Why “Door Matching” Sounds Smart — But Rarely Is

If you’re looking to replace a door in your home, someone may have suggested the “easy” route:

Just match the slab to your existing one — no big deal!

It sounds smart. Minimal work. Lower cost. What could go wrong?

Plenty.

At Burl®, we’ve replaced hundreds of doors in Seattle homes — old and new. And we can tell you with confidence: door-matching often leads to poor results. The fit looks off. The door rubs. The gaps are uneven. It’s like putting a new tire on a bent rim.

What’s the Best Way to Replace a Door?

Let’s break it down:

  • Best Practice: Replace the door, jamb, and casing (trim) — this is the gold standard for fit, function, and long-term quality.
  • Good Enough (If You Must): If you’re avoiding full replacement, at least template the existing opening — don’t match blindly.
  • Skip This: Matching the door slab alone. It’s a shortcut that rarely pays off, and we don’t offer this option.

Why Door Matching Service Doesn’t Work (Most of the Time)

While door slabs are factory-made to standard specs, your home isn’t. Over time:

  • Walls shift
  • Jambs warp
  • Openings become out of square

So even if the slab “matches” in theory, it doesn’t fit well in practice. The result?

  • Sticking or dragging doors
  • Visible light through gaps
  • Latches that don’t line up

The Smarter Compromise: Templating

If you’re not ready for full replacement, we recommend templating.

This means we measure your existing door opening exactly as it is, and cut your new slab to match that shape — not just its width and height, but its angles, bow, and quirks.

It’s a middle-ground approach that delivers a much better fit — without replacing trim or doing major demo.

Why Full Replacement Is Worth It

When we replace the door, jamb, and casing together, we’re creating a complete system — a clean slate. It’s the most precise, durable, and visually consistent solution, especially if you’re updating multiple doors.

You get:

  • Perfect reveals (gaps)
  • Clean hardware alignment
  • A door that swings and seals like it was always meant to

Yes, it costs more — but it lasts longer, looks better, and functions beautifully.

Visual Comparison

A quick comparison of your best (and worst) door replacement choices.

Bottom Line: Fit Matters More Than “Match”

If you want it done once — and done right — skip the slab match. Either template your opening or replace the full system.

At Burl®, we’ll help you choose the best route for your home, your budget, and your goals.

Curious which option fits your home? Let’s talk — no pressure, just the truth.

Prefer to match the door slab anyway?

That’s not a service we offer — but we want you to have a good experience. Here are two Seattle-area providers who specialize in match-up services:

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