What to Consider Before You Choose Exterior Doors

Your front door is your welcome mat, so to speak, for the rest of your home. It helps to establish style and function for your home.

With a huge array of exterior doors on the market, how do you know what to select?  What to consider when picking exterior doors can depend on a number of factors including style, function, materials, and budget.

So, if you’re wondering what kind of exterior doors are best for my house read on to learn more.

Fit and Function

You first want to consider the size of your doors. Are they standard or will you need a custom fit to meet the specs of your doorway? If you’re building a custom home, you might prefer a more unique custom-styled door.

You might also have a standard-sized door frame which will give you more options and choice.

Cost

Not all doors are created equal when it comes to cost. You can get a standard off the rack front door at your local big-box store for a pretty reasonable price. You can also design a custom, one-of-a-kind door at the other end of the spectrum.

With so many options available with door design, you might want to start by considering your budget for the new door. It will help you to narrow down your options.

Style

Your front door helps to establish the design aesthetic of the exterior of your home. While, of course, you know how color can impact the look of your front door, there are many other considerations when it comes to style.

Shape and design are one consideration. You might also consider whether the front door will have windows. You want to select a front door that has a style that matches the style of your home overall.

Material

Probably the biggest consideration when selecting a new front door is what the door will be made of. The material of the door can drastically impact its safety, longevity, and energy efficiency.

Fiberglass doors are an option for people who live in harsher climates. They give the appearance of a wood door. They come with insulation between the layers of fiberglass making them good for energy efficiency. Another nice feature of a fiberglass door is that it won’t warp over time.

Wood doors are a classic and traditional choice that often look more custom than some other materials. With the look though often comes some maintenance requirements. If the wood is stained, you’ll want to make sure it has the needed protective layer of coverage to prevent damage to the wood. If the door is painted, regular painting will be needed to protect the door.

Steel doors are an affordable option, more so than wood or fiberglass. You won’t have to worry about scratches or cracks with a steel door, however, they can dent or get scratched.

Aluminum doors are also a popular choice and provide a long-term door solution. They are quite durable and energy-efficient too. They come with an insulation core, covered in aluminum skin and a baked-on enamel finish.

Choosing Exterior Doors for Your Home

Who knew that selecting exterior doors for your home would come with so many options or decisions. Since it not only helps to keep your family safe and creates the style aesthetic for your home, it’s an important choice.

Want help with your door project or other home renovation? We would love to talk to you. Contact us today to set up a time to talk about your home project needs.

Call (817) 894-5313