The Doors of Zihuatanejo

By Maura Taylor.
Photos by Epitacio

They say when one door closes, another one opens. Whether it’s a decorative wrought iron portón, beautifully handcrafted parota or rich cedar hardwood, the doors of Zihuatanejo say a lot about the creativity and distinct style of the homes and passageways they adorn and safeguard.

The natural warmth and rich appearance of wood can match any architectural style from rustic to contemporary, Mexican to Balinese, with hardwoods ranging from a lighter cedar to a darker parota and caoba wood. These entries mark the distinct styles of each individual owner and give a slight hint as to what one might find if they just step inside. Some doors are decorated with suns, moons and any other fanciful artwork that one can think to create, while others are simple, understated and functional.

Wood doors can be crafted in many ways and as it’s a natural resource, even the texture of the grain becomes a part of its unique appearance. Here, doors are mostly hand-crafted, allowing each a distinct look and feel. One can get awfully creative with the details, such as using cross-sections of heavily-grained wood to accent a more simple background. A door doesn’t have to be solid either, as there are limitless types of weave patterns that can be achieved with softer wood such as cedar. A woven wooden door allows a cool breeze to enter. Small woven doors are perfect for areas such as the garden, where you might otherwise construct a wire fence.

A simple wooden door is easily transformed to look more elegant or inspirational with a little bit of creativity. Different woods can be mixed to form a more interesting look, especially if they are of different textures and complimentary colors. Patterns vary greatly: horizontal and vertical slats, simple and intricate weaves, shutters (which can be opened or closed), etc. Ornate carvings run the whole gamut, depending on what visions their builder can come up with. Some Zihuatanejo doors have been modeled to look like boats, fish, waves and even a large surfboard.

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With all the artistic welders in Mexico, it’s no wonder that wrought-iron work graces the entrances of many of Zihuatanejo’s most beautiful homes and hotels. Iron doors and garages can be sculpted and hammered out to individual taste and there is no shortage of imagination when it comes to the whimsical creatures that can be seen in many of Zihua’s doorways. As each welder or soldadero hand-crafts the work, each brings his own style to the table and every creation whether simple or intricate is completely unique.

A door, no matter what it is made of, is an important feature of a home. It welcomes and protects, graces and guards, and can be as fun and functional as its owner designs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Maura Taylor lives in Zihua and serves as intermediary and design consultant for home remodeling, restoration and condo finishing projects in Zihua and the surrounds. She can be reached by phone or email: zihua cell# (755) 101-9711 or destinozihua@gmail.com