Your home’s front door is one of the most memorable aspects of your house for other people. Think about the last time you went over to someone’s house for the first time: walking up to the entry, perhaps peeking into the glass before ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door itself, waiting outside for a few moments until you hear the click of the lock and that door swings open to reveal a beaming face.
Your guests remember that about your home too. But an entry door is many things more than a memorable statement about your home. It also acts as a barrier between you and the outside world, and the lock you latch before going to bed feeling safe and secure. Your door acts as a weather guard – keeping the outside air out, and the inside air in. There are so many things your entry door does for your home – which is why choosing the right one is never easy. So if you’re looking for a new door, you need to know which materials to choose, which style options there are, and what additions are available – but fear not, as our team of experts as compiled a list of things to guide you in the right direction:
Purchasing Your Front Door Tip 1: It’s what’s Outside That Counts
Contrary to what you might expect, most doors’ core materials are the same: a wooden frame with foam-core insulation. So it’s actually the exterior materials that matter. The most common durable options are steel and fiberglass. We have a comprehensive breakdown of the two materials in a past blog here, but in a nutshell (or door-shell if you’re keen on really bad metaphors) the two break-down like this:
Steel Exterior
• The more economic option that still maintains quality
• Can be varying thicknesses (the higher the number the thinner it is)
• As a stronger material they offer better security
• They can be prone to rusting or denting easier than fiberglass
• Needs finishing to lengthen its lifespan
Fiberglass Exterior
• Will never rust and is hard pressed to dent
• Is a more expensive option for good quality material
• Easier to clean and low maintenance
Purchasing Your Front Door Tip 2: Choose the Style that Complements You
Whether you want a large glass centre with intricate designs or a multi panel door with a rustic bronzed handle, your door will add a lot to the look of your home. Here are some things to consider when looking at the various options:
• Colour - while most features of your home’s exterior should coordinate with one another, a front door does not have to play by those rules; a bold red, nature green or chocolate brown can create a strong visual focal point for anyone looking at your home from afar.
• Panels - Doors come in a multitude of panelling options: from none, to 2, to 9 panels, all giving the door a different character. 2-4 panels can soften a door’s look without making it too ornate, whereas more panels tend to add a significant boldness to a door’s look.
• Glass - Adding glass to your door opens up the look of your home, appearing more friendly and delicate. Small glass windows at the top of the door do this without sacrificing privacy, while a primarily glass entry door with ornate caming can inject a more luxurious look into your entrance way.
• Hardware - Don’t forget about the look of the hardware as well. Long pull handles or small knobs can influence the overall appearance drastically. A bronze or copper finish can bring rustic charm, while nickel or polished brass can modernize the door’s look.
Purchasing Your Front Door Tip 3: One Door or Two?
While a single door in a frame is a nice statement in itself, many houses now feature sidelights or two doors. Don’t be afraid to ask about how to expand your existing frame to add either of these features to your entryway – sidelights are an excellent addition that allow sunlight to pour into your front entranceway, and is a visually welcoming sight. A second door brings feelings of luxury and security, (and makes it easier to move furniture in and out of your home!).
We hope this article gave you a more solid grasp on what options are available for your upcoming entry door purchase, and should you need more information - or to speak with a Beverley Hills Specialist - click here to get a free in-home consultation.