When I first looked into Simpson doors, I was impressed by their custom designs and high-end wood options. However, after using one for my home, I was left disappointed. The door arrived with noticeable defects, including cracks and a chipped finish.
Over time, the maintenance became overwhelming, with frequent refinishing required due to swelling. Combined with poor customer service and a difficult warranty process, I can’t recommend Simpson doors for anyone seeking long-term quality and durability.
My Experience With Simpson Doors

Using Simpson doors was a mix of excitement and frustration for me.
Initially, I was drawn to their range of beautiful designs and the ability to customize the wood species and finish to match my home’s aesthetic.
I chose a traditional Mahogany door, and the ordering process went smoothly enough.
However, the excitement quickly faded when the door arrived with visible defects—cracks in the wood and chipped finish.
It was disappointing, especially for the premium price I paid.
After installation, I noticed more issues. The wood started to swell slightly, even though it had been sealed. It required regular maintenance to keep it looking presentable, and I found myself sanding and refinishing it far more frequently than I expected.
Moreover, dealing with Simpson’s customer service to address these defects was frustrating. Their warranty had a lot of loopholes, making it difficult to get any real support.
While the door added a certain elegance to my home, the high upkeep and lack of durability made me question my decision. Looking back, I probably would have chosen a more durable and lower-maintenance option, like a fiberglass door, to avoid the constant care and the hassle of dealing with quality issues.
Overall, my experience with Simpson doors left much to be desired, and I wouldn’t recommend them for anyone looking for long-term reliability.
Pros of Simpson Doors

- Custom Options: One of the things that initially drew me to Simpson Doors is their extensive customization options. They offer hundreds of standard designs, from French doors to panel doors, and even decorative entry doors with matching sidelights. If you want a door tailored to your home’s aesthetic, Simpson gives you a lot of room to play with design and material choices.
- Variety of Wood Species: Simpson offers doors made from a variety of wood species, including Mahogany, Douglas Fir, and Knotty Alder. This variety can make a big difference in terms of both durability and appearance. For instance, Mahogany is a popular choice for exterior doors because of its resistance to decay, while Douglas Fir is favored for its strength.
- Energy Efficiency: Many Simpson doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. You can opt for insulated glass options or doors that offer better thermal resistance, helping to keep your home energy-efficient.
- Classic Craftsmanship: Simpson has a long history of crafting wood doors. For those who appreciate the natural warmth and beauty of wood, these doors are visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to both interior and exterior spaces.
Cons of Simpson Doors
- Inconsistent Quality: Unfortunately, the biggest drawback of Simpson Doors is inconsistent quality. There are numerous customer complaints about issues like splitting wood, poorly fitted panels, and subpar glass. One reviewer noted that their $2,000 door arrived with cracks and chunks missing from the finish. When you’re paying a premium price, these types of problems are unacceptable.
- Warranty Limitations: Simpson’s warranty policies have also come under fire. Several customers have reported that the company refuses to honor warranties, especially for issues related to paint or finish. One user shared that their warranty was voided simply because they painted the door black, even though the door was shielded from direct sunlight.
- Delays in Delivery: Another common issue seems to be long wait times for delivery. While custom doors naturally take longer to produce, multiple customers reported that even standard orders arrived much later than expected, and sometimes in less-than-ideal condition.
- Poor Customer Service: Many customers noted that dealing with Simpson’s customer service was a frustrating experience. One person mentioned they were left with a defective door and no support from the company, despite paying thousands of dollars.
Maintenance Tips For Simpson Doors
If you decide to purchase a Simpson door despite the negative reviews, regular maintenance is essential to prolong its lifespan. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Seal Your Door Properly: Wood doors are prone to swelling and warping if they’re not sealed correctly. Make sure the door is properly sealed on all six sides (front, back, top, bottom, and both edges) to prevent moisture from seeping in.
- Inspect for Cracks or Warping: Regularly inspect your door for cracks, warping, or other signs of wear. Any issues should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.
- Avoid Dark Paints: As seen in multiple customer complaints, dark paints, especially black, can cause significant issues, including voiding your warranty. If your door is exposed to sunlight, consider using lighter colors to avoid these problems.
- Repaint and Refinish When Needed: Wooden doors need periodic repainting or refinishing to maintain their appearance and protect against the elements. Depending on the exposure to weather, you may need to do this every few years.
Comparing Simpson Doors To Other Brands
When looking at Simpson Doors, it’s essential to compare them to other brands to understand how they stack up. Here’s how Simpson compares to some well-known competitors:
- Krosswood Doors

Krosswood offers solid wood doors that are often more affordable than Simpson but still provide a high level of craftsmanship.
While Krosswood doesn’t offer as many customization options, their doors are known for better durability and fewer defects out of the box.
Customers report fewer issues with cracking and warping, making them a more reliable option for those seeking wood doors without the frequent maintenance headaches associated with Simpson.
- Feather River Doors

Feather River is best known for its fiberglass doors, which offer a wood-like appearance but with much less maintenance.
Unlike Simpson’s wood doors, Feather River doors are far more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations, making them a better choice for those living in humid or extreme climates.
While they may not have the same premium wood appeal as Simpson, their durability and affordability make them a practical alternative.
- Pella Doors

Pella is a leader in energy-efficient doors, offering both wood and fiberglass options. When compared to Simpson, Pella doors are superior in terms of energy efficiency and insulation, especially for exterior doors.
Pella also has a strong reputation for customer service and a more generous warranty, which helps mitigate many of the issues people experience with Simpson doors. While Pella wood doors may require maintenance similar to Simpson, their fiberglass models offer a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Simpson doors are available in solid wood, but they also offer doors that combine wood with glass panels, which can create a more decorative or open look. The solid wood doors are crafted from various wood species, such as Mahogany, Fir, and Knotty Alder, to name a few. Keep in mind, however, that while these solid wood doors can be beautiful, they require regular maintenance to ensure they don’t warp or crack over time.
If you’re on a budget, Simpson doors might not be your best option. For more cost-effective alternatives, consider brands like Jeld-Wen or Masonite. These companies offer fiberglass and steel doors that are more affordable and often come with better warranties than solid wood doors, like those from Simpson. Fiberglass doors, in particular, are often more energy-efficient and durable, requiring less maintenance than wood.
Fiberglass doors, such as those offered by Therma-Tru, are generally the longest-lasting. They are resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting, making them ideal for homes in extreme weather conditions. Wood doors, like those from Simpson, can last a long time but require regular maintenance and are more susceptible to damage from moisture and temperature changes.
The best type of door for an exterior application largely depends on your climate and preferences. If you live in a region with extreme temperatures or high humidity, fiberglass or steel doors are likely the best choice due to their durability and resistance to weather. However, if you’re after a traditional look and don’t mind the upkeep, a well-maintained wood door from Simpson or another manufacturer can add a timeless appeal to your home.
Wrapping Up
After reviewing Simpson doors and considering the many customer complaints, it’s hard for me to recommend them.
While their craftsmanship, customization options, and variety of wood species might initially attract buyers, the high price tag, combined with quality control issues, inconsistent customer service, and a less-than-reliable warranty, makes these doors a risky investment.
If you’re still interested in purchasing Simpson doors, I’d suggest doing so from an authorized dealer who offers additional support and possibly a better warranty. Alternatively, other brands like Jeld-Wen, Pella, or Therma-Tru may provide more reliable and cost-effective options, especially if you’re looking for durability with less maintenance.
Ultimately, Simpson Doors may not live up to their century-old reputation, and after hearing the experiences of other customers, I would recommend carefully considering your options before making a purchase.