Front door: should I stain it or paint it (and what color)?

9 years ago

We just installed a new front door. The stain of the door does not match the stain of the sidelights, but both are in need of being refinished anyway. We are trying to decide whether we should stain the door and the side lights (and what color stain) or whether we should paint the front door a color. I found the last photo of a door that is similar to ours, and that green color looks nice against that similarly colored brick. Our brick has a pinkish undertone so it is hard to come up with colors that don't clash with that. The shutters are a dark dark gray, black fox by Sherwin Williams.

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Bruce Crawford

9 years ago

30+ yrs. ago when we were doing a major add'n, we also replaced aluminum sliders in DR w/ beautiful oak French doors w/ beveled glass. I ignored advice of contractor, who said I should paint the exterior. But I was hard-headed & wanted to see the beautiful grain. Five yrs. ago I replaced those doors w/ Anlin French doors. The stained interiors were still beautiful but the exterior had been ruined by sun & rain. Last year I replaced our front doors. I'd learned my lesson. The exteriors are painted w/ stained interiors.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Lori A. Sawaya
9 years ago
I think you have more options than you think you do. What would you choose if you could choose your favorite look - do you like the look of painted or stained more?
daisiesandbutterflies
9 years ago
I would paint it white or black, with white sidelights, either of which will look great with your black shutters.
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daisiesandbutterflies
9 years ago
I just reread your question which says the shutters are a dark gray. I'd paint the shutters black too.
Frances Cadle
9 years ago
How much sun will the door receive? If the sun beats it, the stain will fade and will have to be redone every few years. The darker the stain, the more it will look faded.
Laura S
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the comments! I don't really have a preference as to stained or painted, just whichever looks better. We will likely be selling the house in the somewhat near future. So I want something that looks nice but also appeals to buyers
Laura S
Original Author
9 years ago
And the door does get a lot of sun
PRO
Lori A. Sawaya
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Here are few greens to try:

DE6273 GREEN GATE
Dunn-Edwards or California Paints Perfect Palette

HC-100 GLOUCESTER SAGE
Benjamin Moore Classic Colors

N350-6D PEPPERGRASS
Behr Color Collection

SW 2851 SAGE GREEN LIGHT
Sherwin Williams Color