Your front door is a vital part of the house but is often overlooked — after all, entry doors tend to remain in place for many years or even decades. Because of this, most of us aren’t experienced in how best to replace a front door or buy a new one.
Discovering the key factors and latest trends to consider when choosing a front door will help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and your budget.
Types of Entry Doors and Their Features
There are several types of entry door products available with different features.
Many doors have glass inserts, which are designed to let natural light into the home. Doors with glass inserts can improve curb appeal, but can also slightly reduce insulation if the glass inserts are only one layer (as opposed to double-pane or triple-pane).
Some doors include adjustable thresholds, which prevent drafts, moisture and pests. Without an adjustable threshold, your home can be prone to these issues as the door expands and contrasts as outdoor temperatures change. Another feature that some doors have to increase energy efficiency is weather stripping — this can be made of materials such as rubber, foam and silicone.
Rails and/or stiles are also included with some entry doors to stabilize them. Laminated wood is the most durable material for these, as it can resist warping.
Materials and Construction Methods
Choosing the best material for your exterior door can be tricky. To ensure you make the best decision, consider your budget, climate and security or privacy requirements.
Wood
Wooden doors are common with popular types ranging from oak, walnut and maple to fir, pine and mahogany. More budget options often have a thin wood-veneer “skin” layer that sandwiches a core of engineered wood designed to prevent warping. Solid wood doors usually cost more and require more maintenance (e.g., refinishing), but many customers prefer them for their natural aesthetic.
Steel and Aluminum
When it comes to strength and security, steel is one of the best material choices for a front door. What’s more, steel doors don’t warp, crack, expand or shrink. Price-wise, steel doors are similar to doors made of stock wood, but some can cost almost as much as a solid wood door. Most steel doors consist of an exterior steel layer around an insulating core.
Compared to steel doors, aluminum doors feature a similar insulated core and external layers. They can be slightly less energy efficient than steel doors but can be easier to maintain as they are rust and corrosion-resistant. In fact, warranties lasting a couple of decades are fairly common. In regards to cost, aluminum doors are typically in the same price range as solid wood doors.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an increasingly popular material for doors, as it is versatile, requires little to no maintenance and is available in wood-grain effect styles. Fiberglass doors also have a high insulation value, as they usually have a foam core, but remain lightweight for easy installation.
Composites
Many doors on the market nowadays utilize different materials to offer homeowners significant protection from the elements. By combining materials like wood, fiberglass and foam, composite doors can mimic the look of real wood doors with added durability and less maintenance.
Design Considerations and Customization Options
Your front door design will depend on your home’s style and your personal aesthetic preferences.
Modern or Mid-Century Modern Design
If your home takes on the modern or mid-century modern style, a front door with clean lines is likely to work best. Consider natural wood finishes and darker colors like black or gray, although blues, greens, and even oranges can also be good choices if you’re looking to add contrast.
Traditional Elegance
For homes with more traditional architecture, the front door should complement the home’s elegant details, such as moldings and shutters. For example, if your shudders are natural cedar wood or painted a specific color, you can opt for a matching front door to create a cohesive style.
Or, if you prefer a bold front door design, you can choose a daring color or glass door to create a stunning focal point.
Coastal Charm
If you live in a coastal area, your front door will likely face high winds, salty air and increased moisture exposure. Aluminum is your best bet for long-term durability in these types of conditions, as it is naturally resistant to rust or corrosion.
In terms of aesthetics, pastels are known as coastal charmers. Think pale blues, greens, yellows and even pinks. If you want to go for a more natural look, opt for light grays, beige or even natural wood.
Security Features and Options
Security is an important consideration when it comes to your entry door. To prevent break-ins, your door must have a reinforced frame and a strong lock so that impact cannot break it.
Additional security features that may be useful include deadbolts, strike plates (the metal plate attached to the door frame that keeps the lock secure), longer screws and storm doors. Use screws at least 3 inches long to attach the hinges and strike plate into the framing.
Storm doors, the glass door in front of your entry door, can also be utilized to resist extreme weather.
Installation Process and Considerations
The installation process for an entry door will depend on the type of door — every product is different. For example, in some cases, you may want to replace only the door slab itself, and in others, you may want to replace the framing as well.
If you opt for a prehung door (a complete set including the slab, frame, hinges, latches and locks), you will likely be able to carry out a DIY installation as the process is fairly simple. Door replacement kits are even easier and are designed for even inexperienced DIYers.
However, if you choose to replace just the slab itself, this requires more measuring and DIY skills. For this option, it may be worth considering hiring a professional to ensure a high-quality installation.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Durability
When maintained correctly, an entry door can last for 30 years or more. To keep your entry door in top condition, follow these simple steps:
- Clean Regularly: Exterior doors are exposed to the elements, so dirt and grime is likely to accumulate. Dirt can damage the door’s finish if it’s left unmanaged, so clean your door regularly with a mixture of warm water and household detergent to avoid excessive dirt build-up.
- Repaint or Restain When Needed: Some door materials— such as wood — may require repainting or restaining to maintain its fresh look. To do this, first clean the door and remove any existing finish. Remove the handles and any other features, like a doorbell, then apply the paint or stain. Leave it to dry per the paint or stain instructions.
- Polish Hardware: Hardware such as handles and knockers should be polished for optimal appearance and quality. For best results, choose a cleaner designed for the specific material of the hardware.
First-Class Entry Door Products From Berry Home Centers
Berry Home Centers has provided top-quality doors and other products to customers across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee for decades. In fact, we’re the region’s leading independent locally-owned building materials supplier. We stock doors from renowned brands like Andersen, Masonite and Therma-Tru to ensure our customers get the best products on the market.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to help you choose the best product for your home — contact us for a quote to get started!