Selecting Beautiful Cape Cod Doors

By Georgia Diaz


The full Cape Cod homes of the past had a central chimney and front door with windows on either side. These small, symmetrical houses were sturdy and beautiful in their simplicity. They were almost always single-storied with small eaves and gable end overhangs. This architectural style experienced a revival in the 1950s when thousands of houses were built. Cape Cod doors that compliment the style of these houses are supplied by a number of companies today.

These houses have a long history, with roots in the cottages common to medieval England. They were first built by settlers from England who used timber framing and shingles to replace the stone walls and thatched roofs they remembered. The earliest homes included just two or three rooms arranged around a central chimney for heat.

Traditional entrances to these homes were often simple, usually with single doors and without a porch or decorative embellishments. Today there are various interpretations, and modern day style often mingles with other styles. Many newer houses include a covered porch and other decorative elements. These are generally restrained but may include pilasters surrounding the front door or sidelights on either side of paneled doors.

The entry door of a house has to not only be functional, separating the outside world from the comfort of the home, but it also has to give the right first impression. Visitors to a house see the exterior before they see anything else. A tasteful front door design is not only welcoming but increases the value of the property.

Hard woods like Brazilian Oak and Mahogany are frequently used for entrance doors. Some people choose to stain or distress the wood. A garage door also needs careful consideration as one that is obviously made from steel would detract from the style.

One can choose from many different styles for an exterior door. There are both double and single doors, some with sidelights on either side and most of which have panels. There are those which are round on top with a transom surrounding the whole door or those with a half-round transom.

The type of interior door used with this style is frequently painted white as this draws attention to the hardwood flooring, another traditional feature. A farmhouse or traditional style door with panels is a good choice. Knotty alder is one of the woods used and a door may be solid or have a glass panel.

A French patio door goes well with this style and it also offers the benefit of increased ventilation. A variety of materials may be used and there are also many options with regard to the glass. This may be insulated, double glazed, beveled or tempered.

Cape Cod doors are manufactured by a number of companies due to the popularity of the style. Several of these companies have online websites making it easy to compare styles and prices. If you decide to buy online, make sure to read terms and conditions and to select a company with a proven track record. Reading online reviews is helpful to determine reliability.




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