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If you think about it, your front door is something you see all the time. When designing our homes, we often think about the interior decorations and exterior lawn care, but what about the space that brings those two worlds together? At Clark Hall, we specialize in making beautiful iron doors that you’ll enjoy passing through for years to come. As our most intricate style, ornate front doors have endless design opportunities. To start, begin gathering inspiration for your project by reading our top five design considerations.  

Design Options for Ornate Front Doors

1. Design Intricate Scrollwork

The hallmark of an ornate door is its scrollwork and elegant silhouettes. The custom wrought ironwork details, like scrolls and spirals, make ornate doors especially distinctive. Some clients have even created designs that feature natural-looking vines. Each custom iron ornate door is hand-perfected by our artisans and recognized for their attention to detail. Our extensive detailing includes a seven-step automotive grade finishing process, allowing the completed scrollwork to stand out.

Ornate front doors are available in three customizable shapes including square top, eyebrow, and round, making the design options nearly endless. And, each door and jamb is enclosed with high-density polyurethane foam to optimize design while keeping your home properly insulated.

Ornate door designed with intricate scrollwork
House facade with custom ornate doors

2. Consider Your Surroundings

Ornate doors take up space—literally and figuratively. They are the star of the show and deserve attention. The design is up to you, but we’ve found that with simpler surrounding architecture, the ornate door really gets to shine, whereas with more complex exteriors, ornate doors might get overshadowed. 

Considering this step of the process will lead to great success when selecting the remaining components of your ornate front door. Check out some of our past ornate door designs in our gallery. 

3. Choose a Finish

Finding the right finish to pair with your ornate design has the potential to create a truly one-of-a-kind entryway. Just as it’s important to consider your surrounding architecture, it’s also pertinent to consider its color. At Clark Hall, we have six exclusive finishes, from our darkest, Burnt Copper, to our lightest, Slate. 

Bronze is our most popular finish and has the warmth of wood, which complements most exteriors. Sometimes overlooked, Gold Mist is our secret shining star as it has an irresistible glimmer in the sunlight, which could add a layer of intrigue to an ornate door. Whatever you choose, each door is a unique work of art that sets the tone for your entryway.

Ornate front door with a unique finish ornate door handles
Arched ornate door with custom door handles

4. Select a Glass 

Clear glass is always a classic, but we have over 10 different styles of glass featuring unique textures like Seedy Baroque and Cotswold. Our wide range of glasses allows you to customize the amount of light you want to flow through without sacrificing privacy or style. 

For example, this ornate front door is equipped with Flemish glass, which has a slight ripple pattern obscuring the view inside. The complex pairing of embellished glass, ornate door handles, and elaborate scrollwork is sure to incite awe upon entry. And, this ornate door has more than just textured glass going for it. The window above the arched door is called a transom, which also increases natural light. 

5. Customize the Hardware

One of the most practical finishing touches to determine about your door is the pull hardware. At Clark Hall Doors, your sketch is our command—even down to the ornate door handles. There are many types of ornate door knobs including keyed entry, simple passage, and privacy door handles. 

If you’re designing ornate door handles, try pairing them with more traditional locks and handlesets that contribute to the embellished quality of the door. For example, Tubular Entry Sets or Modern Rectangle Mortise Entry Sets from Emtek are great options for an ornate front door.

Partially opened custom ornate iron door
Feeling inspired? We can’t wait to see what you’ll create. Now that you have plenty of ideas to design your ornate door, read our blog Single vs. Double Iron Door Entryways to decide which suits you. Schedule a consultation with our experts to get started. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Ornate Doors

How can I make my ornate door look attractive?

Ornate door designs speak volumes on their own, but giving your door a touch-up every few months can keep your door looking attractive and inviting. Thankfully, iron doors require minimal maintenance. If you haven’t already, we recommend cleaning your door(s) at least twice per year during the spring and fall seasons to remove any buildup of pollen or other debris. And, there’s always seasonal opportunities like flowers, pumpkins, and wreaths that can add some extra life to your entryway. 

Should an ornate front door be lighter or darker than the house?

That’s up to you. If your house’s exterior is neutral, a bold front door color may provide a subtle contrast to your home’s aesthetic. In general, if the architecture surrounding your door is light, a darker color door is best and vice versa. However, don’t be afraid to be a little unconventional.

Do ornate door handles increase home value? 

They may seem like a small detail, but ornate door knobs can have an impact on the value of your home. If you decide to sell, your front door will be one of the first parts of your home that prospective buyers will see. If they notice bespoke, ornate door handles, it could make a grand first impression.

Learn more about iron doors today.

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There are a lot of ways to increase home value including renovations, updated décor, and even smart technology like security systems and camera door bells. Notably, curb appeal can account for up to 7% of a house’s sale price, according to a 2020 study from The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, so improving your home’s curb appeal could significantly increase its value.  

Custom iron front doors are dominating the market because of their aesthetic appeal, low maintenance, and customizable nature. Iron doors are also more secure and durable compared to traditional wood door options. According to ADT Security Services, 55.7% of break-ins involve forcible entry. However, the weight and strength of iron doors make it more difficult for burglars to enter.  

From an aesthetic, financial, and security standpoint, custom iron front doors are a valuable asset to any home. Follow the four steps below to get started on creating your own custom iron door.

How to Plan for a Custom Iron Front Door

Step 1: Create a Budget

Whether your goal is to upgrade your entryway aesthetic or make improvements that will help your home build equity, adding a custom iron door will increase your home’s value for years to come. Once you’ve contacted our team, we’ll set a timeline and lay out the scale and scope of your unique project.

On average, a custom Clark Hall double entry door that involves design, custom drawings, hardware, and installation starts at around $10,000. Prices may vary depending on the complexity of the design decisions and sizing.

Step 2: Consider Energy Efficiency 

Reducing your utility bills through energy efficient upgrades can be great for you as a homeowner and appeal to buyers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical family spends at least $2,200 per year on energy bills. However, energy-efficient upgrades, like double-insulated glass, could reduce that cost by up to 30%. 

A majority of buyers today are looking for energy efficient lighting, windows, and appliances. Check lighting and windows off your list with a Clark Hall custom iron front door that comes with tempered, double-insulated glass. This additional layer of glass can help improve energy efficiency. And, there are plenty of other ways to let more light flow into your home—like sidelights and transoms—that reduce the amount of lamps and lights needed in your foyer.

Step 3: Choose a Versatile Style

At Clark Hall, we have three main styles for custom iron front doors: ornate, traditional, and modern. All of these doors are fully customizable and carry their own unique personality. However, choosing a more versatile style may increase home value and attract a wider buyer audience if you choose to resell. 

For example our modern doors are the most adaptable style because of their clean, sleek lines. Modern doors are contemporary and brighten the interior and exterior of your home. On the other hand, choosing an ornate or traditional door could make your home very distinctive and attract buyers who are looking for something more elaborate. Browse our project galleries for more inspiration.

Step 4: Maintain Your Door

Unlike a factory-built product, our custom iron front doors and windows are hand-crafted iron and steel. A certain amount of uniqueness is to be expected and we believe it adds to the door’s overall value and beauty. Read more about this process in a conversation with our artisans. 

Similar to a car, iron doors develop minor scratches over time that need minimal touch-ups. To enjoy your doors for a lifetime, follow these simple directions to preserve their attractiveness and functionality with minimal maintenance.

  • We recommend cleaning your door(s) at least twice per year during the spring and fall seasons to remove any buildup of pollen or other debris. If you live in coastal areas or areas with high humidity, you may need to care for your door more frequently.
  • To prevent any rust issues as your door ages, it is important to seal up any small scratches on the surface of the door. A touch-up kit is provided upon installation for your doors and windows.
  • For more information on product care, cleaning and touch-up instructions, and extra tips, check out our detailed care and cleaning instructions.. Keeping your door in good condition can increase home value.

If you have additional questions on how to increase home value, or are ready to get started with your designs, contact us. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create. For examples of ways other home owners have increased the value of their homes with custom iron doors, take a look at some of our home makeovers. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Increasing Home Value with Custom Iron Doors

What adds the most value to a house?

Kitchen improvements are the most recommended place to start with home upgrades, but energy efficiency and curb appeal are right behind. Curb appeal is important to consider because first and foremost, buyers want to feel welcomed when entering a home. If the outside looks uninviting, a home’s value decreases. Adding a bespoke iron door is guaranteed to up your curb appeal.

What upgrades do not increase home value?

Perhaps considering a custom iron door has inspired you to take on other home improvement projects. Keep in mind that not all upgrades are equally beneficial. For example, adding a swimming pool, remodeling a bedroom, or adding unique wallpaper to your favorite space all present different “payoffs” when it comes to recoup value.

Is iron good for a front door?

Iron is one of the most resilient and durable materials you can select for front doors. Every Clark Hall door is made specifically for you, and goes through extensive detailing before it’s installed—including a 7-step automotive grade finishing process.

Learn more about iron doors today.

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Do you know what happens after you collaborate with our experts and send your custom iron door through the fabrication process? Those 10-12 weeks before installation are critical in bringing your unique piece to life—and the artisans behind the process exude an unwavering passion and pride for their work. We are proud of the incredible team of talented iron workers and craftsmen. Learn more as we sit down with the head of manufacturing for an exclusive conversation.

A One-on-One Conversation

  1. How would you describe the skill and artisanship that goes into the custom fabrication process?

Clark Hall’s artisanship begins with the end in mind; the vision of our client. We are proud to have the collaboration of the best experts in our trade on our Clark Hall team—people that are very proud of their skills, labor, and knowledge. Some may think that our trade is losing its charm because of modern-day advances, but our artisans are able to combine new tools with classic training, creating truly unique, handcrafted pieces.

 

An artisan works on a custom weld.

2. What is required to develop these beautiful pieces of art?

There are 3 distinct elements required to create these stunning custom doors: 

    • Artistic skills are imperative to designing, engineering, and creating a functional, and beautiful architectural piece. Because this is a custom business, we need to be able to tackle each order individually, as every project is a bit different. That is the beauty of our business—it offers us a constant challenge, giving us the opportunity to find and develop new solutions to complex situations.
    • The element of fire is such a fascinating concept…it is one of the very basic elements to work with, and the whole wrought iron process starts with it. We need the power and energy of fire to bend iron.
    • Steel is the very foundation of our trade, and we have dedicated our lives to master the art of its transformation—from stiff and rough to beautiful and aesthetic. From the industrial, cold, and straight nature of modern steel profiles; to functional, stunning, and amazing pieces. This is not for the faint hearted, as only a few have the strength, will, and passion to create beauty from scratch.
An artisan works on welding a custom wrought iron scroll.

3. Can you describe the art and precision needed for the craft?

Simply put, being an artistic and precise iron worker means that you must blend technology with skill. At Clark Hall, we transform iron from a rough material to a beautiful piece of art—and to do so, we have to apply our knowledge of science and technology, and our skills and passions as artists. When we’re working on a custom door, we don’t solely rely on technology, but instead, use it as a way to support our craft. After all, a tool or piece of technology will only work as the hand commands. It will never matter how modern or “fancy” your tools are if you lack the knowledge, expertise, and experience. 

An artisan works on finishing the scrollwork for a custom iron door.

4. What makes Clark Hall doors different?

Clark Hall doors are different because they’re each a unique piece of art. We’re committed to fulfilling each client’s vision and bringing it to life—no matter how difficult the project may be, we are confident that we will find a creative way to solve the challenge. Additionally, we support our work with many quality controls that tackle different areas including technical, operational, and aesthetic.

Two artisans work on the finishing process for a custom iron door.

It goes without saying that our team’s love for the trade is undeniable. Our fierce passion and expert skillset breathe life into every client’s dream door—whether it’s an intricate ornate piece or a sleek modern entryway. It is both motivating and satisfying to know that clients trust us and that we get the opportunity to help make their vision for their home become reality. If you’re interested in taking the next step to designing a fully-custom door, please contact us to schedule a consultation. And, be sure to browse our entire project gallery to find endless inspiration.

Learn more about iron doors today.

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Textures. Styles. Pros & Cons.

Have you ever walked through a set of front doors that feature inviting glass window panels? Stepping through that entryway probably felt like a breath of fresh air—the foyer was bright and the entrance was contemporary. Gone are the days of rigid wood doors that feel like barriers between you and your guests. Instead, homeowners and designers are choosing glass front doors that create a seamless transition from one room to the next. However, this simple upgrade may still pose some questions. For example, what are your privacy preferences? What texture of glass suits your style? And, what window panel layout best complements your home? Find answers to all of your questions when you follow our guide—from the need-to-know details about our glass to choosing the right style, we’ve got you covered.  

About Our High-Quality Glass

First, it’s important to consider the quality and integrity of the glass before you design a windowed front door. All of our doors—whether it features one small window or is made almost entirely of glass—come standard with clear double insulated, tempered glass that is compliant with ASTM C1036 quality criteria. Plus, all of our styles can be customized with impact-rated glass to meet specific building codes and requirements. Lastly, keep in mind that we provide a 5-year warranty on the the finish and glass.

Choosing a Texture for your Glass Front Door

Once you’ve decided that you want to design a glass front door, the fun part begins. But, your design preferences will be influenced by your privacy preferences. For instance, remember that textured glasses, like Rain and Cotswold, will offer more privacy, while clear glasses will offer onlookers an unobstructed view from the inside and outside. Additionally, consider current design trends. If staying on-trend is important to you, think about using the very popular Clear, Rain, and Aquatex textures. For more inspiration, check out some of our glass options accompanied by styling tips:x

Clark Hall has 12 exclusive glass types for custom doors.

Seedy Baroque

Intriguing, unique, and inspired by original flat glass. This pairs well with traditional door styles that pay homage to classic craftsmanship.

Horizontal Reeded

Smooth, simple, and unassuming. This glass texture adds privacy to any iron door.

Rain

Tranquil, obscure, and natural. This texture mimics glass on a rainy day, perfect for modern and traditional styles.

Flemish

Historic, eye-catching, and bespoke. This glass is inspired by Old World German antique glass from the 1800s—each panel is truly one-of a-kind, complementing any door style.

Clear

Sleek, timeless, and always in style. This glass also pairs well with pivot door designs. 

Citrus

Classic, opaque, and stylish. This glass is similar to traditional frosted textures, offering privacy and intrigue—it complements modern and traditional doors well.  

Pros & Cons of Glass Front Doors

As with any design decision, there are pros and cons to consider. With that being said, the only con we typically hear from clients is that there’s a potential lack of privacy. While this largely depends on the glass texture you choose, privacy can still be your priority. For instance, you may choose to use blinds, curtains, or other window treatments to control privacy from the inside. On the other hand, there are many pros to designing glass front doors. They are on-trend, fully customizable, and they invite more light into your home and foyer. Plus, maintaining glass front doors is very easy—simply use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaning spray to wipe away dirt, streaks, and yes, even paw print marks from your favorite security guard. Feeling inspired to upgrade your entryway with a glass front door? Browse our entire project gallery for more ideas before scheduling a consultation with one of our experts. And, be sure to visit our blog to read about sidelight and transom options—there are so many creative ways to add windows to your exterior!

Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Front Doors

Is a glass front door a good idea?

Yes, a glass front door is a good idea because it gives you the opportunity to invite more natural light into your home and foyer. Plus, glass front doors are often seen as more inviting and welcoming compared to heavy doors with little to no glass.

How can I ensure privacy with a glass front door?

To ensure privacy with a glass front door, you may choose to use blinds, curtains, or other window treatments to control privacy from the inside. From a design perspective, we recommend choosing a heavily textured glass like Rain, Cotswold, or Arctic if you want to limit what others can see.

What are the different types of glass for doors?

At Clark Hall, we offer clients a variety of glass textures to choose from. All of our options are clear double insulated tempered glass compliant with ASTM C1036 quality criteria. For textured glasses that ensure privacy, opt for Rain, Reeded, Cotswold, Arctic, Aquatex, or Citrus glass. For more clear glass, choose Clear, Illusions, or Seedy Baroque.

Learn more about iron doors today.

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The Difference Between a Dedicated Design Partner & Off-the-Shelf Options for Iron Doors

Updating your front door or refreshing your favorite entryway is no small task—there are a lot of questions to consider. From finding the right style to organizing installation day, there are so many factors at play. Luckily though, our team at Clark Hall makes it as seamless as possible. We partner with you from start to finish so that you don’t have to source third-party contractors. Plus, all of our iron doors are completely custom to suit your vision. On the fence between working with a dedicated manufacturing partner or choosing a prefabricated door option? It can be overwhelming, but here are the five questions you should ask yourself before making a decision.

  1. What type of quality am I looking for in a door?

If you live by the phrase “quality over quantity,” then you’ll likely understand the key difference between fully-custom iron doors and prefabricated options. Most prefabricated doors are built in high-quantities and made as quickly as possible using cheaper materials and paint. Typically, these doors also feature sloppy or insufficient welds, low-quality putty to mask imperfections, and an insufficient quality control process. Overall, these manufacturing sacrifices often lead to rust issues and a product that won’t last nearly as long as a handcrafted iron door. At Clark Hall, each element of a door is crafted by experts and artisans who take your piece through an extensive detailing process—and they even perform a 7-step automotive finishing process:

    • 2 steps of primers and rust inhibitors
    • 4 steps of an automotive flat black (base layers)
    • 1 step of hand done, faux finish to provide dimension

2. How custom is my entryway idea?

Next, it’s important to think about the style and design of the door that you have in mind. Mass produced, prefabricated doors—whether they’re made of wood or iron—are not going to feature bespoke details and personalized elements that make your home stand out, so you don’t have to settle for good enough. 

Our individually crafted iron doors are made custom to your vision, matching the unique design of your home. We collaborate with you from the first sketch to identify key design elements including style, silhouette, height, hardware, finish, glass type, and more. Choose from modern, traditional, or ornate styles as a template to kickstart your project, and carry your inspiration over to the patio or wine cellar, too.

3. How long am I willing to wait for my new door to be installed?

As with many things today, shipping and timelines for delivery are a big concern. Oftentimes, it may seem that choosing a prefabricated door would reduce hassle and shorten the time to installation, but that’s not necessarily the case. Most prefabricated doors are shipped from overseas on a container which increases the likelihood of an unpredictable lead time. Not to mention, this method of transportation exposes the door to salty air for long periods of time—again, increasing the risk of rust developing. If you partner with Clark Hall’s team to design a fully-custom iron door from start to finish, you can rest assured that installation will take place approximately 10-12 weeks after the final CAD drawing is approved. One client Charles O. writes, “Because these are custom doors, the turn around time was quoted at 10-12 weeks and their estimates were on target. The finished product was well worth the wait.”

Want a little more insight into the 10-12 week timeframe? Here’s what you need to know:

    • Weeks 1-10: Custom fabrication including welding and grinding, the 7-step automotive finishing process, and a multi-step quality control inspection. 
    •  Weeks 11-14: Glass measuring, ordering, and glazing
    • Weeks 15-16: Final quality control inspection to prepare for shipping or installation

4. Am I prepared to invest in regular maintenance if I don’t choose an iron door?  

It’s the million dollar question—how much time, patience, and money do you have? A Clark Hall iron door is a permanent solution for your home, requiring nearly no regular maintenance and providing an aesthetic that no other door can match. The hinges, finish, and premium components offer unrivaled longevity and security, too. On the other hand, prefabricated wood doors and low-quality options in other materials are prone to warping, shrinking, contracting, and cracking over time due to wear and tear, weather, and other factors. Despite the upfront investment of designing a fully-custom iron door, keep in mind that the cost over time is close to zero. To care for an iron door, simply clean the surfaces a few times a year with a mild soap, water, and non-abrasive cloth. If your iron door has a scratch, we recommend using our exclusive touch-up kit to cover it up.

5. What does the warranty protect against?

Comparing warranties on different door options is essential—you don’t want to be caught unaware after installation. We recommend choosing a door option that comes with a robust warranty, providing piece-of-mind and extensive protection. Clark Hall offers the longest warranty in the industry, and we protect against three key areas:

    • 10 years on the iron door structure & mechanics
    • 5 years on the finish & glass
    • 1 year on the weather stripping & sweeps on doors sold in the U.S.

Again, we encourage you to do thorough research on all of your warranty options before making a final decision. If you have specific questions about how our warranty stacks up against other manufacturers making prefabricated options, please contact us directly. 

Choosing the right door for your home is a big decision, and it’s not one that we take lightly. That’s why we work closely with every client to make sure their vision becomes a reality. If you’re interested in learning more about why you should choose an iron door over a prefabricated option, visit our blog for exclusive insights. And, be sure to browse our project gallery to find endless inspiration for your next project.

Learn more about iron doors today.

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If you’ve ever been frustrated on moving day because your king size bed or sectional sofa wouldn’t fit through a single door—this topic might hit close to home. However, double front doors can provide more benefits than simply extending the width of your entryway. If you’re considering designing a custom iron door and you want an easy way to increase the amount of light that flows into your foyer, you may also want to think about double doors. Follow along as we discuss the benefits of double front doors, and check out a few project examples in a range of styles. 

 

The Benefits of Double Front Doors

Upgrading your single entry door to a double entry door is a great option for those who want to infuse some grandeur into their exterior architecture. Whether you’re focusing on function or style, here are three benefits of double front doors: 

   1. Elevate Your Exterior Architecture

Double front doors can create a more welcoming entryway for both large and small homes. On larger homes, for example, double doors can provide a sense of balance and complement the home’s vast exterior. On the other hand, double front doors can create a more open and inviting entry on smaller homes. 

   2. Expand Your Entryway 

Many homeowners choose double doors over a single door entry because of the extra space that they provide—for people and furniture. Whether you’re frequently hosting guests or moving and rearranging furniture, you’ll appreciate the extra space. We also recommend double entry doors for patios and decks as they are well-suited for entertaining.

   3. Invite More Light Inside

Double the doors means double the windows—and who doesn’t love bringing a little extra light into their home? To take it a step further, you can also add custom transoms and sidelights to double front doors, increasing their width and height.

 

What About Single Entry Doors? 

There’s nothing wrong with single entry doors. Plenty of Clark Hall clients choose this design which works perfectly for their home. Because of their smaller size, single doors are typically less expensive, simply due to the fact that only one door is being designed and installed. 

But when you compare a double door vs a single door entry, in homes that feature a wider front entryway, a single entry door can seem lost and underwhelming. Optimize your space and embrace more design opportunities when you choose double doors. 

 

Customize Double Entry Doors to Suit Your Style  

Regardless of your taste, our experts and artisans work closely with you to design the double door entryway of your dreams. Specify everything from the hardware and finish to the height, width, and pivot points. Explore a few of our favorite custom double front door projects to gather inspiration.

Traditional Double Front Doors

Inspired by classic silhouettes and design principles, these gorgeous traditional double front doors are complete with hand forged hardware, Cotswold style glass windows, and a sharp Charcoal finish that complements the exterior’s white brick siding. 

Traditional Double Front Doors

Modern & Bright Double Entry Doors

This contemporary slim profile double door welcomes visitors into a bright, cheerful foyer. Equipped with large insulated glass windows and minimalist hardware, this entrance is simply breathtaking.  

Modern & Bright Double Entry Doors

Ornate & Expansive Double Entry Doors  

Detailed wrought iron scrollwork isn’t the only eye-catching element of these ornate double front doors. The complementary sidelights increase the allusion of added width and help brighten the entrance as well. 

Ornate & Expansive Double Entry Doors

Single to Double Front Door Transformations

Have a single entry door but are unsure how it would look to replace it with double entry doors? Evaluating single vs double entry doors is best seen with examples. Check out two before and after transformations: 

Traditional Single Door to Ornate Double Front Door

A before photo of a single panel door with sidelights and a transom.
A double iron door featuring intricate scrollwork and a dark finish.

Slim Single Door to Wide Double Door

A single panel wood door with two sidelights.
An ornate double iron door with unique scrollwork and two small transoms.
Ready to upgrade your entryway and design double front doors? Contact us to schedule a consultation at one of our showrooms, and we can chat through your latest inspiration as you get the chance to experience our doors up close. And before you connect, be sure to read our reasons to consider an iron door, and know the difference between investing in an iron vs. a wood door. 

 Frequently Asked Questions About Double Door vs Single Door Entry 

Is a double front door good for a main door?

Yes, an iron double door is a great option for a home’s main door because it provides a larger entryway. This extra space is convenient for welcoming more guests and moving furniture—if you’ve ever tried to move a king size bed through a single entry door, you’ll come to appreciate the extra door. 

Why is it advisable to have a double front door in the house?

For homes that have the space, we recommend adding a double door if it suits your style and preference. Double doors expand your entryway, elevate your exterior entrance and architecture to be more welcoming, and invite more light inside since there’s an extra entry for windows.  

How much does a double entry door cost?

On average, a custom Clark Hall double entry door that involves design, custom drawings, hardware, and installation starts at around $10,000.

Learn more about iron doors today.

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What to Know Before You Buy

Your front entrance speaks volumes—it’s the first hello when you greet guests, family, and friends. That’s why it’s important to consider your door’s quality, material, security, and style. Today, most homes feature either wood or fiberglass doors. Less commonly, but certainly more attractive, other homeowners choose an iron door for an elevated, customizable entrance that can withstand the test of time while adding some serious value. In fact, realtors and remodeling magazines show that upgrading your front entryway with a custom iron door has one of the highest cost recoup percentages when compared to other home improvements. 

Follow along as we discuss the difference between iron doors vs. wood doors, and touch on the details to consider for each. Whichever door you choose, it’s important that you understand the features and benefits so that you can make an informed decision that enhances your home’s curb appeal.

The Difference Between Iron Doors vs. Wood Doors

Consider this helpful list as you weigh the differences between iron doors vs wood doors. 

About the Materials

According to The Spruce, solid wood doors are typically made with a frame-and-panel construction that uses natural woods like a soft pine or a sturdier oak or maple. Wood doors are rarely made from a solid wood slab. On the other hand, iron doors and steel doors are more solid and secure, and they’re sealed and insulated to provide energy efficiency.

Quality

Our iron doors go through a detailed 7-step automotive finishing process, minimizing the risk of rot, rust, and decay. And, iron doors present no risk of iron warping or bending. 

But with wooden doors, warping and decay is a common problem, stemming from a rise in humidity, heat, or moisture in the air. This can affect how difficult it is to open or close the door. And, it’s extremely difficult and expensive to repair wood rot in doors.

Maintenance

Unlike most wood doors, iron doors require minimal maintenance to preserve their attractiveness or functionality. Simply wipe all surfaces with a mild soap, water, and non-abrasive cloth to refresh your entry. 

Keeping up with a wood door requires a high level of maintenance. For example, if you have to refinish the door due to sun damage or rot, you must remove all of the hardware, sand and strip the door, and then reapply the finish.

Customization

Specify every element of your custom iron door, including its shape and height, panels, window placement, and more. Also, while iron doors are an investment, they’re typically the least expensive to customize. 

Our iron doors come with your choice of finish, selected from our catalog of six exclusive colors. The finishing and detailing process is thorough and seamless, and provides an unmistakable look that will last for years to come. 

On the other hand, you can customize wood doors to include transoms, sidelights, and decorative details, but it’s expensive to do so. And, finishing or refinishing a wood door is costly and requires multiple sandings to prep or strip the surface.

Cost 

The price of iron doors and wood doors really depends on the size of the door and how much customization is involved. On average, our projects start at around $10,000. 

According to Cost Helper, custom-built wood doors start at around $3,000. However, it’s important to consider your budget for ongoing repairs throughout a wooden door’s lifetime, and the value a custom iron door could add to your home if you were to sell. 

Overall, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each and how they match up to your priorities for a new entry door.

Warranty 

Traditionally, wood doors come with a 1-year warranty if there is no overhang above the door. However, if the wood door is facing a certain direction, it may not carry a warranty at all. 

But at Clark Hall, we have the longest warranty in the industry, protecting you against manufacturing defects for 10 years on the iron door structure and mechanics. We also provide a 5-year warranty on the Elite finish and glass, and a 1-year warranty on the weather stripping and sweeps on the doors sold in the contiguous United States.

3 Reasons to Consider an Iron Door

After assessing the differences between iron doors vs. wood doors, a clear winner quickly emerges. To summarize a few of the key points, here are the reasons why we recommend buying an iron door for your home: 

A traditional double iron door entryway featuring a charcoal finish.
  1. Fully Customizable

Every Clark Hall iron door is made specifically for you, giving you the freedom to choose your style, silhouette, finish, hardware, and more. You can even choose to design a contemporary pivot door that rotates on a vertical axis, or spindle — a unique, functional design that’s more challenging to achieve with wood doors.

2. Secure & Durable

Iron doors take security to the next level. Our doors are certified to meet some of the strictest hurricane wind ratings and Florida building codes. From our 14-gauge steel door panels to the steel barrel hinges, each one is built with integrity.

3. Nearly Maintenance-Free

Our iron doors require minimal maintenance to preserve their attractiveness and functionality. We recommend cleaning the surface occasionally with a mild soap, water, and non-abrasive cloth. You can also touch up minor scratches with the touch-up paint that we provide with your door purchase.

If you’re interested in learning more about iron doors, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Our experts are available to share more about the features and benefits, and walk you through our custom design process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Iron Doors vs. Wood Doors

Is an iron door better than a wood door?

Yes, if you’re looking for a door option that’s more secure, energy efficient, and customizable, an iron door is better than a wood door. Plus, iron doors require minimal maintenance compared to wood doors.

Are iron doors more secure than wood doors?

Yes, iron is a more durable material compared to wood. Plus, our doors are certified to meet some of the strictest hurricane wind ratings and Florida building codes. 

Do iron doors scratch easily?

Iron is also naturally resistant to rust, making it more durable in a variety of weather conditions. Occasionally, maintenance issues, of which there are few, with iron doors may include scratches and dents. However, because iron is such a durable metal, these are rare and usually caused by severe impacts.

Learn more about iron doors today.

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Charlotte Design Studio

3034 Griffith St.
Charlotte, NC 28203
704-987-0777

Raleigh Design Studio

1403 Capital Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-747-4565

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