Also called "cross and bible door" for the configuration of panels, these doors were common in the years preceding 1850 and seen again in the 1920s during the colonial revival period. Today, they have become standard fare in the new door market based on their classic design.
The earlier doors are marked by individual craftsmanship - often hand planed wood is joined by mortise and tenon joints with hardwood dowels for extra strength. Even if hardwood was used, these doors were almost always painted and some of the early colours can be enchanting.
While not always the "correct" choice for your house it is not unusual to find an earlier door in a later house. A 6 panel door could be the focal point you've been searching for!
2 Panel Door
Unusual in style and limited in period application, 2 panel doors are the epitome of Neo-Classical Revival - a style that held sway in Ontario for only about a decade or two (1820s - 40s). As with 6 panel doors, these doors often feature hand planed wood, hardwood dowels and individuality not found in later doors.
Both 2 panel and 6 panel doors can often be found in odd sizes - short and wide, tall and narrow etc. - which can sometimes solve some awkward problems in house restoration.
By far, the most common use for 2 panel doors in our experience is as headboards and counter paneling. Turn the door on its side and paint or refinish and you've got a primitive bed or kitchen island!
4 Panel Door
Where would we be without this most ubiquitous of doors? Found in all periods of Ontario architecture, the 4 panel doors has outlasted all other styles and retains its holding power (the modern craze for hollow core, pressed 6 panels notwithstanding)!
Due to the broad range of periods the 4 panel was used, examples of every type can often be acquired - whether you want hand carved and crude or expertly crafted and utterly refined. The form fits practically any home and the range of sizes is almost endless.
Having said that, the 4 panel door can have a "poor cousin" complex. It is so common that later Victorians took pains to rid themselves of the association - much the way they curdled at the use of unpainted pine (the lowliest of woods). On the other hand, there is an approachable quality, a homey air to the 4 panel that maybe makes our lives more comfortable. I think I'm in love!
5 Panel Door
The 5 panel shares many features of the other styled doors - mortise and tenon construction, clear, knot free lumber, variety of sizes and styles - but is more limited in period use. A dressing up of the more common 4 panel door, the 5 panel door begins to show itself in the 1890s and was widely used for about 30 to 40 years.
The most notable features of the 5 panel are the variety of woods used - pine, fir, chestnut, ash, oak, butternut - and thus, a natural finish - not found on the other doors. It is this quality that usually determines whether one can interchange 4 and 5 panel doors - not such a great concern if you intend to paint but more tricky if a natural finish is required.
While all of these doors, technically, are interchangeable, perhaps these notes will help you discern which door is right for your project.
