Historic homes deserve doors that honor their original charm while standing up to today’s standards. The right door doesn’t just complete the look, it plays a key role in energy efficiency, security, and everyday use. Choosing the best doors for historic homes means finding that perfect balance between timeless style and modern performance.
We’ve worked on many registered historic homes, and we understand how important it is to maintain their authenticity without compromising comfort. In this blog, we’ll share how we approach door replacements for historic properties and the custom solutions we offer that respect their original design.
Why Most Historic Homes Originally Had Wood Doors
Wood Was the Material of Choice
Older homes, especially those officially registered or recognized by historical societies, were almost always built with wood doors. It made sense back then. Wood was readily available, looked beautiful, and could be crafted into just about any shape or design.
Today, however, very few companies still make solid wood doors. That’s because wood, while classic, can be incredibly impractical. It’s prone to warping, cracking, and rotting with exposure to the elements. It also requires frequent maintenance to keep up appearances.
The Modern Solution: Fiberglass Doors That Look Like Wood
Why Fiberglass is a Game-Changer
When we work on doors for historic homes, we often recommend fiberglass as the go-to material. Here’s why:
- Realistic Appearance: Fiberglass doors can look exactly like wood. We’ve seen many that are so convincing that even we have to go up and tap the surface to tell if it’s real or not.
- Low Maintenance: Fiberglass resists moisture, insects, and harsh weather better than natural wood.
- Long-Term Durability: These doors hold up well over time, staying strong and efficient without the constant upkeep.
We know that trying to make a metal door look like a wood door doesn’t really work. People can usually tell when a steel door has just been painted to look like wood. But fiberglass nails the look while adding modern strength and reliability.
Custom Built Without Compromising the Home
We Build Within Reason
We don’t believe in cutting corners—and we don’t believe in altering a home’s structure to make a new door fit. When we install doors for historic homes, we custom build within reason, using the original dimensions and preserving the architectural integrity of the space.
Even if your home isn’t on a historical register, we use the same level of care and attention. Every home deserves a solution that fits naturally, performs efficiently, and looks beautiful.
Features That Blend Style and Technology
Bringing Old-World Charm Into the Modern Age
Just because your home has historic character doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy modern door features. Here are some of the upgrades we offer:
- Smartphone-Operated Locks: You can lock and unlock your door remotely from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a signal. This is perfect if you need to let someone in while you’re away.
- Keypads: Handy for homeowners who don’t want to carry keys. Just enter your code and go.
- Multi-Point Lock System: Our doors can be equipped with a three-point lock that secures the door at the top, middle, and bottom. This is especially important for:
- French Doors: Where both doors open and need to be secured together.
- Over-Height Doors: These are more prone to deflection, so multiple locking points help maintain alignment and improve security.
We actually require the three-point locking system on double door setups or extra-tall doors to ensure they stay sealed and secure.
Our Philosophy on Doors for All Homes
While only a small percentage of the homes we work on are technically listed as historic, we apply the same thoughtful approach to all of them. Every installation we do is focused on:
- Minimizing disruption
- Preserving the home’s character
- Delivering custom solutions
- Creating attractive and efficient entry points
Our team takes pride in delivering a product that not only looks stunning but also performs flawlessly for years to come.
In Summary
Historic homes deserve doors that preserve their original charm while offering modern performance. That’s why we custom-build fiberglass entry doors that match the style of your home and hold up to today’s standards. With added security features like keypads and smartphone locks, you get the best of both worlds—timeless design and modern convenience. Whether your home is officially on the historic register or simply has historic character, we treat it with the care and attention it deserves.
Contact us today to learn how Thermal King can help with your doors for historic homes.
