raised panel doors can be stained, painted, or left unfinished. When you order from door distributors and specialty dealers, you'll often have a choice of finish. Factory-finished doors will have longer warranties and will last longer than doors finished in the home.
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