1. Introduction
Dutch doors have an old world charm that few exterior doors can match. This style of door is believed to have originated in the seventeenth century in the Netherlands—both Northern Europe and New York. They were practical in design, providing air circulation and light to the interior of the home while preventing entry of animals and maintaining a level of security whereby the larger bottom half door could remain shut while the smaller top door was opened. It was always possible for the door to revert to a full door if the situation required it. In early New England, Dutch doors were common where they often gained the additional function of providing a surface to cool baked goods or even to butcher meat. The term “rustic” is said to derive from the Latin word “rusticus” which meant simple, artless and of the countryside. In terms of design, the word rustic can mean many things, sometimes unsophisticated or unschooled but often its meaning is more closely related to a country or rural appearance, a style befitting of a rural cottage with aged materials and natural tones. A “rustic farmhouse” therefore is a country dwelling which has remained true to the design traditions of the past and is a fitting match for the timeless appeal of Dutch doors.
1.1 History of Dutch doors
Dutch doors have been around in some form since the seventeenth century in the Netherlands. These doors were used for various reasons and by many different people. Farmers originally used the Dutch door to keep animals out of the home. Dutch doors offered the opportunity to let in light and fresh air, while keeping the kids safe inside. With the top open, farmers’ wives were able to keep an eye on the children while working in the field or tending to the animals. The door could close the home off from the animals, while still allowing the desired interaction between the two. Dutch doors also provided security from thieves and animals, while still allowing light and air to penetrate. During the early days, wealthier people also used Dutch doors. Sea captains installed them on their ships to keep water and critters out, while allowing in light and ventilation. Wealthy landowners used them as more of a status symbol than anything. Overall, the Dutch door was not limited to use by a specific group of people, and were also common in England and colonial America. This history of varied usage remains a strongpoint for today’s Dutch doors, appealing to people from many different walks of life.
1.2 Definition of rustic farmhouses
Rustic farmhouses are unique, relying less on decorating skills and more on maintenance of the structure itself. The emphasis is on architecture and on taking the old and making it look new. Living in a rustic farmhouse, whether it be renovating your dream home or actually being on a farm, is a unique and simplistically beautiful way of life. Life is relaxed, with an old porch swing to relax and rock on, looking into a beautiful garden of flowers and vegetables. The decor revolves around simplicity and being able to make do. Dutch doors would be a lovely addition to any rustic farmhouse. They are simple, yet highly versatile doors and would fit right into the casual atmosphere of a rustic farmhouse. Duane McKay, a high-end home designer, envisions Dutch doors as a top choice for a country home. He states, “I can see a Dutch door going from the kitchen to the garden where there is a vegetable or flower garden just on the other side. This would be a perfect setup and location for the door…” This just depicts an image of an old farmhouse from the past, and Dutch doors have been around since the 17th century, making them a very common sight on many old structures. Although we live in a modern world, many people still believe in and enjoy the simplistic way of life. A Dutch door and a rustic farmhouse could be a perfect match in the right setting.
2. The Charm of Dutch Doors
The Dutch door has two parts and is styled so that the top half and the bottom half operate independently. The style is reputed to have originated in Holland in the 17th century, and the employment of Dutch doors in Colonial America was more of an adaptation of architectural style brought over by the Dutch immigrants than a consistent element of American Colonial style. Nonetheless, they were very popular in the American Northeast in the 18th century, notably in New York and New Jersey. During the mid-18th and 19th centuries, there was a fashion for modernizing old Dutch Colonial houses with a “Colonial Revival” style. This often involved “updating” the appearance of the house to something more closely resembling other types of American Colonial or neoclassical built at the time by replacing the old door with a new one, but in several instances, the modernization process eventually led to the Dutch door being replaced with what would then be perceived as a more fashionable, yet static door of a newer style. This was a common practice in parts of New England, New York, and New Jersey where old Dutch Colonial buildings were gradually supplanted by newer construction. However, the Dutch door has remained a symbol of oldness in the American psyche due to its association with moderately dated styles of common American Colonial architecture in regions where the Dutch door itself was already beginning to decline in popularity by the late 18th century. A modern domestic Dutch door with the more conventional ‘divided’ look featuring a paned top and a single panel bottom is a reference to an older and more elegant form of the Dutch door style. The Dutch door style is still used in barns today, and there are manufacturers who cater to such contemporary or retro usage. Often, a Dutch door is provided with two separate latches, so that either one of the door halves may be operated independently, and in cases where there is a platform or stair that leads up to the door, it allows the bottom door to be shut and the top door to be open to allow airflow or light, while preventing the entrance of pets or pests. The modern ‘stable door’ and more traditional six-panel door are each evolutions of the original Dutch door and still offer the possibility of opening just the top half or bottom half of the door by latching the halves together or operating the door in two stages.
2.1 Half-door concept
Crest half doors can be built in any standard or custom shape and style, but they are essentially a door with a stationary panel. There are many reasons to consider a half door for a cabin, horse barn or for your home. Often a Dutch door is not a practical solution where there is no landing or stoop. Full size Dutch door needs space in front of it to swing open the top portion of the door. This space may not be available or it is possible that the door may swing open and bang against something due to oversetting. In older homes, it may be difficult to hang a heavy door on an undersized frame. A half door will alleviate this issue. The top portion of the half door can be secured with a standard or cane bolt to convert it into a covered porch door. Finally, half doors can also be used decoratively to change the character of a room or to trend from semi formal to casual space division.
Dutch half doors are variations of the Dutch door. Remember that many Dutch settlers to America were relatively poor and emigrated to escape religious or political persecution. The Dutch door, with the capability of opening the top part and leaving the bottom part closed, had a practical benefit to those with animals.
Several questions about Dutch half doors have been received by us at Crest in the past. “I’m 73 years old and have tried to find out the reason for a ‘Dutch door.’ Since I couldn’t find the answer, I thought you could help me. Also, my grandmother had a half door, and I would like to find one for my home. Where should I look?” Another inquiry was, “We are converting an old cabin that has a door with an opening with the top and bottom. Would you do a program about Dutch doors, specifically how to convert a regular door to a Dutch type?” And finally, “I want to remove our front door and replace it with a Dutch door. We will need to screen the opening during the summer and would like to be able to store the screen during the winter.”
2.2 Versatility in design
This concept of being able to close off the lower portion of the door for safety reasons (keeping animals out) or for personal reasons and still be able to light the room and allow air circulation was extremely practical throughout the initial years of the Dutch door, and is still applicable today which is probably the reason why Dutch doors have remained popular. The split door concept of Dutch doors offers a variety of designs that go as far as your imagination. You can have the doors swing both inwards and outwards, swing to the left or right, and lift up and down. There’s no limit to how your Dutch doors open and with various locking systems available the split door system can be made very secure in today’s world. With the differences in swing and lift designs, the Dutch door is something that can be tailor-made to fit anyone’s needs. Throughout the history of the Dutch door, there’s been a difference in design around the world. More heavy-set European style doors often feature an X brace that goes across the split point of the Dutch door.ainer’s Classic-Craft Canvas collection has large half screens and optional scope arch doors that bring the classic Dutch door colonial appeal to a fiberglass Dutch door. With a variety of design options including glass and divided lites, Dutch doors can be made to match just about any style house from a classic colonial to a builder’s special. Step up your design possibilities with the wide variety of stains and paints that Dutch doors are available in today.
2.3 Enhancing natural light
The Dutch door can enhance the amount of natural light entering the home. Natural light can liven a home and has many benefits as well. The option to utilize the half-door concept is the foremost way to increase natural light. By leaving the top portion of the door open, light can flood into a space. If the full door is open, this will eliminate most of the benefits as the sunlight will only shine directly into the room. Many contemporary Dutch doors will come with transparent windowpanes or even screens in the top portion of the door, allowing a view of the outdoors. This is an excellent option as it can serve to keep insects out of the home and it can eliminate the need to be opening and closing the two portions of the door throughout the day. The screens or windowpanes do not take away from the door’s ability to keep children indoors or pests out, but still allow for a great view and increased natural light.
3. Dutch Doors for Farmhouse Aesthetics
Dutch doors are essentially two doors in one, allowing the doors to be opened independently. These doors were traditionally used to keep chickens, pigs, and cows out of the home while allowing light and fresh air to ventilate the home. The top door could be left open while the bottom door remained closed, keeping the animals out while kids would play, or allowing a clear view and added ventilation while keeping small children from falling out of the door. This unique feature of the Dutch door can be especially useful to homeowners with pets or small children looking for a way to contain their smaller loved ones while still allowing a view, or for those wanting ventilation without allowing entry.
The resilient charm of the Dutch door has made it a classic. With its remarkable functionality, inherent aesthetic, and its subtle air of invitation, it has defined its reputation strongly through the centuries. While it can be found throughout the world in various types of architecture, the Dutch door seems to be an especially appropriate feature in the type of rustic farmhouse. In particular, the American styled Dutch door and the New England styled Dutch door seem to have a natural and characteristic harmony with the colonial and cape farmhouse styles.
3.1 Traditional farmhouse elements
The traditional Dutch door is associated with rural farmhouses. It was a common addition to homes in the era, often in an effort to keep poultry from the main portion of the home, while still allowing light and air to filter through. In terms of aesthetics, the Dutch door can add a slice of authenticity to a Colonial or Cape style home. It is an easy addition that can be made by replacing an existing exterior door with a Dutch door. This can be done at little expense and will almost certainly add to the visual charm of the home. Installing a Dutch door can also add authentic detailing to a new home. Many new homes are built with Colonial elements but lack the architectural details or longevity that makes a house feel genuine. An authentic Dutch door can be a long-lasting and functional element that adds a sense of history to a new home. A Dutch door can also add visual appeal to other architectural styles. It can be used as a unique element that adds character to a plain or ordinary looking home. Dutch doors can also add a “cottage” feeling to various styles of home. Whether adding to an existing theme or creating a new one, a Dutch door can be an effective statement piece that distinguishes a home and adds visual charm.
3.2 Complementing exterior architecture
Complementing the rustic look of the farmhouse’s exterior with a Dutch door is a natural decision. A Dutch door appears to be two individual doors, one stacked on top of the other. Each door has its own doorknob or handle, which allows them to be opened or closed separately. Since the top door can be open while the bottom door remains closed, a Dutch door provides a method for fresh air to enter the home while keeping pets and small children safely inside. Often purchased in a basic plank style, Dutch doors can also be customized with window and muntin configurations to enhance the traditional look. The size and number of windows can be tailored to the architectural style of the home. Common muntin patterns include six-over-six, eight light, and nine light styles. All windows can be fitted with storm, screen, or insulated glass panels to accommodate seasonal changes in weather. With its unique open and close function and classic appeal, a Dutch door brings timeless style and added functionality to any home. Adapted from material originally developed by Jill Kent, Creative Home Magazine.
3.3 Creating a welcoming entrance
There are various ways to design a welcoming entrance using Dutch doors. First, one should consider the door’s location. A Dutch door that opens right onto the street would be considered less welcoming in North America due to safety concerns or noise from passing traffic. This type of door is more suited to an enclosed garden or patio area. Such a setting is already somewhat private, and the Dutch door will serve to welcome in your guests from the outside area. In this scenario, the open half of the Dutch door serves as an open invitation to enter. A Dutch door leading directly into a kitchen is also quite inviting, as a kitchen has always been a focal point of the home and a place where guests tend to gather.
Farmhouse dwellers have always put great importance into making their guests feel welcome. For some, this might manifest in the form of expansive front porches or well-manicured gardens. One relatively simple way to create a more hospitable environment is with a Dutch door. Dating back to the 17th century Holland, Dutch doors have come to signify a friendly, warm, and inviting home. This is due in part to the fact that Dutch doors are often left open during fair weather; a half door is an effective way to keep children or pets secure while still letting in a cool breeze. This image of a half door flung open is a powerful one that will resonate with guests of all ages. The idea of a Dutch door being welcoming is especially true in North America, a place where this style of door first reached great popularity and can often be found in older homes. This is now being emulated by many modern homes that employ Dutch doors to add character and nostalgic charm.
3.4 Adding character to interiors
Without changing the door itself, a versatile way to add interest is to modify its surroundings. Although round-arched doorways are not common in America, this reader shared a photo of their proposal for adding a gothic styled screen door to their arched doorway. I think this is an interesting idea, and I would only suggest that the doors be of equal height. I am currently working on a project in Miami Beach which involves the restoration of a Mediterranean Revival house built in the 1920s. We are adding Dutch doors to several of the rooms, and I proposed a variation of this idea by adding a Gothic style to the doors and the openings themselves (see photos), using a pointed arch that we traditionally think of as a Gothic architectural element. While not a typical feature of Dutch doors, it does create a rhythm through the house and unifies the architecture that would otherwise be lacking were we to add the doors without any further modification to the existing square openings.
4. Practical Benefits of Dutch Doors
“Dutch door” can be a confusing term. The door referred to in this book is one that is divided horizontally so that either portion can be opened and closed independently of the other. Though this is the traditional form of Dutch door Miller discusses, he also details in his chapter “Buying, Building, and Finding Them” a newer design of Dutch door common in America today. This version has a single operating door and a stationary door that is generally louvered. Though a departure from the original, this type is quite practical and serves many purposes outlined in the book.
“Timeless Appeal: Dutch Doors for Rustic Farmhouses” explores the relevance of Dutch doors, both historically and in contemporary situations. Through his research, author Adam Miller discovered that the initial purpose of the Dutch door was likely to bring light and ventilation into a house while keeping animals out and children in. With time, Dutch doors also became a status symbol in Dutch and English-speaking cultures, commonly used in the homes of prosperous farmers and colonial families. Dutch doors have persisted in American culture to the present day and can be seen in many homes, new and old, on the East Coast and throughout the U.S.
4.1 Improved ventilation
In the summer, farmhouses with Dutch doors can enjoy the cool breezes that blow through open top halves and keep animals with the bottom portions. In winter, the top half of the door can stay closed to keep out inclement weather, while owners can still converse with visitors outside. The dual movable sections also allow for effective transfer of large items in and out of the house, particularly with the door’s non-racking design and wide openings. Much like the overall aesthetic appeal of Dutch doors, the ventilation benefits are well-suited for rural and semi-rural farmhouses. Owners and visitors at rural residences often enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening, caring for animals, or hiking. It is quite common in these instances to be able to carry on conversations with people both inside and outside of the house. Dutch doors also allow parents to keep an eye on children playing in the yard while maintaining an open line of communication with them, important considerations given our society’s increased concerns for child safety.
4.2 Pet and child-friendly features
The virtues of Dutch doors in farmhouses can hardly be said to be vices, but pragmatic advantages are certain. For those homeowners keeping active pets, or caring for small children, Dutch doors may prove to be the best home improvement addition. As many pet owners are aware, dogs and cats often need to be confined to the kitchen or other accessible room if they are to spend the day indoors. Most pet owners are also aware of the unfortunate consequences of locking the devoted animal in a room with a closed door. The result is usually a ruined door and a despondent pet. Chewed and scratched door damage is no small problem to correct, and definitely detracts from the beauty of the home interior. Pet separation coordination takes on an entirely new dimension with Nostalgic Warehouse Dutch doors. Simply closing the bottom portion of the door allows visual and physical separation while still allowing constant access and reassurance for the pet. An added supplement for pet separation can be a Dutch gate. Built to fit and can be installed in the doorframe to match the door, a Dutch gate allows the bottom portion of the Dutch door to remain closed while still enabling the door to be open. Installing a Dutch gate is an excellent method for keeping small children in a specific area, and continues to serve a purpose after children have grown when the same gate is used to keep pets in specific areas.
4.3 Security and privacy considerations
In many households, security and privacy are essential factors, and incorporating Dutch doors does not have to mean compromising on either. The option of unbolted the top portion door while leaving the below door secured is a feature unique to Dutch doors. It is ideal for allowing a flow of communication with a visitor you may or may not wish to invite in. Full lites will provide an uninterrupted view outdoors, however, it is possible to add heavy drapes or curtains for times when there is a desire to block the view. In terms of security, the full range of multipoint locks, which secure the door at several points, are available for Dutch doors built for residential applications. Multi-point locks are available for Andersen Frenchwood Hinged and Outswing patio doors and Andersen residential entry doors. These locks provide an increased level of security and are available with a variety of trim styles, finishes, and handle operation options to match other door hardware. Solid wood construction is also the standard for Dutch doors, and they are available with fully enclosed steel in their core for additional strength and security. With the variety of available options in hardware and the solid construction inherent to Dutch doors, they can be built to provide security to rival virtually any other style of door.
5. Materials and Finishes for Dutch Doors
Man-made materials often used as wood substitutes can include metal-clad doors and vinyl doors. A metal-clad door is usually constructed from an insulating core such as foam and wrapped in sheet metal, usually steel. The advantages of this type of door are low maintenance and high durability. They can be painted to match the house trim, and their only real drawback is the possible denting of the metal skin. Vinyl doors are an inexpensive and easy-to-maintain choice for an exterior door. Unfortunately, vinyl doors often do not have the strength and rigidity to hold up to continued use.
Solid wood doors have been traditionally constructed from one type of wood. If painting the doors is desired, a tight-grained softwood such as clear pine is a good choice. If you are looking for an attractive natural wood look, a hardwood such as mahogany or oak will provide years of beauty. There are many other woods to choose from with varying degrees of cost and maintenance, depending on how the wood is finished. All wood doors require a higher level of maintenance than doors constructed from man-made materials, but with proper maintenance, many years of beauty can be achieved.
An array of materials and finishes can be used to create functional and attractive Dutch doors. The following sections outline some options to consider for your home. Remember that if you are matching an existing home decor, it is sometimes best to take a sample of the door to be matched when shopping for doors.
5.1 Solid wood options
This section analyzed the characteristics of wood as a material for the construction of Dutch doors, acknowledging both its faults and its advantages. Wood has been used traditionally for centuries in the creation of Dutch doors and its solidity and reliability have assured its continued use to the present day. The fact that wood is a relatively cheap and plentiful resource compared to its synthetic counterparts has kept it as a favorite in both modern and traditional Dutch door construction. Wood’s easy maintenance makes it an ideal material to use, and the ability to stain or paint wood with a multitude of finishes allows for creativity in the design process. However, it is difficult to ignore the fact that wood is an organic material subject to degeneration from both rot and insect attack. Though there are many rot-resistant wood materials available, consumers may in this day and age opt for an alternative material to avoid any future maintenance costs.
5.2 Weather-resistant materials
When testing doors for energy efficiency, consider the door’s resistance to air, heat, and moisture transfer. For an energy efficient door, look for UV-resistant thick polyurethane layer over a wood core, and/or a fiberglass and composite frame. Wood doors will expand, warp and crack over time when exposed to the elements. When overhanging a Dutch door, consider a wood door with aluminum overlay for structure and durability, or even metal or a completely composite door. These materials can be engineered to mimic the look of real wood, and are less likely to be damaged by the exposure to wind, rain and sun. Regardless of the panel material, the stiles and rails should be constructed/engineered with water-shedding designs. Plastics and plastic composites are the most durable weather-resistant materials, however they can be less aesthetically pleasing. This essay will focus on wood species which are naturally weather resistant, and the potential modifications to wood construction for durability and weather resistance.
5.3 Traditional and modern finishes
Modern finishes There are other homeowners building or remodeling today who also require the time and cost-saving benefits of low-maintenance exterior doors using modern or composite materials. For example, fiberglass Dutch doors with glass panels are available in a smooth skin for painting or a wood-grain texture for staining. Fiberglass doors are known for their high performance and are a popular and attractive alternative to MDF, as they do not absorb moisture and swelling. This means they will not stick or jam throughout the various climates over the life of the product. Fiberglass Dutch doors are built using such advanced technology that through graining techniques and finishing additives, they look and feel like real wood doors. Fiberglass or steel door homeowners traditionally use pre-hung entry doors, and this has also been an option for Dutch doors in the past. Steel Dutch doors are available at a lower cost than fiberglass doors, but it should be noted that over time, steel doors can dent and the insulation R-value is significantly less than fiberglass doors. Other materials include metal and exterior-grade plastic doors, however, these are more suitable for stable doors in barns and the like.
Traditional finishes The gentrification of timber has meant that wooden Dutch doors are often supplied in a natural or stained finish. On the newly constructed home, this look can provide the charm and character of older homes in the area. Wood is also a material that is easy to work with for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Painting a Dutch door with “wet” paint enables the door to be left open to dry in between coats (top half first, then bottom half) because the double-hung configuration of Dutch doors means that the bottom section can be closed while the top section is left open.
6. Dutch Doors in Farmhouse Decor
Because many old Dutch doors were repurposed into more modern designs, the first step to adding a Dutch door is often simply finding a door. Habitat for Humanity, garage sales, second-hand building resource stores, and even eBay can be a great place to find doors that will require a bit of simple restoration. For those who aren’t into DIY, finding a carpenter to build a custom door is also an option. This can be a great way to ensure the door will fit perfectly to your doorway, and it can be made with new materials to match already newer doors in the home.
Certainly the most iconic feature of a farmhouse, Dutch doors are a timeless design element. In a life before screen doors, they were functional for keeping children in and animals and pests out. The doors could be secured shut on the top yet remain open on the bottom for air circulation. However, the design’s simple charm is what has kept it a prevalent feature in farmhouse decor today. Whether you own an actual farm and farmhouse or just want to incorporate the style in a newer home, Dutch doors are a simple and inexpensive way to add old-world charm to any room.
6.1 Incorporating rustic elements
Inclement weather was the prime reason to invent the Dutch door. It served to keep poultry from entering the home, to allow light and air in while keeping pets and kids out, and to ensure that the door was tightly shut. It’s ironic that with those utilitarian origins, today Dutch doors are more likely found in upscale suburban homes than in humble homesteads. But it’s not so surprising when one considers the timeless appeal of the Dutch door. The word “timeless” is often overused when describing design elements, but it is certainly fitting in the case of Dutch doors. Now as in the past, there is no more charming an entrance than a Dutch door flung open in welcome. This being the case, Dutch doors do look especially at home when paired with certain styles of architecture or decor. One could argue that the best match for a Dutch door is a house without a defined style; Dutch doors seem quite friendly to eclecticism. Yet there are specific settings in which a Dutch door appears particularly apropos, and chief among those is the rustic farmhouse. Dutch doors “belong” in a rustic farmhouse for many reasons that are hard to define. They seem to have an affinity with simple, sturdy construction. The picturesque views that are a Dutch door’s perennial companion are more likely to be appreciated if one has a pastoral landscape rather than a view of the neighbors’ siding. And Dutch doors somehow look “right” with old metal hardware and hand-forged iron thumb latches; such being the right materials for a Dutch door, and for a rustic farmhouse as well.
6.2 Choosing complementary colors
Neutral colored walls: This is the point where you have the most options. Neutral colors on the walls give you the ability to add a splash of color with the door itself. Depending on the wood used, a darker stain such as cherry or walnut will give an elegant look. Lighter stains such as oak or pine create a more relaxed, simple appearance. White or off white is another common color for Dutch doors that gives off a lighter feel. It can easily be spruced up with just about any color, allowing you to change the decor of the room multiple times and still have a matching door.
Choosing the colors for your Dutch door and its surrounding decor is highly influenced by the overall color scheme of the room. Because color is such an important part of farmhouse decor itself, it is crucial to achieve complementary or contrasting colors in the door itself and the walls. Do not be afraid to experiment with different colors that you wouldn’t normally put together. Here is a general rule of thumb to follow to achieve the look you want:
6.3 Mixing antique and contemporary styles
Mixing the rustic, traditional flair of the Dutch door in modern styles boasts a great challenge in maintaining the flow of the theme of that area in the living space. It has proven to be highly successful in areas such as the kitchen and outdoors. The contrast of styles between the door and contemporary kitchen accessories is often very appealing. The ability to open half of a Dutch door also complements the atmosphere of a kitchen as it adds character and a more welcoming air to the living space. Outdoors, Dutch doors suit areas such as the patio and balcony, with the split level opening being a convenient way of accessing in and out of the house. By strategically placing antique Dutch doors in living spaces complementary to the style of the door, it is quite possible to create a wholesome and natural feel to the atmosphere. An example would be to place a Dutch door with one of its matching frame and sidelights in a New England style home. The simplicity of the Dutch door really opens the possibilities of where it can be placed; however one must always be wary of creating too much contrast as the desired theme can be lost.
7. Installation and Maintenance of Dutch Doors
The first rule of professional Dutch door installation is that the incompatible door design shall not fit any better than when done by oneself. Prefabricated Dutch doors are purchased in prehung units. It is self-evident that the existing door frame must be removed. This will expose the rough lumber frame and will enable the prehung Dutch door unit to be installed. Variations in floor level can cause alignment problems. When this is the case, it is possible to custom fit the Dutch door frame by altering the length of the jamb. Shim the door frame into place so that the same amount of reveal is maintained around all four sides of the door. Installation instructions will generally call for the removal of the shipping spacers that are located between the upper and lower portions of the door. This should not be done. The door should be test swung to check for proper operation. If the door swings and locks properly, the spacers should remain to prevent warping of the door unit.
7.1 Professional installation tips
Installing a Dutch door is a perfect weekend project for a do-it-yourself homeowner. The installation process, if planned correctly, should only take about a half a day to a whole day. Whether the door is a new or replacement installation, the process for obtaining the correct dimensions and properly removing and installing the door will remain the same. First, it is important to carefully measure the dimensions of the new door to ensure the opening is big enough. With a new door, this process is quite simple. Measure the dimensions of the door slab or unit and the dimensions of the door opening. Usually, the rough opening should be a half inch bigger than the door slab unit, which is a quarter inch of space around the whole unit. This allows for proper clearance and ensures that the door swings open freely. If the door is a replacement unit, measure the dimensions of the door slab and the dimensions of the existing door. Often times with older units, the door opening is inadequate by today’s building standards. This inadequate sized opening may require reframing a new opening to better suit the properly sized door unit. After obtaining proper dimensions and making any necessary adjustments, the next step is door removal.
7.2 Regular cleaning and upkeep
Hinges should be checked regularly and any loose screws must be tightened. It is also a good idea to spray some WD40 into the hinge once a year to prevent any corrosion. This will ensure that the door continues to swing smoothly and no damage is caused to the hinge. Failure to perform this simple task can lead to difficulty in opening and closing the door and may result in damage to the hinge. Always store a Dutch door that is not in use in a dry place. If outdoors, use a tarp to keep it dry. In the case of a newly purchased door that is going to be stored for a period of time, it must be fully finished and the finish must be inspected every 6 months until the door is installed. This will ensure that no refinishing will need to be performed and that the door will be at its best possible condition at the time of installation.
Cleaning should include removing any dirt or spider webs from the corners of the door. In the case of an exterior door, washing down the floor where the door is situated. Always ensure that the door is fully opened and/or removed when washing floors as the bottom edge of the door may soak up water and cause the door to warp. This can be avoided once again by toweling the door dry after cleaning and closing any doors when cleaning the floors.
The horizontal panels should be cleaned by using a damp cloth to remove dust and afterward a dry cloth to stop any streaking. Never use soapy water to clean these panels as the residue may drop onto the lower section of the door. This may indirectly damage the door and prevent it from lasting its potential lifespan. The vertical panels can be cleaned for the top half in the regular manner as explained above, and the bottom half can be cleaned by vacuuming up the dirt and then mopping with water. The door must always be toweled dry to stop water spots from forming. If water spots do form, use vinegar and water to remove them. Regular cleaning in this manner will ensure the door stays in good condition and will mean that the door will not have to be fully refinished due to neglect. Failure to maintain the door throughout its life will result in having to refinish it.
Dutch doors are magnificent in appearance and are certainly a specialist in the rustic homesteads. The warmth they add is truly amazing. However, in order to maintain this warmth and beauty, they need to be looked after. Regular cleaning and upkeep should be performed on a Dutch door every two to three days or more, depending on the weather. The more the door is exposed to harsh elements, the more often it should be cleaned. This particularly applies to the exterior side where the horizontal panels and shelves will gather more dust and dirt particles.
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