Design Inspiration: Dutch Doors and Sheepskin

Any stylist will stress the importance of entrances and exits, whether designing an interior or event decor. Also known as split doors, double-hung doors, stable doors or half doors, Dutch doors create an inviting farmhouse-style entranceway for your home. Team them with a short wool rug, statement light and hall table or console to instil charming and timeless style.

What is the purpose of a Dutch door?

Originating in Europe in the 17th century, Dutch doors were first used in entrances as an exterior door and later in kitchens as interior doors. They were practical in country settings for keeping farm animals outdoors while still allowing fresh air and natural light into the home. They were also useful as a prototype for a baby gate so that little ones could stay safely inside. With the advent of screen doors, the popularity of Dutch doors began to fade. They had a resurgence in the 1950s and are doing so again now.

Why is it called Dutch door? What are double Dutch doors?

The Dutch door is known as a Boerendeur (farmer's door) in the Netherlands due to its rural origins. When the Dutch established settlements in New Jersey and New York, their popularity spread quickly from these areas since the early North American colonies were primarily agricultural. Hence the name!

Double dutch doors are precisely what they sound like. Two barn-style Dutch doors opening out in the middle, to create a larger entranceway and a doubly inviting look and feel.

Where do you put a Dutch door?

A Dutch door can be used anywhere in the home, from exterior doors to interior doors. Kids' rooms, the laundry room, sculleries and mudrooms all benefit from internal Dutch doors. Beautiful front and side doors may be made with outside Dutch doors.

Can you make a Dutch door from a regular door?

Yes, you can make your own Dutch door from an existing door. There are plenty of DIY tutorials available online.

How much is a Dutch door?

Prices for Dutch doors vary according to the type of wood material they are made of, whether they have windows, the door hardware and expense of installation. Be prepared to pay upwards of $1500 for a quality exterior dutch door with curb appeal.

Is a Dutch door safe?

Dutch doors are 100% safe. Security wise, they are super easy to lock. The upper portion of a Dutch door is an ideal place for a deadbolt, and on the lower half it is typical to have a locking knob. On the inside of the top door, you can also choose to have a surface bolt.

How do you make a Dutch door from scratch?

To make your own Dutch door, adding one to three hinges, cutting the door into two halves, adding trim and painting are the fundamental steps in this project. It truly is that simple.

It's basically a one-day job for the woodworking, plus however much time is needed for painting and drying wood putty.

You can make this project economical by upcycling a second-hand door and searching for Dutch door hardware in thrift stores. Then all you will need new will be some paint and sandpaper!

The tools and supplies are simple. A competent crosscut saw and, ideally, a router are required.

Tools:
Safety glasses, work gloves, hearing protection
Cross-cut saw
Hammer and punch (for removing hinge pins)
Drill Driver
Router
Rotary Tool such as Dremel
Clamps

Materials:
A second door (hollow-core is easier to work with, but solid wood is also fine)
An extra hinge
Door knob (can be reused from existing door)
Pull knob
Door halves latch (safety bolt, etc.)
Wood putty
Paint
1-1/8th" cedar length for the width of door
Sandpaper
Wood glue
Brads, screws
Masking tape

Marker

The steps for making your own Dutch doors are fairly straightforward. You can find more detailed instructables here and a tutorial here.

Step 1: Plan & Visualize door design and style

Step 2: Place and Mark New Door

Step 3: Remove Original Door

Step 4: Add Hinge/s

Step 5: Cut Door in Half

Step 6: Frame in the Cut

Step 7: Mount Dutch Doors, Knob, and Test

Step 8: Add Trim

Step 9: add Door Pull and Upper/Lower Latch

Step 10: Putty, Sand, and Paint

Step 11: Final Assembly

How do you hang a Dutch door?

To mount a Dutch door, attach a hinge to the top of the door. Place the hinge and pin on the bottom portion of the door, which will help you line it up. Then use wood screws to secure the top hinge to the door frame. Finally, install a back locking mechanism to hold the top and bottom sections of the Dutch door together when you want it totally closed.

Short Wool Double Dublin Bay Sheepskin Rug / Minaret Sheepskin Cushion / Gladstone Sheepskin Cushion

How many hinges does a Dutch door have?

To guarantee form and function with style, Dutch doors require four hinges: two to support the upper door and two to support the lower door. Only one additional hinge is required because ordinary interior or exterior doors come with three hinges.

How do you put a bolt on a Dutch door?

Dutch door bolts are locks that join the two sections of a Dutch door so that they open and close in lockstep. The lock is a sliding barrel lock with a bolt that slides into a hollow strike. To install, position the top bolt component of the Dutch door bolt according to your desired placement. With a pencil, mark the screw holes. Reposition the bolt and drill screws into each pilot hole after drilling pilot holes at the markings. Affix and test.

How wide are Dutch doors?

The standard jamb thickness for Dutch doors is 28mm; with interior dutch door sill thickness of 50mm; and a depth is of 168mm.

Can you use a screen door with a Dutch door?

The whole purpose of having a Dutch door is to be able to have the flexibility to open the top half of your interior or exterior door, to let more natural light or cool breeze in.  If however, you are worried about bugs getting inside, you can definitely add a screen door. Have a look for a retractable screen or ask your local hardware store.

The take away: Dutch door dreams

Dutch doors bring rustic charm to a modern or traditional house, making a bold statement that a standard door cannot. If you are looking to incorporate an exterior Dutch door or interior Dutch door, the split door style can bring a gorgeous focal point to your architecture.

We like them for their look and their practicality. Swing open the top portion to create a sense of openness to the outside world, let natural light and fresh air in, keep toddlers or pets at bay, and embrace a European look that dates back to the 17th century. To complete your Dutch door design, tie it in with the stlying of your interiors by including a short wool rug at the threshold.