Classical Doors encompass a wide range of design variations, constructed with the familiar frame-and-panel method.

Historic Doors specializes in fine classical doors for homes and public buildings. Our work with home owners, architects and restoration contractors has included projects representing all styles and periods.

Whether you are a newcomer unsure of what style door to build, or an experienced restoration architect with detailed specifications, we have the resources to collaborate with you to satisfy both historic and aesthetic interests.

Historical Note
In the early 1700’s, the use of “frame-and-panel” doors replaced the plank-style doors used by the first American settlers (see Rustic Doors). The new construction style, which continues in use today, was both more sophisticated and more effective. Most important, it helped resolve the problem of seasonal expansion and contraction of wood. In frame-and-panel doors, two vertical ‘stiles’ ran the length of the door on either side, connected by horizontal ‘rails’. This frame was then filled in by ‘floating’ panels that fitted into grooves cut into the stiles and rails. The overall effect was a door that minimized the tendency to swell and shrink, thus remaining more air-tight.

Classical door styles (and their primary period of use in North America) include:

Georgian (ca. 1700–1780)
The first dominant architectural style in Colonial America, based on designs developed by the royal architects of King George I.

Federal (ca. 1790–1820)
A Post-Revolutionary style that introduced more elaborate decoration and widespread use of the fanlight above the door.

Classical Revival (ca. 1790–1825)
Similar in design to Federal period doors, but constructed with the use of early woodworking machinery, which allowed for more variety in mouldings.

Greek Revival (ca. 1825–1860)
The first major shift in style from the Federal period, often with larger vertical panels and more elaborate moldings.