Installing the perfect entry door does so much more than allowing entry to and exit from your house. It improves the curb appeal of your property, as well as its value and functionality. It even impacts its energy efficiency. A lot is riding on which type of front entry door you choose. But the decision doesn’t have to be hard.
Here’s what to know before investing in a new front door.
Materials
There’s no cookie-cutter solution to which front door to choose. It will depend a lot on your personal style and budget. Different materials come with different price tags, plus they achieve different looks and functions. The most common entry doors include wood, iron, fiberglass, and steel.
Fiberglass doors tend to be more affordable, energy-efficient, and lower in maintenance, and come in a wide spectrum of pre-finished colors and wood finishes that you don’t have to re-stain or paint again. If you like the authentic look of real wood, you can achieve a gorgeous rich walnut or rustic mahogany for an elegant look with excellent functionality. As a natural material, wood will expand or contract a bit with the seasons, so you’ll have to perform some maintenance here and there to ensure it stays looking good and operating well.
Steel and iron doors are very durable and go a long way in terms of strength and security, standing up to the elements with availability in many colors and finishes.
Styles
Wood and fiberglass entry doors generally come in more style choices than steel or iron. Matching your home’s architectural style, such as a Craftsman-style entry door, fiberglass, and wood, are great choices. If you have a Spanish-style home, ornate iron doors may be better. And if you have a contemporary home, go with sleek steel doors that come with raised or flush panels.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is always the main concern for many homeowners when installing entry doors. Look for a door that bears the ENERGY STAR® certification seal. You want a material that is a natural insulator with low conductivity. Fiberglass and wood are great choices.
Ease of Maintenance
For a more low-maintenance entry door, go for fiberglass or steel. Fiberglass generally doesn’t warp, crack, chip or dent and requires little to no ongoing maintenance. Steel doors are also strong and durable, but you may have to repaint them from time to time as needed to maintain the protective finish. In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, wood doors will require staining and painting from time to time in order to maintain the color and luster of the material.
What to Know Before Investing in a New Front Door
Choosing the right front door is important for many reasons. It not only allows people to enter and exit your house, but it also affects the curb appeal of your property. Front entry doors are available in a variety of materials, but they can be pricey depending on the material you choose. A fiberglass door is an affordable option, while wood provides a more elegant look and real wood is even more upscale. Entry door installation also comes with different levels of required maintenance depending on the material and color you choose.
Extra features
When you’re looking to buy a new front door, there are many extra features to consider in addition to the material and style. sidelights, transoms, or even arched tops can add light and dimension to your entryway. You might also want to consider a door that’s painted or stained to match your home.
Other considerations for Front Entry Doors
Before you make any purchase, carefully consider the following points: Security should be first and foremost at the top of your list. Front entry doors may stop burglars in their tracks, but they’re also vulnerable to break-ins by kicking through panels.
Customizations
There are many choices when it comes to personalizing your entry door to suit your unique needs. You may want to go with a distinctive color choice, or perhaps try some bold hardware choices or even decorative etched glass. The possibilities are endless.
Speaking of glass, adding visual interest to your door is easy with decorative glass elements. Glass serves many purposes. For one, it adds contrast and character to your door. For another, it breaks up large solid door panels to provide a focal point. And finally, it welcomes natural light to stream into your home.
With so many ways to spruce up the exterior of your home and welcome guests, it’s easier than ever to invest in a new front door.
Best Front Door for You
Match your needs and style with your budget in mind and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect entry door that will make a great first impression on all your guests. Your home will be more energy-efficient, beautiful, and valuable, too!
Looking for the perfect front door for your home? Contact One Source Windows & Doors today! We can help you find the best entry door for your needs, style and budget. Our experts are here to help make your dream door a reality.