A New Douglas Fir Front Door

January 11, 2009 at 3:36 pm 13 comments

With outside of the house finally painted it was time to replace front door. I wanted a styled that was a cross between bungalow and craftsman style. This is the door I selected.

I went with douglas fir as it was somewhat less expensive and matched the interior woodwork. I used a walnut stain and satin polyurethane finish. I used an Emtek lockset – it’s looks good but the locking mechanism and latch are sufficient but not great.

Overall I am pleased. I think the door makes a huge difference on the houses curb appeal.

Entry filed under: California Bungalow, Craftsman Bungalow, douglas fir door.

bungalow colors – exterior Adding a Covered Deck

13 Comments Add your own

1. Matt | May 31, 2009 at 10:02 pm

Hey – just wanted you to know I enjoyed looking through your blog. Lot of great ideas as we are embarking on a similar journey. Thanks.
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- 2. james | October 4, 2009 at 7:28 am
  
  I have the same door in a way, what color stain exactly did you go with? It looks GREAT! any other tips for staining it?
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3. Kimberley Bauman | October 11, 2009 at 10:03 pm

Hi,

I was looking for a front door and I came across your post. Your door is beautiful. Where did you get it? Is there a particular company?

Thank you,
Kimberley
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- 4. joseph deck | May 24, 2011 at 4:55 pm
  
  you can find this door here http://www.tmcobbco.com/entry_craftsman.html
  
  It’s the Gamble door and i had the shelf added.
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5. Melissa | November 22, 2009 at 11:34 am

I LOVE your front door! Would you mind sharing who made it or what company it’s from?

Thanks,
Melissa
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6. Natalie | June 23, 2010 at 6:23 am

we’re on the hunt for a door like this where did you get it?? 🙂
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- 7. joseph deck | May 24, 2011 at 4:52 pm
  
  you can find this door here http://www.tmcobbco.com/entry_craftsman.html
  
  It’s the Gamble door and i had the shelf added.
  Reply
8. alison | April 25, 2011 at 12:28 pm

I was wondering where you got your front door and what color you used for your exterior paint?
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9. Jason Tornquist | August 18, 2011 at 8:49 pm

Hi, I’m about to stain a fir door and love the color you ended up with. You mentioned that it’s a walnut stain – do you happen to remember the brand? Thanks!
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10. julie | October 14, 2011 at 12:25 pm

Did you do anything specific to prep your fir door before you applied the stain? I have a similar style door that I have ordered and it too is fir. The stain samples I’ve tried all look very stripey. Would love any tips you would be willing to share . . .

Wood conditioner? Lots of sanding? Both?
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- 11. joseph deck | January 2, 2013 at 1:23 pm
  
  The door was new — so very little prep as needed. (If you’re refinishing an old door it’s a bit trickier. You need to make sure all the old sealers are out of the grain before applying the new finish. I wipe paint thinner on wood I am refurbishing before I apply the stain to give me an idea as to how evenly the stain will take)
  
  Before I finish i usually sand with 220 and 320 grit sandpaper to remove minor imperfections. I know they recommend using wood conditioners on douglas fir but I don’t like what it does to the finish. I just apply directly. I control color and evenness with amount of stain I apply and how long i let it sit before wiping. Also, I never wipe the stain dry when removing excess stain.
  
  Finally the most important tip — I do all my staining, and varnishing with the door resting horizontally on saw horses. This allows you to apply your finishes without worrying about drips. I think it makes a huge difference particularly when you start applying your polyurethane.
  
  Hope this helps
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12. Bill | March 26, 2012 at 6:16 pm

Can you tell me the brand and name of walnut stain?
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- 13. joseph deck | April 2, 2012 at 8:43 am
  
  I mixed my own stain. i used General Finishes American Walnet stain which I combined with Trans Tint red mahogany dye.
  Reply