Cape Cod doors were designed by early settlers to be sturdy and weatherproof to withstand harsh New England winters. They featured multiple paned windows on both sides of the door for ventilation and insulation. Modern Cape Cod doors are often wider with larger window panes and some include French doors or windows directly in the entrance. Builders have also added decorative elements like glass arches, porches, and varied paint colors to enhance the aesthetic appeal of these colonial-style homes.

1. Styles Of Cape Cod Doors

2. Cape Cod doors have several unique looks that set them
apart from others. They are built sturdy and weather
proof to help contain heat during the hard winters on
the coasts. The settlers who first designed the homes
that this door is named for had durability in mind for
these structures. The front entrances were bordered on
each side by multiple paned windows. These windows
were generally double hung and double paned to allow
for better ventilation and insulation against the cold.

3. To further enhance the designs of early settlers the
builders of today have widened the doorways and
included windows in many entrances. This gives more
natural light in the home and draws the eye to the front
of these houses.The windowed framework comes from
the placement of multiple paned windows on both sides
of each entry that is evident in colonial construction.The
windows were made of smaller panes of glass because
transporting them from England was difficult and the
larger they were the more apt they were to be broken in
transport.

4. There were no porches in colonial times. Instead, a small
overhang was built over the doorway that kept snow
away and allowed some protection for persons waiting
to enter. This overhang later became extended eaves
and today many buildings have decks and porches that
allow for socializing or placement of plants or decorative
pieces such as statues.

5. The colors of your doorways in no way need to match
the house or trim. Many are painted in bright eye
catching colors that tend to enhance the curb appeal of
the home. Other styles include natural wood hues in
multiple shades that blend with the surrounding areas.
All are meant to showcase the front of the building.

6. When remodeling these homes the developers have
taken the doorways to a new dimension of beauty. They
have designed doorways that are double and can open
into the room or out into the porch area. These French-
door styles are given a touch of colonialism by adding
several panes of glass to the door its self. They can also
widened the wood frames that surround the entry way
to enhance the looks.

7. Modern day builders have designed glass arches over
the entryways to enhance the looks and allow lighting in
the front of the home. Garage doorways also have taken
on the colonial looks from the past. Craftsmen have
designed handmade doors that look like they lead into a
barn. They are wide and decorated with wooden slats
and cross ties to strengthen them and add appeal. They
can open to the sides or rise up in traditional fashion for
garages.

8. Even with all of the advances of modern design builders
still draw from the original concepts that the colonists
used. These structures were built to withstand the rigors
of coastal winters as well as offer comfortable summer
residences. The slanted roof was designed to keep snow
from piling high on top of the homes and the low
profiles gave protection to the homes from the gale
force winds that are all so common.

9. There are many things you can do to make your Cape
Cod doors the focal point of your home. The options of
carvings, brass knockers, or moldings made of plaster
and glazed are a few. The original door had no porch but
today that is an option that is viable. You are not
constrained by lack of natural materials. You can do
whatever you choose to do.

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