Stile and rail doors represent a harmonious blend of form and function. Constructed using vertical stiles and horizontal rails that frame central panels, these doors are admired for their architectural symmetry and enduring craftsmanship. The wood you choose for a stile and rail door significantly influences its durability, finish, and personality. In this blog, we’re shining the spotlight on two very different—but equally captivating—wood species: Maple, a dense and modern hardwood, and Red Cedar, a softwood known for its aromatic charm and natural resilience. Both offer unique benefits for homeowners looking to make a distinct design statement.
Maple: Strength and Subtle Beauty
Appearance:
Maple is well-regarded for its clean and sophisticated look, making it a favourite in contemporary and transitional interior designs. The wood ranges in colour from light pink/ purple colour to an ashy grey, often displaying unique patterns like “tiger striping” – tight vertical lines in a small area – and natural “pith flecks”—small, light to dark brown linear streaks that add subtle character to the wood. Each Maple door is unique, thanks to these natural features that are inherent to the species.
Characteristics:
Maple is a dense hardwood, prized for its strength and resistance to wear. Its tight grain and smooth texture make it a popular choice for achieving sleek, refined finishes. However, due to its density, staining Maple can be a bit tricky. Stains may not absorb uniformly, sometimes resulting in a blotchy appearance unless a pre-stain conditioner is used. That said, when finished correctly, Maple offers a beautifully understated and elegant look.
Ideal For:
Maple stile and rail doors are ideal for modern homes, high-traffic areas, and spaces that call for a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Whether stained or clear-coated to reveal its natural charm, Maple brings lasting value and contemporary elegance to any room.
Red Cedar: Rustic Elegance with a Signature Scent
Appearance:
Red Cedar is beloved for its rich, brown colour palette and vibrant grain patterns, which range from straight to slightly wavy as well as peaked. It offers natural colour variation, from light to deep chocolate brown. In addition to its visual appeal, Red Cedar is known for its distinctive aroma—a pleasant, earthy scent that adds to its allure, especially when used in temperature-controlled closets or as sauna doors.
Characteristics:
Unlike Maple, Red Cedar is a softwood. While not as dense, it is highly valued for its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestation. These traits make it an excellent choice for areas with moisture concerns or where added resilience is required. Red Cedar also performs well with seasonal humidity changes as well as sauna applications.Â
Despite being softer, it’s a durable wood when used in appropriate applications. One of Cedar’s standout features is its flexibility in finishing: it can be left natural for saunas and closets with a protectant like tung oil to showcase its fragrance and natural tones or sealed with a clear finish for added longevity and weather resistance for exterior doors.
Ideal For:
Cedar is perfect for homeowners looking to bring warmth, personality, and a hint of nature indoors. It’s commonly used for closet doors, saunas, and in cottages or cabins where its natural scent and aesthetic contribute to the overall ambiance. It also shines in exterior applications when properly sealed.
Final Thoughts
Stile and rail doors are more than just entryways—they’re a design feature that reflects your home’s personality and your personal taste. With Maple and Red Cedar, you have two beautiful, yet vastly different, wood species to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to the strength and sleekness of Maple or the rustic beauty and aroma of Red Cedar, your choice will create a lasting impression.
At Royal Door, we handcraft each stile and rail door to highlight the natural characteristics of the wood, ensuring no two doors are ever exactly the same. Embrace the beauty of real wood and let your door become a statement piece that stands the test of time.
Ready to explore more? Contact us or visit our showroom to see our full range of wood species and custom options.
