As I shared in my home plans for 2023 post, we are replacing our double entry doors this year. We believe they are original to the 1990 house and I am not exaggerating when I say they blew open in a stiff wind last month. Not great; definitely time for new doors. I’ve spoken to a door guy from a builder supply house and gone down the rabbit hole of research and photos in gathering information to make our selections. Read on for what I’ve learned about choosing entry doors.
Whether for a new build or replacing an existing entry door, there are several factors to consider in making a choice. Aesthetics are obviously important. You want your entry to be beautiful and welcoming and complement the entire curb appeal package. But it turns out there’s more to it than that. Consider:
entry door materials
Most entry doors are made of more than one material; for example, a fiberglass door may have a wood frame. The material of the door face most influences its durability, price, aesthetics, and security. Currently, the most common materials are wood, steel, fiberglass, aluminum, and glass.
wood
Wood doors are classic and beautiful. They are available in a wide range of wood species, stains (or paint), and styles, meaning almost limitless options. Along with this wide range comes a wide range in quality and cost. It is important to note that not all wood doors are solid hardwood. If you are considering a wood door, thoroughly research wood species and construction methods to ensure you are making an educated purchase. As you would expect, the higher the quality of the wood door, the pricier it will be. In addition, consider your climate – wood doors may not hold up as well as other materials in harsh or humid climates. Regular ongoing maintenance is required to ensure wood doors do not warp or rot.
steel
Steel doors generally will not warp or crack, making them superior in terms of durability and security. They tend to be cost-effective; however, top quality and stylistic extras like sidelights will increase the cost. While some may think of steel doors as industrial-looking, they are available in a range of styles and features – even wood-look. A downside of steel doors is that they can be prone to rust (as I can personally attest). They require periodic repainting, unless you choose a door with a stainable laminate wood veneer.
fiberglass
Fiberglass doors are very durable and require little maintenance. Fiberglass holds up well in moist and humid climates, making it superior to wood in areas where moisture is a concern. Fiberglass doors are energy-efficient, thanks to insulation between the fiberglass panels. Some are stainable and can mimic the look of wood with a textured surface (like wood grain), giving them that classic wood look. As with steel, fiberglass doors are generally affordable, but quality and stylistic choices will affect the price.
aluminum
Above all else, aluminum doors are durable. They are constructed with a baked-on enamel finish that will not rust or need to be repainted. As with other material options, aluminum doors are available with a wood-grain look finish. Aluminum tends to be the costliest non-wood entry door material.
glass
All-glass entry doors are not common, but can be striking on certain styles of homes or in certain settings. Clear glass will reduce privacy, so opt for frosted or privacy glass if that is a concern. In addition, glass can be broken, so glass doors provide less security than other materials absent reinforcement. Also, the cleaning!
construction features
As you may have gathered from reading the above, not all entry doors are created equal, even within the same material. High-quality doors will include several construction and safety features. Look for low-e glazing on glass elements and a multipoint locking system. Fiberglass and steel doors should have a thermal break for insulation and to maximize energy efficiency. Heavier doors will require sturdier, quality hardware. High-quality hardware will extend the life of the door, ensure smooth operation, and enhance the door’s visual appeal, regardless of door weight. While these features will impact the cost of your doors, they will increase their longevity and functionality, and some will enhance the aesthetics.
style and color
Your front door is a substantial component of your home’s first impression on guests. The door should complement your home’s exterior style, as well as give a glimpse into your personal style. Do some research to determine which door styles and paint or stain color will look best given the style of your home, and don’t hesitate to inject your personality into the decision as well!
Incorporating glass into a front door package – whether on the door itself or sidelights, fanlight, or transom – is a popular and attractive choice. If you are considering glass, think about how it will work for your home. We currently have double front doors with a transom. I love the look of ½ or ¾ glass on double doors, but our home faces west and the front door gets ALL the afternoon light. Maybe too much if we install new doors with a sizable glass element. For other folks, privacy may be a concern if you have an open floor plan or lack a foyer. How will you hide from people selling pest control services?!?
If you have information to share on choosing an entry door, please drop a note in the comments!