We built a wider custom batten door in a “weave” configuration — alternating Vic Ash and Spotted Gum battens across the full face of the door. Vic Ash is a pale, tight-grained hardwood. Spotted Gum is darker, with more variation in its grain. Together, the two species create a natural two-tone contrast that’s built into the door itself — no stain, no paint, just the difference between the timbers. It gives the door genuine visual interest without manufacturing it.
The weave detail works because both timbers are dimensionally similar. The battens sit flush across the face of the door, with the colour contrast doing the work. The entry was widened to give the door stronger presence on the facade — a narrow door on a modern renovation looks like an oversight.
Alongside the door is a frosted privacy sidelight. It brings light into the entry without giving a clear view from the street. The jamb is Vic Ash KD hardwood. Hardware is Zanda matte black throughout — a pull handle and a mortise lock with rolling latch. The Zanda fittings are robust, well-made, and the matte black works well against raw Australian hardwood.
The door was installed raw, ready for the owners to oil or finish as they choose. Our front door replacement builds are sized to each specific opening.
