Antique Door

At a glance

• Family: Doors, Shutters & Hardware
• Periods most often found: Doors date from the 18th to the early 20th century.
• Typical price: about $1,200; range $300 to $5,000 and more for exceptional pieces
• What drives value: Size, glazing, carving, hardware

What it is

Salvaged doors are architecture you can move. French doors (portes-fenêtres) with glazed panels, carved oak entry doors, paneled interior doors from Paris apartments, painted cupboard doors and barn doors from farmhouses come onto the market from renovations and demolitions.

How to identify and date it

Measure carefully: French doors are often taller and narrower than US standards, and pairs may need custom frames. Hand-forged hardware (espagnolette bolts, hinges, locks), old wavy glass and original paint add value; check for rot at the bottom rail and warping. Old paint may contain lead.

Periods and styles

Doors date from the 18th to the early 20th century.

How much is it worth?

On the US retail market, most antique door examples ask around $1,200. Simple or worn pieces start near $300, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $5,000. The main value drivers are: size, glazing, carving, hardware. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.

Questions buyers ask: antique cast iron door stops value; antique french doors value; vintage 6 panel solid wood door price. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.

Before you buy

• Measure
• Check for warping and rot
• Inspect glass and hardware
• Plan installation

Living with it

An antique door can be hung as a door, used as a headboard or mounted as wall decor.