First impressions are everything. The same is true for your home.
The door you choose will make or break the entire look of your home. You want a door style that adds to your exterior design while offering protection and functionality.
One of the most important aspects you need to think about is your front door material. The material you choose will affect the door’s looks, longevity, and durability.
If you’re not a connoisseur of doors, how do you find the right material for your front door? Here are the tips and tricks you need to help you choose the perfect front door material for your home.
The Purpose of Your Front Door
The front door is what invites people in and keeps unwanted visitors out.
The best front door material will improve the curb appeal of your home and make it more inviting. The same door should be durable and secure to deter burglars and other unwanted guests.
Besides keeping people and animals out, it prevents the outdoor elements from entering your home. Your front door plays an important role in your home’s energy efficiency.
If your door is looking old, worn-out, and flimsy, it’s time to invest in a new door.
Searching for a new door can feel like an overwhelming process. There are hundreds of styles, materials, sizes, and shapes for you to choose from. How do you find the right door for your home?
The first step is to recognize the purpose of your door. Protection and durability should be the top two priorities you look for in a door. From there, you can narrow your search to find the right style and color.
Let’s start by exploring front door material options. The material you choose will have the greatest impact on the door’s durability and protection.
Popular Front Door Material Options
Front doors come in many different materials ranging from wood to steel to glass. Each material type offers a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that fit some purposes better than others.
Here’s what you need to know about the most common front door materials.
Wood
Traditional, elegant, and strong are the words many homeowners use to describe a classic wood front door.
Wood is a popular choice for exterior front doors because it’s strong and easy to customize. It comes in an endless number of styles and offers a high-end look.
The advantage of wood is it resists general wear and tear better than most other materials. They’re resistant to dents and are easy to repair if they crack or scratch.
The downside to a wood front door is it will be expensive. Solid wood, like oak, will cost much more than other door materials on this list.
The weather can affect wood doors by causing them to warp, shrink, and expand. You’ll need to ensure your wood door has the proper protection and sealant to prevent it from rotting over time.
Fiberglass
A practical front door material choice for most homeowners is fiberglass. Fiberglass is a durable material that will last you for years. Homeowners love how this door material is customizable and easy to maintain.
The other major benefit of a fiberglass door is it comes in an endless selection of styles. Fiberglass can mimic the look of wood while adding extra durability. Fiberglass doors come in an endless number of colors, styles, and are easy to paint.
Choosing fiberglass as your front door material will make your door resistant to scratches, dents, and general wear. The core of these doors consists of insulation offering extra protection from extreme temperatures and the elements.
The only drawback to fiberglass door materials is they tend to cost more than wood and other door materials. In return, you’ll enjoy a long-lasting and highly durable door with minimal maintenance.
Glass
Glass front doors offer an elegant modern touch to any home. They give your more views and allow more light to flood the interior of your home.
What many homeowners don’t know is the glass material in these doors is very strong. If you prefer the look of a glass door, look for doors with double or triple-pane glass inserts.
These will offer the most durability and protection.
The downside to a glass door is you will sacrifice privacy and insulation. Cold or hot air can seep through the seals where the glass meets the door.
Glass doors can be affordable, but you’ll trade protection and durability for a lower cost. You’re better off paying more for a quality glass door that will last and keep you safe.
Anytime you work with glass, invest in a professional windows and door replacement service. They’ll ensure your doors are properly installed to offer you the greatest safety, protection, and reliability.
Steel
Steel is another highly sought-after front door material. It’s one of the safest and most durable door material options. Like fiberglass, they come in a variety of styles and colors to match the look of any home.
Steel doors offer many benefits such as an insulated core for added durability and protection from the outdoor elements. They’re resistant to scratches and most general wear and tear.
The drawback of steel is it is susceptible to dents. Dents in a steel door can make the door difficult to use. In some cases, a dent can compromise the integrity of the door.
Dents are also very challenging to fix. You may need a complete door replacement if your front door receives a significant dent.
Other Door Considerations
Once you pick the material that fits your front door needs and purposes, you can start thinking about the style, color, and look of your door. Make sure you pick a style and color that matches or complements the style of your home.
You’ll also need to consider whether you’ll need a prehung door. These doors are a complete set that includes the frame, doorstep, door, and hinges. These can make the front door installation process easier.
Choose the Perfect Front Door For Your Home
The style and materials of your front door say a lot about your home. Investing in a quality front door material will ensure it looks and functions better than your expectations.
Do you enjoy updating the look and feel of your home? Check out our latest Architecture articles to learn more helpful tips to improve the look of your home this year.
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