LIVING WITH HISTORY
What to Know Before Buying an Antique Door
An antique door brings something to a home that a new door simply cannot: history, craftsmanship, texture, and a sense that the house has a story to tell. No two are quite alike. That individuality is exactly what makes them special - and it also means installing an old door is a little different from ordering a new, factory-made one.
We want you to love the finished result, so here are a few things to know before bringing one of our doors into your home.
1. Start With Your Opening
The best approach is to select the antique door that most closely matches the opening you have. Accurate measurements are important. Antiquities Warehouse does not resize or otherwise modify antique doors, so any subtle adjustments needed to make the door fit will be handled by your installation carpenter.
2. A Good Carpenter Makes All the Difference
Old doors were made for old buildings - often by hand, and rarely to today's standardized dimensions. Your carpenter or contractor should be comfortable working with antique or custom doors and prepared to make the small adjustments necessary to jamb, hang, align, and fit the door beautifully in its new home. This can take more time than installing a new pre-hung door, but the result is a truly one-of-a-kind architectural feature.
3. Perfectly Imperfect Is the Point
Our doors are sold as-is and their condition reflects their age. Expect the character that comes with an authentic antique: old holes, worn edges, layers of finish, repairs, small irregularities, or other evidence of a life already lived. These details are not flaws we try to hide - they are part of what gives an antique door its warmth and personality.
4. We Will Help You See What You Are Buying
For remote purchases, we are happy to provide detailed photographs and/or video so you can understand the door's condition before purchasing. We encourage you to review these materials carefully and share them, along with the door dimensions, with your carpenter or contractor.
5. Hardware May Need a New Chapter
Many antique doors are sold without hardware, or with original or existing hardware that may no longer function. Plan for your carpenter or contractor to address hinges, latches, locks, handles, or other hardware as needed. New hardware can be selected to complement the age and character of the door while allowing it to function beautifully in your home.
6. Local Jambing Is Available Upon Request
For local buyers, Antiquities Warehouse can provide separate pricing to have a door jambed before installation. When we jamb a door, we include black temporary hinges. Your installer can keep them or replace them with more decorative hinges that better suit the home and final hardware package.
7. Interior vs. Exterior Use
All of our antique doors are suitable for interior applications. Some may also be appropriate for exterior use, depending on the specific door, its condition, the exposure, and the installation details. Exterior suitability should be reviewed with your contractor or carpenter before purchase and installation.
8. We Are Happy to Help - Your Carpenter Has the Final Say
Our team will use its best judgment to help you understand whether a particular door appears to be a good candidate for your opening. Because every home, opening, jamb, and installation condition is different, your carpenter or contractor should ultimately confirm dimensions, fit, hardware needs, and suitability before you purchase.
THE SHORT VERSION
Choose as close a size as possible. Have a skilled carpenter involved. Expect some fitting and adjustment. Embrace the age and character.
An antique door may require a little more time and craftsmanship to install, but that extra effort is what allows a piece with decades - sometimes centuries - of history to become part of your home's next chapter.
Questions about a specific door? Send us your opening dimensions and we will gladly help you identify doors that may be a good fit. We recommend involving your carpenter or contractor early so everyone can feel confident about the path from our warehouse to your home.