Top FAQs About Doors: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

These are general FAQs about our doors—not specific to a particular type like pantry doors, front doors, or interior doors. Whether you’re building new, remodeling, or simply replacing an existing door, it’s important to know what you’re getting and how to prepare for it. Below are the most frequently asked general questions we receive about our doors at Sans Soucie Art Glass. From construction types to storage, painting, and warranties, we’ve got you covered.

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What is a Slab Door?

A slab door is just that: a door. It doesn’t come with a bore hole, hinges, or a latch. It’s the responsibility of the homeowner or installer to choose the hardware and mount it correctly. Slab doors are ideal if you already have an existing door and simply want to replace it or if you already have jambs in place. They’re essentially a blank slate! Read more about slab vs. prehung doors here.

What is a Prehung Door?

A prehung door comes already mounted on its own frame. It’s a complete unit that includes the slab door, hinges, and the outer frame (also known as the jamb) ready to fit into a prepared doorway. Note that casing and door knobs are not included. Prehung doors are perfect for new construction or when your existing door frame is damaged or warped. Read more about slab vs. prehung doors here.

Can these doors be used as pocket doors?

Yes! Our doors can absolutely be used as pocket doors—you’ll just need to order a Book/Slab Door (not pre-hung). While we don’t currently sell pocket door hardware, your installer should have no trouble sourcing it locally, or you can find it easily online, such as this option on Amazon.

Can I order a double door instead of a single?

Yes! All of our doors are available as a single or a pair (double doors). You can choose your preferred quantity when using our online door designer.

Are the doors “solid wood”?

Our doors are solid (not hollow), but not made of solid wood. They are veneer doors with an engineered wood substrate core. This makes them far less prone to warping than traditional solid wood doors. Learn more about veneer vs. solid wood doors here.

What wood species do you sell?

We offer a variety of wood species including: Primed, Doug Fir, Oak, Mahogany, Cherry, Hickory, Maple, Knotty Alder, and Clear Alder. For exterior doors, we also offer fiberglass doors in both smooth surface and wood grain finishes. View our Wood Species Guide here.

Will my door be ready for paint or stain when it arrives?

No—your door will arrive unfinished and will require some prep work. Expect to fill small staple or nail divots in the door stops, and possibly sand out minor chips, scuffs, or imperfections. These are common in untreated wood and part of the normal prep process. See our prep work guide here.

Can I wait to paint or stain my door, once I receive it?

No. To prevent warping and to maintain the warranty, the door must be painted, stained, or clear coated within 2-3 days of receipt. This includes primed doors, even though they are sealed.

Can I store my door if I can’t install it right away?

Storing a door comes with risks. If you must store it, it needs to be sealed within 2-3 days and stored completely flat or perfectly upright—never leaning. Use straps to keep it secure. The protective glass film should stay on to preserve the finish, but may leave residue if left too long. Residue can be removed with acetone and microfiber towels.

Can Sans Soucie paint my door?

Sorry, but no. We do not paint or stain the doors. They are delivered either unfinished (natural wood) or primed, ready for you or your contractor to finish.

Do you sell door knobs?

Sorry, but no.

Does Sans Soucie make the door frame?

No, we don’t make the frames ourselves. Our doors are sourced from T.M. Cobb, a trusted manufacturer and wholesaler in business since 1935.

How thick is the wood veneer?

The veneer layer on our doors is 1/16″ thick, which allows for multiple refinishes throughout the life of the door.

What kind of warranty do I get with my door?

GLASS doesn’t have a warranty.  For a period of one year from date of shipment, all T.M. Cobb manufactured stile and rail doors shall be free of defects which render such door(s) unserviceable or unfit for ordinary recommended use.  Warranty is extended to original buyer or end user and is not transferable.  Please see the official Warranty Sheet here.

How do I find a qualified door installer on my end?

Here are a few recommendations:

1. Visit the BBB website has a list of qualified glazing contractors both accredited and non-accredited.
2. Contact a Contractor or Architect and they will be able to refer you to a door company they use.
3. Google “Door Installers”, your city, your state. You will see your local glass companies with ratings.
4. Try Yelp!
5. Ask anyone you might know if they have a recommendation for a good Door shop.
6. If you live in a development try asking your HOA.

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🔧 Technical / Informational Resources

1. What is a slab or prehung door?
   
   → Home Depot’s Exterior Door Buying Guide → Home Depot’s Interior Door Buying Guide
   
   (Explains door types, frames, swings, etc.)
2. Why veneer is better than solid wood
   
   → Wood Magazine on Veneer vs. Solid Wood
3. Proper door storage and care
   
   → Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) Door Handling Guidelines
4. How to choose a contractor
   
   → Better Business Bureau (BBB) Find a Contractor

🛠 DIY & Maintenance Help

How to measure for a prehung door

→ Lowe’s Door Measuring Guide

How to paint or stain a wood door

→ This Old House – Painting/Staining Doors

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Still have questions? Contact us here and we’ll be happy to help!