Doors & Gates

Doors and gates give a first impression, a warm welcome to guests, and act as a protective barrier for your family. With a custom build, the entrance to your home or property can be as unique and special as you are.

Ready to make an entrance?

A scultped statement

Gates and front doors both lend a suggestive hint to what’s behind the door, and to the manner in which the owner wishes to present themselves to those who are curious. I find building a custom gate can be much like building a functional representation of the owner. Given the freedom, it’s much like building a functional piece of art.

Tailored to your taste

True customization is gained through a connected working relationship with the client. In my experience, the better I get to know a client, the more accurately I can build something that is a true representation of them. One client may want something solid, square, thick, and impenetrable, while the next something light, transparent, and ornate.

Built for real life

When building doors and gates, style and overall appearance is very important, but function has to be given priority. These are dynamic structures that move. They might be accidentally slammed or bumped, and no matter the size or shape it’s of utmost importance to me that they function as designed.

Portrait of Liam Donnelly with a green hedge in the background; Liam is the owner and carpenter at Donnelly Woodworking in Nanaimo, BC

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  • Custom Exterior Doors

    A custom exterior door elevates an ordinary object to something truly remarkable.

    The design here is crucial, and an opportunity to express your taste and tone to create a portal that resonates with your lifestyle, preferences, and the personality of your home.

    All of my custom wood doors start with quality materials. In fact, I intentionally hand-pick all my materials as a deliberate step toward creating a signature piece of your dwelling that stands the test of time.


  • Swinging Gates & Doors

    A well-crafted swinging gate or door isn’t just an inanimate creation; it’s essentially alive.

    The movement is what brings life to the object itself, while also bringing a whole new level of craftsmanship to the project.

    Swinging doors and gates have to flex, sway, swing, and be “worked”. I love building objects that have movement, where the beauty lies in the subtleties as much as the materials and design.


  • Sliding Gates & Doors

    Sliding doors are sleek, space-saving, and incredibly functional. What’s more, they add a touch of drama by creating an engaging transition between spaces.

    With the right wood and finish, sliding doors can cozy up to any style, from modern horizontal lines to distinctive rustic farmhouse.

    I relish the challenge of creating these pieces that not only move with grace but also stand as a testament to functional craftsmanship.


  • Garden & Farm Gates

    I love the versatility that crafting custom garden and farm gates offers.

    From the ornate to the practical, every gate has the potential to tell a story.

    Perhaps your gate tells the story of a flourishing garden, or maybe it’s the tale of a hardworking farmstead.

    Either way, it’s a story I’m honoured to help tell through the art of woodworking, and together we’ll craft a gate that not only opens to nature but becomes an integral part of your outdoor narrative.


  • Prefabricated Gates

    While I always prefer to build and install my own custom gates, prefabricated gates may provide a quick and cost-effective solution.

    Pre-fab or store-bought gates come in a variety of designs and sizes, and despite being pre-made, the right brands won’t compromise on quality or style.

    And of course, you can trust I will give the installation of a pre-fab gate the same care and attention and care as a custom design.


  • Driveway & Entryway Gates

    Building a driveway or entryway gate is like composing a grand prelude to your home.

    It’s the first impression, the ‘welcome’ before the front door swings open. And I love the challenge of marrying practicality with aesthetics on driveway and entryway gate project.

    It’s all about finding the sweet spot where security meets style, where the gate is more than a barrier, and becomes a reflection of your home’s personality.

FAQs

Here are some of the questions I am most commonly asked about building doors and gates.

View all FAQs

Can you replace my interior and/or exterior doors?

Yes I can. Depending on the condition of the frame, I can either replace just the slab or install a new pre-hung unit.

Can you help me upgrade my door hardware?

You bet. Upgrading to new hardware is a very easy way to modernize or add a fresh look.

What materials can be used to build custom doors?

Custom doors can be made from a wide variety of materials. Of course I have a fondness for working with wood, but can also incorporate metal, glass, and even recycled materials. The choice of materials depends on your preferences, budget, and the desired look and functionality of the doors.

Can you design and build a custom door for my outbuilding?

Yes! I have considerable experience in constructing both exterior and interior hand-built custom doors.

  • Other Carpentry Services

  • Small Structures

  • Fences & Privacy Screens

  • Doors & Gates

  • Decks & Outdoor Living

  • Exterior Stairs

  • Interior Millwork & Trim

  • Cabinetry & Built-ins