A Wall… or a Door in Disguise?

There’s something truly special about working on older homes. They carry history in every corner, every floorboard, and every grain of wood. I was recently asked to build a set of custom French doors for a stunning 100-year-old home in Pittsford, NY. The room they would be installed in was completely wrapped in beautiful maple wood—from the floor to the ceiling—and preserving that charm was top priority.

Understanding the Challenge

During my initial visit, I consulted with the homeowner and walked through the space. It quickly became clear that traditional swinging doors wouldn't be practical. The floor had a steep incline, making it impossible for the doors to open inward into the room. Swinging them outward wasn't ideal either, as one of the doors would open directly into a grand great room featuring a gorgeous historical fireplace. A 30-inch door obstructing that space just didn’t sit right with the homeowner—and frankly, it didn’t sit right with me either.

A Creative Solution

After some brainstorming and sketching, I proposed a solution: a hidden wall with custom bi-folding doors. This design would allow the doors to fold neatly into the wall cavity, keeping the sightlines clear and maintaining the architectural flow of the home. It solved both issues: no interference with the sloped floor, and no obstruction into the great room.

The homeowner loved the idea. It was functional, elegant, and respectful of the home's character.

The Art of Matching 100-Year-Old Wood

Of course, solving the door functionality was only half the challenge. The next step was making sure the new doors matched the existing woodwork seamlessly. Finding the right type of maple was crucial, and I worked with a trusted local lumber supplier to source boards that closely resembled the existing panels.

But the real trick was in the stain and finish. Matching 100-year-old wood isn't as simple as using a "close enough" stain. After several tests, I found one that was very close, but not quite perfect. The turning point came when I started experimenting with polyurethane finishes.

Over time, polyurethane develops a warm yellow hue—something that had naturally occurred on the original wood over the decades. By applying a slightly cooler stain and allowing the polyurethane to age and settle, I was able to achieve a nearly identical tone to the surrounding woodwork. It was a subtle but essential touch that made the difference between "new addition" and "seamless integration."

The Final Result

The custom bi-fold doors are now ready for installation, and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. They blend perfectly with the historic charm of the home while offering a smart, modern solution to a tricky space. More importantly, the client is thrilled—and that’s what really matters.

This project reminded me why I love what I do. Custom woodworking isn’t just about cutting and assembling—it’s about listening, problem-solving, and honoring the space you’re working in.

See the craftsmanship behind the scenes—check out the full build here

Have a unique project in mind? Whether it’s a table with a twist or something entirely unexpected, let’s talk about how we can bring your idea to life. Reach out to us!