Project Spotlight: The Heritage Restoration

Quarter Sawn White Oak Entry with Toffee Finish & Dentil Accents

The Vision: The goal of this project was to replace a set of weathered front entry doors that had served the home for decades. The client desired a solution that was both functional and sentimental; they wanted to salvage and reintegrate the original decorative glass panels from the old doors into a new, more durable structure. Because the entryway required an unusual custom width and height, an "off-the-shelf" replacement was not an option.

The Craftsmanship: We selected Quarter Sawn White Oak for its exceptional stability and the beautiful, characteristic "flecking" found in the grain. To emphasize this unique texture, we applied M.L. Campbell’s Toffee stain, which provided a rich, warm depth that perfectly complemented the home's exterior.

The Fine Details:

• Historic Integration: We custom-engineered the door frames to securely house the client’s original glass panels, preserving a piece of the home’s history while upgrading the surrounding structure.

• Architectural Flair: Just below the thick glass panels, we added a decorative dentil molding, providing a classic, sophisticated profile that adds a touch of historical elegance.

• Extreme Weather Protection: To ensure these doors withstand the elements better than their predecessors, we utilized a two-step finishing process:

  • Penetrating Epoxy: Used to deeply seal the wood grain against moisture.

  • Spar Urethane Topcoat: Applied to provide high-level UV protection and long-term durability against the sun and rain.