Choosing an exterior door: Flush door, Panel door or Profiled wooden exterior door

Customer asks:

We are building a new private house and are struggling with choosing an exterior door. The options include panel doors, frame doors and cladded doors – but what is the difference between them, and which type would suit our house best?

Aru Grupp answers:

This is a question our sales team hears very often, because at first glance the choice can seem confusing. In reality, all three door types have clear differences in construction, appearance and use. Let’s explain them.

Three types of exterior doors and their main differences

Flush door – a modern choice for contemporary homes

A panel door is the most widely used exterior door type today, both in private houses and apartment buildings. Its main feature is a smooth and even surface, which fits well with modern architecture.

The design is minimalist – clean lines, few details, and the option to include large glass areas. The construction allows flexible solutions such as different sizes, glass sections, and side panels.

Finishing options are wide – RAL colours, stains, and different veneers, which create various surface looks and help the door match the building façade.

Exterior panel door – when classic style and durability matter

A wooden frame door is a traditional exterior door type known for its strong construction and easy maintenance. A solid wood frame ensures a long service life.

A frame door consists of a wooden frame, panels, and sometimes glass sections, creating a more detailed and deeper appearance compared to a panel door.

This type of door is especially suitable for classic-style buildings, country houses, and renovation projects where it is important to preserve the original architectural style.

Profiled wooden exterior door – a Scandinavian-style solution

A cladded exterior door is widely used in Estonia and is part of local building tradition. It is usually based on a frame door construction, covered with wooden cladding, which gives the door a warm and natural look.

The cladding can be installed in different directions – vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or combined – allowing the design to match the building’s architecture.

This door type is especially suitable for wooden and log houses. A cladded door helps create a unified and harmonious exterior that blends well with the overall design of the building.

Contact us – we will help you make the right choice

Aru Grupp has been producing high-quality windows and doors since 1993. Our sales specialists will help you find the right door based on your home’s style, budget, and technical requirements.

Contact us by phone (+372) 329 5650 or email aken@arugrupp.ee

Visit us:

• Tallinn (Pärnu mnt. 186, Väike-Järve Keskus)
• Hulja (Vandu tee 1, Hulja, Lääne-Virumaa)