Traditional Doors

Great River Door Co. has been crafting exceptional doors for over 20 years, combining the artistic vision of Brent Manley, a designer and carver, with the extensive door-building experience of Mark Erickson. As a small company, we pride ourselves on our close collaboration with customers to bring their unique door ideas to life. Our approach may be casual, but our commitment to quality is anything but.

Traditional Custom-Made Wood Doors

Our traditional doors are a testament to our craftsmanship and dedication to detail, echoing the same high standards as our renowned carved doors, but without the carved elements. Instead, they are adorned with custom hand-forged straps, grills, or clavos, creating an authentic “old world” or SouthWest look. These decorative details are crafted by local artisans, ensuring each door is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Every door is constructed from the highest quality woods, built a substantial 2 1/4″ thick for durability and stability. The use of mortise and tenon joinery, the strongest joint in door construction, along with an engineered core assembly, ensures each door can withstand the rigors of time and weather. Our doors are not just about robust construction; they are about aesthetics as well. Each piece of wood is carefully selected for its quality and visual appeal, ensuring your door is not only strong but also beautiful.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Fully finished door units delivered ready to install — including single doors with jambs, double doors, and combinations with sidelites and transoms.
  • Custom-sized pre-hung jambs tailored to your exact needs for a seamless fit.
  • Unique finishing process developed over decades, designed both to showcase the natural beauty of the wood and to protect against harsh weather.
  • Collaborative process with customers to select the perfect stain color, ensuring the door complements your existing color palette.

Traditional Wood Doors: Frequently Asked Questions

What defines a “traditional” wood door?
A traditional wood door typically features classic design elements such as raised panels, symmetrical proportions, and timeless style cues that complement a wide range of architectural aesthetics from colonial to craftsman homes.
Can I customize the panel layout or design of a traditional door?
Yes! Our traditional doors are fully customizable — you can choose panel layouts, stile and rail proportions, wood species, and finish to match your home’s character and design preferences.
Are your traditional doors suitable for exterior entryways?
Yes — when paired with the appropriate finish and hardware, our traditional doors are built to stand up to exterior exposure and seasonal changes while maintaining beauty and performance.
What wood species are recommended for traditional door styles?
Popular choices for traditional doors include alder, fir, and cedar, each offering distinct grain patterns and color tones. We can recommend the best species based on your design and performance goals.
How do you ensure the quality of a traditional wood door?
Each door is handcrafted using time-tested joinery, premium materials, and finishing processes designed to enhance stability and durability — ensuring every traditional door we build performs as beautifully as it looks.

Contact Us

To experience the perfect blend of tradition and craftsmanship, contact Great River Door Co. We are dedicated to creating a door that not only meets your functional needs but also reflects your personal style.