How to Choose a New Front Door
Nothing says “Welcome!” like a beautiful entryway — and let’s face it, your front door is typically the star of the show. However, a front door is more than just a pretty focal point, as it needs to be functional too!
That’s why choosing a front door isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are several things to consider beyond making a first impression, a bold statement, or a warm welcome. Before you make your decision, check out this list of considerations to help you choose the front door that’s best for your home.
1. The Stuff It’s Made Of: How to Choose a Front Door Material
One of the main things to think about is what material your new door should be made of in order for it to best fit your needs. It should be durable enough to withstand the climate you live in and the types of weather it will have to endure. At the same time, you likely want it to be energy-efficient to keep inside air in (and energy bills down!), while also strong enough to keep intruders out.
Basically, your front door has a lot of big jobs to do, and what it’s made of matters! So, let’s take a closer look at the main types of door materials, and the pros and cons of each one:
Wood
A popular choice for curb appeal, wood doors offer classic beauty and can be stained or painted in pretty much any color you want. They work best in a shaded area or beneath a protective overhang since they are susceptible to warping in harsh weather conditions, tend to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, and can rot and become water-damaged from too much exposure to moisture.
Because of these qualities, wood doors tend to require quite a bit of upkeep. Bottom line — wood is a great choice for a protected entryway and homeowners who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and put in a little elbow grease to keep their door’s natural beauty (and durability) alive. A great option for Michigan homeowners is Glenview wood doors which are manufactured with the look and feel of a real wood door but have additional euro technology, making them lower-maintenance and more durable than a traditional wood exterior door.
Steel
If you live in a climate with harsh weather that’s bound to put your door to the test, steel is a great way to go! A steel door won’t expand or contract in changing temperatures, offers durability in all conditions, and is more secure than a wood door if safety is of concern.
However, steel doors can rust over time, and they come prefinished so they are less aesthetically versatile. They can also be less energy-efficient since heat and cold can be conducted through them.
Fiberglass/Composite
This type of door can be the best of both worlds — mimicking the look and versatility of wood, but with the toughness of steel. They come in a wide variety of style options, are virtually maintenance-free, and are highly energy-efficient. Not surprisingly, these types of doors are typically more expensive than others, but last a long time and usually come with long warranties. All in all, this material is a great choice no matter what your style is or where you live!
2. The Door Design: How to Choose a Front Door Style
It’s always a good idea to do a little research to determine the style and architecture of the door that would fit best with the style and type of house you own. Also, think about what is most important to you when it comes to aesthetics.
Do you have your heart set on a certain color? That might influence the type of door you choose. If letting in natural light is big on your list, you may want to opt for a door with glass paneling. If, on the other hand, privacy is what you’re looking for, choosing a solid door would make more sense.
Taking the time to weigh your wants and needs will help you to decide on a style that suits you and your home. Keep in mind that you can always accessorize with knobs, knockers, and other decor to get the look you want without compromising the door you need.
3. The Shade Selection: How to Choose a Front Door Color
The color of your front door may end up depending on the material you choose, but in general you should first take into consideration the color of the brick, stone, or molding of your house. If you want your door to really stand out, go ahead and choose a contrasting, bold color. Want a more subdued look? Choose a front door color in the same tone as your house, or in a complimentary shade.
You can also make for a dramatic entrance by choosing a color for the exterior of your door that picks up on a color in your entryway once the door is open.
4. The Brand to Buy: How to Choose a Front Door Brand
Just as with choosing a style, deciding on what brand of front door to go with involves doing some research. Learn the kinds of things you can expect from each brand and what customers say about them, then select the brands that best match up with your list of priorities. Look for things like materials offered, durability and strength of products, energy efficiency ratings, styles available, maintenance requirements, and warranties. Of course, you can always enlist the help of a professional as well.
If you’re in the market for a new front door, you’ll find some of the industry’s best at Standard Supply & Lumber. With multiple brands and styles to choose from, including Glenview, Therma-Tru, and more, we’ll help you find the front door that takes your home’s curb appeal to the next level, while also keeping your family safe and warm. Give our expert team a call, contact us online, or stop into one of our locations to explore our selections today.