How To Choose the Right Entry Door

Selecting an entry door for your home is a big decision. It’s the first thing people see when they come to your house, and in many cases, it’s one of the most visible attributes of your domicile. More people see your entry door than walk into your home. So, there are several steps you want to take before selecting.

Consider Your Environment

Depending on where you live, weather patterns can wreak havoc on your door. Some areas deal with heavy snow. In North Carolina we have hurricanes, and our coastal regions deal with saltwater in the air. Everything we mentioned effects your door, so know what hazards your new purchase will be facing.

Get Something You Like

Resilience issues aside, your entry door is something you’ll have to see for years, unless you’re flipping or selling your home soon. Even if you enter your home through the garage or back, you and your family are going to have to see this door every day. It’s not like a shirt or an item you can toss aside. Understand the permanence of your choice and keep it in mind when selecting.

Consider the Color

If you choose a color, will you still want your door to be that some hue in five years? Try to consider future home improvement projects like siding or paint. Will the entry door you choose work with any projected changes? Keep these possibilities in the back of your mind.

Consider the Material

There are three major entry door types that you can choose from. We’ve broken them down and listed their pros and cons, so you can make an educated decision.

Wood

Many people choose wood for their entry door because it is hard to beat aesthetically. Wood is beautiful, comes in several varieties, and works with most stains and paints. But wood is only recommended if there is protection for your entryway from the elements. Wood swells, warps, and is less durable when it comes to that pesky weather.

Fiberglass

If you want wood but don’t want the warping, fiberglass is your best option. Some factory doors look like wood and are realistic to the eye. Fiberglass is a low-maintenance option but may need resealing over time or if subjected to harsh weather.

Steel

While the inside is wood or a high-density foam, the exterior of these doors is all steel. They’re tough but can be hot to touch if it sits in the sun for too long.

Putting an aluminum storm door next to a steel door can also cause damage because of the hot temperatures the combination can create. Since it conducts heat, a steel door might drive up the AC bill in the summer months.

Conclusion

Choosing a new entry door is nothing to take lightly. It’s not an easy decision between the permanence of your choice and the many options available, but we hope our tips helped you move a step closer to a selection.