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Advice Center

Expert guidance on choosing, specifying, and installing European interior and exterior doors for residential and commercial projects.

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Buying Guide

Choosing the Right Door

Interior Doors

Interior vs. Exterior: What’s the Difference?

Interior doors are designed for indoor use — lighter construction, no weatherproofing required. Exterior doors must seal against weather, noise, and security concerns and are built with different core materials and thresholds. Never install an interior door in an exterior opening.

Style Selection

Flush, Panel, or Glass: Which Style Fits Your Space?

Flush doors offer a clean, modern look and suit minimalist interiors. Panel doors add dimension and suit transitional or traditional settings. Glass inserts — frosted, opaque, or clear — bring in natural light and work well in hallways, offices, and open-plan homes.

Core Construction

Solid Core vs. Hollow Core: Acoustic and Structural Differences

Solid core doors significantly outperform hollow core for sound attenuation and feel substantially heavier and more substantial. For bedrooms, offices, or any space where privacy matters, solid core is the right choice. Our European doors are solid core as standard.

Lead Times

In-Stock vs. Custom Order: Planning Your Timeline

In-stock doors ship within 1–2 weeks from our US warehouse. Custom orders — non-standard sizes, special finishes, or custom hardware sets — typically require 8–14 weeks. Plan your rough opening and framing schedule accordingly, and confirm availability before finalizing timelines.

Sizing & Measurement

Standard Dimensions & Rough Openings

01 Measure the rough opening

The rough opening should be 2″ wider and 2″ taller than the door slab to allow for the frame, shims, and clearance.

02 Standard US door heights

Most residential doors are 80″ (6′8″). Modern homes and commercial spaces increasingly use 84″ or 96″ doors for a taller, more architectural look.

03 Standard widths by room

Entry doors: 36″. Bedroom doors: 28″–32″. Bathroom doors: 24″–28″. Closet doors: 24″. ADA compliance requires a minimum 32″ clear opening.

04 Door thickness

Standard interior door thickness is 1⅜″. Exterior doors and solid core interior doors are typically 1¾″. Our European line offers 1¾″ and 2¼″ options.

Installation

Installation Tips

Pre-Hung Doors

Installing a Pre-Hung Door Unit

Pre-hung doors arrive with the slab already hinged in the frame. Set the unit in the rough opening, check for plumb and level, shim at hinge and latch locations, then fasten through the frame into the king studs. Adjust shims until the reveal around the slab is even before final fastening.

Slab Replacement

Replacing a Door Slab in an Existing Frame

Slab replacement is only viable when the existing frame is square, plumb, and in good condition. Transfer hinge and latch locations from the old slab to the new one, or use a door boring jig. If the frame shows signs of rot, water damage, or racking, replace the full pre-hung unit instead.

Finishes & Colors

Finish Options Explained

Lacquer Finish

Factory-Applied Lacquer: Durability and Touch-Up

Our lacquered doors arrive factory-finished and require no on-site painting. The finish is UV-cured and highly durable. Minor touch-ups can be performed with color-matched lacquer pens available from our team. Avoid abrasive cleaners — a damp cloth is all that’s needed for routine maintenance.

Wood Veneer

Wood Veneer Finishes: Natural Warmth, Modern Precision

Veneer doors feature a real wood face applied over a solid or engineered core. Grain direction, species, and the application method (flat-sliced, quarter-sawn) all affect the final appearance. Veneer doors can be stained on-site, but we recommend sealing with a clear coat to preserve uniformity.

Hardware

Door Hardware Guide

01 Handle sets & levers

Choose handle height, rose diameter, and backset to match your door thickness and latch bore. Standard backset is 2⅜″ or 2¾″.

02 Hinge selection

Match hinge size and count to door weight. Solid core doors over 150 lb typically require three heavy-duty hinges. Use concealed hinges for a clean European look.

03 Soft-close & magnetic catches

Soft-close mechanisms slow the door in the final degrees of travel, preventing slamming. Magnetic catches keep doors held open without floor stops.

04 Finish coordination

Match hardware finish to other fixtures in the space — brushed nickel, matte black, and satin brass are the most popular. Mixing finishes intentionally can work; mixing accidentally rarely does.

FAQ

Common Questions

Still have questions? Our team is available by phone and email to walk you through any project, large or small.

Contact Us
Do you offer pre-hung door units or slabs only?

We offer both. Pre-hung units include the slab, frame, hinges, and threshold pre-assembled. Slabs are available for replacement into existing frames. Most customers order pre-hung for new construction or full renovations.

What is the lead time for in-stock doors?

In-stock doors typically ship within 1–2 business weeks from our US warehouse. Custom or non-standard configurations require 8–14 weeks depending on the manufacturer and finish.

Can I order a non-standard size?

Yes. We offer custom sizing for most of our door lines. Provide your exact rough opening dimensions and we’ll confirm what’s available and the associated lead time.

Do you ship nationwide?

Yes, we ship to all 48 contiguous states via freight carrier. Doors are palletized and crated for safe transit. We can also arrange white-glove delivery in select metro areas — contact us for details.

Do you work with contractors and interior designers?

Absolutely. We actively support trade professionals with specification assistance, project pricing, and sample programs. Contact us to set up a trade account.

Can I see the doors in person before ordering?

Yes. Visit our Staten Island showroom at 2655 Richmond Ave. Our team can walk you through finish samples, hardware options, and full-size door displays. Showroom hours: Mon–Fri 11am–7pm, Sat 12pm–8pm, Sun 12pm–6pm.

Get Started

Ready to Start Your Project?

Our team is here to help with product selection, sizing, and specification — at no charge.

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