The Artisan's Journal

8 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Front Door
8 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Front Door
Replacing a front door is easy to get wrong. Here are the eight most common mistakes homeowners make when buying a front door, from measuring and material to swing direction... Read more...
100 Garage Door Ideas to Inspire Your Project
100 Garage Door Ideas to Inspire Your Project
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Pocket Door Hardware: The Complete Guide to Frames, Locks, and Handles
Pocket Door Hardware: The Complete Guide to Frames, Locks, and Handles
A pocket door is only as good as its hardware. Discover how to build the hardware system that's right for you.  Read more...
10 Modern Barn Door Ideas
10 Modern Barn Door Ideas
Barn doors are no longer just rustic. This guide rounds up ten modern barn door designs and walks through sizing, top-mount and face-mount hardware, finishes, and soft-close mechanisms. Read more...
Just Landed: Five New Entry Door Designs With Matching Sidelights
Just Landed: Five New Entry Door Designs With Matching Sidelights
Our latest entry door designs are here to boldly revitalize your entryway. Available with exclusive door-matched sidelight options.  Read more...
The Best Wood Species For Entry Doors (And Why)
The Best Wood Species For Entry Doors (And Why)
The wood you choose shapes your entry door's look, feel, and lifespan. This guide compares the species RealCraft clients pick most, and the practical considerations you'll need to think about... Read more...
Modern Front Door Design for Pacific Northwest Homes
Modern Front Door Design for Pacific Northwest Homes
Learn how to choose the best front door design for your modern Pacific Northwest home. You'll discover what features to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose the... Read more...
Seattle Craftsman Homes And The Doors That Belong On Them
Seattle Craftsman Homes And The Doors That Belong On Them
Craftsman homes demand real materials and the right door design. Lean the hallmarks of the style, our recommended designs, the best wood species, and four mistakes to avoid. Read more...
The Definitive Guide To Pacific Northwest Door Design
The Definitive Guide To Pacific Northwest Door Design
Pacific Northwest architecture styles, the best wood species for the climate, and our door design recommendations for each home style. The definitive regional guide. Read more...
Round Top Entry Doors: Styles, Installation, and How to Choose
Round Top Entry Doors: Styles, Installation, and How to Choose
A round top door is a powerful design choice, because it changes the entire feel of a facade. The rounded top silhouette pulls the eye up, and gives a home... Read more...
Door Glass 101: What Glass Is Best for Front Doors?
Door Glass 101: What Glass Is Best for Front Doors?
It might be transparent--but there's more to glass than meets the eye. Read more...
Who Still Makes Solid Wood Doors? (And Why It Matters)
Who Still Makes Solid Wood Doors? (And Why It Matters)
It's no secret that mass-produced doors dominate the market. Walk into any big-box home improvement store and you'll find fiberglass doors that are textured to look like wood grain, but... Read more...
Are Bifolding Doors Secure? Here's The Truth
Are Bifolding Doors Secure? Here's The Truth
Your questions about bifolding door security, answered.  Read more...
Bifold Doors For Commercial Spaces: How They Help Small Businesses Stand Out
Bifold Doors For Commercial Spaces: How They Help Small Businesses Stand Out
Learn how small businesses can use this innovative door type in a range of applications to improve curb appeal, foot traffic, and more.  Read more...
Carriage Vs. Bifold Vs. Roll-Up Garage Doors: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Carriage Vs. Bifold Vs. Roll-Up Garage Doors: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Exploring your garage door options? You've come to the right place for expert advice.  Read more...
Wood Bifold Garage Doors on Modern Homes: Where Traditional and Contemporary Meet
Wood Bifold Garage Doors on Modern Homes: Where Traditional and Contemporary Meet
Learn how to embrace design contrasts for an unforgettable home facade. Read more...
Wood Bifold Garage Doors: A Buyer's Guide
Wood Bifold Garage Doors: A Buyer's Guide
Your go-to guide for our latest product launch.  Read more...
Solid Wood Vs Veneer Vs Fiberglass: What's the Difference For Entry Doors?
Solid Wood Vs Veneer Vs Fiberglass: What's the Difference For Entry Doors?
Have you ever been shopping online and wondered if that "walnut entry door" is really walnut? Especially when you check the price tag and wonder if it's worth it? The... Read more...
How Long Should A Front Door Last? Here's When To Replace Your Entry Door
How Long Should A Front Door Last? Here's When To Replace Your Entry Door
Is it time to replace your front door? Spot the signs of wear early, compare wood doors by lifespan, and make the most sustainable choice for your home.  Read more...
craftsman style door on whitewashed bungalow exterior
10 Worst Entryway Decorating Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Learn how to avoid these mistakes and create a stylish, welcoming home. Read more...
The Timeless Beauty of Interior French Doors
The Timeless Beauty of Interior French Doors
Think of them as part door, part window.  Read more...
Customer Case Study: Paula's Double Doors
Customer Case Study: Paula's Double Doors
One real customer's story of getting custom doors made for her Los Angeles home renovation.  Read more...
5 Tips For How To Pair Marble and Wood
5 Tips For How To Pair Marble and Wood
How to make this classic combination work for your space.  Read more...
Top Styles for Wood Front Doors
Top Styles for Wood Front Doors
Plus our most popular designs from each category.  Read more...
The Story of The Peninsula Wood Entry Door
The Story of The Peninsula Wood Entry Door
One of our flagship wood entry door designs is the Peninsula. In the three years since we launched it, it’s become a best-seller and stands as an emblem of our design... Read more...
We're Now Members of The Architectural Woodwork Institute
We're Now Members of The Architectural Woodwork Institute
Learn what this means for you as a homeowner, builder, or design professional who's interested in our products.  Read more...
All About The Zuma Wood Entry Door Design
All About The Zuma Wood Entry Door Design
Ever wondered what really goes into our creative process when we design solid wood entry doors? It's time for us to pull back the curtain--just a little--on how we create... Read more...
How To Find Your Signature Home Design With Astrology
How To Find Your Signature Home Design With Astrology
Use your sun, moon, and rising signs to customize your space.  Read more...
Luxury in Harmony With Nature: The Grande Dom Estate
Luxury in Harmony With Nature: The Grande Dom Estate
This beautiful mountain retreat features a RealCraft barn door and fireplace mantel.  Read more...
Five Advantages of Custom Home Goods
Five Advantages of Custom Home Goods
Learn why it's a good investment to customize home goods like doors and furniture--for both the present and the future.  Read more...
Types of Closet Doors: A Complete Guide to Styles and Hardware
Types of Closet Doors: A Complete Guide to Styles and Hardware
Thinking about replacing your closet doors but not sure which kind of door is right for you? We understand why--it’s a relatively minor change that can elevate an entire room,... Read more...
Door Horoscopes: Find The Right Entry Door For Your Zodiac Sign
Door Horoscopes: Find The Right Entry Door For Your Zodiac Sign
Your zodiac sign could be the key to finding your perfect front door.  Read more...
We're Now an Accoya Approved Manufacturer
We're Now an Accoya Approved Manufacturer
Discover what makes Accoya uniquely suitable for your next exterior door.  Read more...
Pocket Door Handles: Complete Guide to Types and Styles
Pocket Door Handles: Complete Guide to Types and Styles
From flush pulls to edge pulls to privacy locks, these are the seven handle types that work for pocket doors.  Read more...
How To Match Your Door Design To Your Home Facade in Five Steps
How To Match Your Door Design To Your Home Facade in Five Steps
Here's how to create striking curb appeal no matter your home's style.  Read more...
The Five Door Panel Styles You Need To Know
The Five Door Panel Styles You Need To Know
Panels are a key feature of any rail and stile door. Learn the most common types and what architectural styles they suit.  Read more...
We Were Featured On HGTV's Castle Impossible!
We Were Featured On HGTV's Castle Impossible!
Our hardware was part of the renovations for a hunter's lodge on this new HGTV show.  Read more...
Our Reforestation Program Is Changing
Our Reforestation Program Is Changing
Learn more about our new tree planting partnership with Ecodrive.  Read more...
What To Expect When Your Door Gets Delivered
What To Expect When Your Door Gets Delivered
You ordered a custom door, and now it's shipping out. What happens when it actually gets delivered?  Read more...
How to Make Wood Food Safe
How to Make Wood Food Safe
Here's what you need to know to create a truly food safe workspace in your kitchen, from cutting boards to countertops. Read more...
Closeup of Knotty Alder Mountain Chevron Door
Eight American Wood Species You Should Know
Discover our eight American wood species and what makes each one special.  Read more...
Introducing Deposit Payments For Custom Orders
Introducing Deposit Payments For Custom Orders
Pay for your custom project in two deposits--no credit check or financing required.  Read more...
Strength, Density, Hardness: Wood Toughness 101
Strength, Density, Hardness: Wood Toughness 101
Understand the qualities that determine a wood's overall toughness: density, strength, and hardness. And yes, they are all different! Read more...
When Ancient Meets Modern: Your Guide To Wood Joints
When Ancient Meets Modern: Your Guide To Wood Joints
Learn what wood joints signify quality and longevity--and why we use mortise and tenon joinery for our doors. Read more...
Customization Decoded: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a One-of-a-Kind Door
Customization Decoded: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a One-of-a-Kind Door
Are you overwhelmed by the idea of ordering a completely custom door? Want to know what the process is really like? Start here.  Read more...
The Psychology of Entryways: How Your Door Sets The Tone For Your Entire Home
The Psychology of Entryways: How Your Door Sets The Tone For Your Entire Home
Did you know that your entire entryway—your front door, front porch, and hallway—is the most psychologically potent zone in your entire house? It's true. Entryways are transitional spaces where the... Read more...
Tacoma Solid Core exterior door installed on an exterior stone wall
73 Wood Front Door Ideas for Every Style
Many of life’s big changes become real to us once we cross the threshold. So in many cultures, the front door of a home is a sacred space, worthy of... Read more...
A Connoisseur's Guide To Exotic Wood Species
A Connoisseur's Guide To Exotic Wood Species
Go beyond White Oak and Black Walnut to discover the premium imported hardwoods that make your home miles more luxurious, unique, and distinctive.  Read more...
Real Carriage Doors Is Now RealCraft Reserve
Real Carriage Doors Is Now RealCraft Reserve
Introducing RealCraft Reserve: The future of custom door design. Meet our reimagined custom door brand.  Read more...
The Rise of Biophilic Design: How To Bring Nature Into Luxury Homes 
One of 2025’s biggest buzzwords when it comes to interiors is biophilic design. This design framework can totally transform how you think about the built environment and the boundaries we set between indoors and outdoors. But how can you incorporate it with your own unique style? And what does it have to do with making a space feel more luxurious? Keep reading to find out. What is biophilic design? Biophilic design is a design philosophy that brings the outdoors in. As you might be able to tell from the name,... Read more...