At Schaaf Window, we love a 6 panel door. It’s an element that many of our clients also love putting in their homes. This timeless, classic door design can work with so many different aesthetics. Plus, it offers straightforward installation and easy maintenance.
A classic 6 panel door features a 6-panel layout offering symmetrical design and architectural depth. The structural strength of this design means your door is going to be sturdy and secure for a lifetime to come. In fact, 6 panel doors are so versatile that they are popular picks for both interior and exterior doors.
Schaaf Window is the trusted Illinois provider for homeowners looking to refresh their interior or exterior doors with this classic design. We can’t wait to show you the different options available for 6 panel door styles. Explore our door style guide to find 6-panel and other beautiful door designs that fit your home’s personality.
What Is a 6-Panel Door?
We’ve all seen the timeless 6-panel door. You may have even had them in the home you grew up in or the one you live in now. Let’s break down what’s behind the style we have all admired in homes we love.
Understanding the Design
A 6-panel door has two vertical panels at the top, two in the middle, and two at the bottom. This magic formula creates perfect visual balance while giving a door sturdiness.
A classic 6 panel door features a 6-panel layout offering symmetrical design and architectural depth. The structural strength of this design means your door is going to be sturdy and secure for a lifetime to come. In fact, 6 panel doors are so versatile that they are popular picks for both interior and exterior doors.
These doors that are in so many new-construction homes today actually date back to 18th-century Europe. They were prized for their ability to allow wood to contract and expand naturally without splitting from tension over time. The 6-panel door eventually became a staple of American architecture.
Why Homeowners Love This Classic Look
Beautiful wooden 6-panel doors are synonymous with classic Colonial American architecture. However, different finishes and design tweaks over the years have helped this design become popular in everything from contemporary homes to charming farmhouses. Classic door designs like the 6-panel can be dressed up or down using different handles and hardware. With an option like antique brass, a door that just came off the assembly line can look like an heirloom.
Types of 6-Panel Doors for Your Home
Schaaf Window carries a variety of 6-panel door styles from trusted American door manufacturers. When you browse our showroom collection, we’ll be able to introduce you to the following options.
Interior 6-Panel Doors
Here’s why many homeowners choose interior 6-panel doors :
- Interior 6-panel doors are great for bedrooms, bathrooms, and pantries when creating a uniform look in a hallway.
- Lightweight construction keeps doors “lighter” to prevent slamming or finger injuries.
- They come with many ready-paint options for a custom look.
- You can also choose smooth or woodgrain finishes.
Exterior 6-Panel Doors
For a classic front door, homeowners are won over by exterior 6-panel doors for the following reasons:
Solid-core and insulated versions bring security.
Skipping glass features can help prevent heating/cooling loss.
Options like fiberglass, steel, and wood are available for energy savings and security.
Custom and Decorative Variations
When homeowners want to add their own flair to this classic look, they choose variations of panel door styles that include:
- Glass inserts
- Decorative molding
- Panel relief patterns
Materials and Finishes for 6-Panel Doors
Did you know that panel door styles come in a variety of weights? You can choose different materials based on how heavy or lightweight you’d like your door to be. When you work with Schaaf Window to select the perfect door, we’ll help you take into account things like safety and maintenance when making your selection. Here’s a glance at what’s available.
Wood
Wood is often used for interior 6 panel doors when you’re creating a Colonial American or farmhouse look. This is a timeless and warm look that can be customized using wood stains or paints.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a popular choice for exterior 6 panel doors in Illinois. A durable, energy-efficient option, fiberglass offers security. It also has great insulating properties that prevent air leakage from your home during heating and cooling seasons.
Plus, fiberglass comes in many different styles and colors to fit your home’s aesthetic.
Steel
Steel is the top choice when you want a secure entry door. Steel 6-panel doors also offer a low-maintenance way to enjoy a stunning door because you generally don’t need to sand or seal your door if it has a factory coating. In addition, steel can offer a wood-like look without any worries about rotting or cracking.
Painted or Stained Finishes
At Schaaf Window, we don’t consider a new door installation complete until you’ve had the chance to ask us about how to coordinate your new door with the rest of your home’s interior or interior. We offer molding and millwork services that allow you to match your new door with trim, walls, and exterior features. For example, a new front door that is stained with an antique wood finish can look great with a new shiplap wall made from wide boards installed horizontally for a rustic or cottage-inspired look. We can also help with trim around your front door’s exterior to make your new door really pop.
Benefits of 6-Panel Doors
If you’re someone who wants a door you can love for a lifetime without worrying that you’ve jumped on a trend, a 6-panel door may be for you. Here are the most common reasons why so many homeowners come to us looking to have this style installed:
- The classic symmetry of the 6-panel design creates uniformity and enhances any home style. The timeless appeal adds value to your home.
- The durable 6-panel structure resists warping and cracking for doors that last decades
- 6-panel doors are generally easy to clean and refinish. Choosing a smooth finish allows you to simply wipe them clean.
- Depending on the material you choose, 6-panel doors come in all price ranges.
- Homeowners can also choose from multiple materials based on their security needs.
How to Choose the Right 6-Panel Door
Picking out your new 6-panel door can be an exciting experience because you’re investing in the timelessness of your home. Here are some tips you can use to narrow down the door choices that are right for your home.
Match Door Style to Home Architecture
It’s best to stick with a 6-panel door that aligns with your home’s current design theme. This can be done with things like material, finish, and hardware. Luckily, there are 6-panel door styles that fit perfectly with American Colonial, Craftsman, farmhouse, contemporary, and more. Don’t forget to also select trim and other details based on your home’s style.
It’s best to stick with a 6-panel door that aligns with your home’s current design theme. This can be done with things like material, finish, and hardware. Luckily, there are 6-panel door styles that fit perfectly with American Colonial, Craftsman, farmhouse, contemporary, and more. Don’t forget to also select trim and other details based on your home’s style.
Select the Right Material and Finish
At this stage, you’re weighing things like durability and energy efficiency against cost. For exterior doors, wood is generally the most expensive option because this is considered an architectural-grade door. Wood is a great choice for insulation and decreasing road noise. However, it will need refinishing and extra care to prevent warping and rot.
Next, fiberglass is generally in the middle for installation costs. Fiberglass offers durability, energy efficiency, and easy maintenance. Steel is overall the most cost-effective 6-panel exterior door type. Steel works if you want extra security and resistance against fire and rot.
For interior doors, 6-panel doors can be selected in wood or composite. Wood is considered a more high-end option. However, plenty of homeowners enjoy lightweight composite doors when they have concerns about kids or pets being injured by slamming doors.
Consider Hardware and Trim
Your door project isn’t done until all the hardware is chosen. Depending on the theme you’re trying to follow, you may want hardware in antique brass, chrome, rubbed-oil bronze, or another finish of your choosing. Items to select include hinges, knobs, and moulding. Our Door Style Guide for interior doors can help you see how full looks can come together.
Installation and Replacement Considerations
While 6-panel doors generally have straightforward installation requirements, it’s important to make sure a door is securely installed for safety and insulation purposes. A door that is incorrectly placed could be loose on its hinges. This can create safety hazards at your home. Plus, any gaps can cause drafts that send heated and cooled air straight out the door.
Professional vs. DIY Installation
Professional door installation is always a winning bet because it can help you to preserve your door’s manufacturer warranty. You will also be assured that your door is secure. With entry doors or wooden interior doors easily weighing over 100 pounds, the last thing you want is for a door to come crashing down over an unsuspecting guest or family member.
When you call Schaaf Window to install your new 6-panel door, we’ll ensure you’re selecting the right hardware for your door’s weight and dimensions. We’ll also professionally fit your door for smooth operation and alignment.
Schaaf Window Expertise
Schaaf Window has installed 6-panel doors in Illinois for more than 65 years. We’re excited to bring the timeless beauty and value of this design to your home. From exterior doors to interior doors, we know all there is no know about this project from the moment we get your frame in place until the knob has been gingerly placed on as the final touch. Schedule a free consultation today to bring the elegance of 6-panel doors to your home.
FAQs
What materials do 6 panel doors come in?
These doors are available in wood, steel, fiberglass, and composite.
Is a 6-panel door easy to install yourself?
This can depend on whether you select a prehung or slab door. In general, a prehung door can be installed with DIY in a few hours. However, slab doors require carpentry knowledge because you’ll need to chisel and drill to make space for the door.
Can you use 6-panel doors for a farmhouse look?
Yes, six-panel doors can be used for farmhouse looks. In general, you’ll want to choose either a wood finish or clean white paint. Black or oil-rubbed bronze hardware can complete the look.
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