No,

It was very typical to make the interior side of the front door plainer so it matches the rest of the interior doors. The outside is made fancier to impress and bolder moldings so it can be noticeable at a distance.

Casey

Thanks! That's what I thought. Next question: I want the door to be black on the exterior. It's going to be made of Spanish cedar. Contractor is suggesting we stain rather than paint it. Any thoughts on how we make that call? Interior will be painted white...

jennifer, I can say that I've tried the General Finishes 'Java' gel stain and I'd highly recommend using it if you choose to stain. I think you'll get a nice black with a couple coats -- though I really don't know about Spanish cedar. :) Then you could coat it as you choose for the desired sheen.

I think it depends on you but usually one side of the door matches the front of the house, and the other - interior of it

Spanish cedar is fairly soft for a door. It's equivalent to white pine. It dents very easily. I would suggest Sapelle instead, it should be the same cost or perhaps a bit cheaper; the good Spanish Cedar has become hard to find. It was "plentiful and cheap" 10 years ago.

Anyway, both of these woods exhibit wavy grain patterns that can create blotchiness. I would stain on top of a sealer coat to prevent this. Make sure the stain is light-fast (no dyes; earth pigments only) But with an exterior exposure you need a top coat with the highest amount of UV protection, so you aren't having to revarnish every year. With a top-quality varnish you can extend this to three years between re-coats. If you wait too long it will have to be stripped and start fresh.

Aside: sapelle is quite a bit darker than Sp. Ced. to begin with, and a small amount of color will render an amazing mahgany or walnut color.

Casey