Did you know that along with improved security and insulation, installing entry doors can also improve people’s first impression of your home? As they approach the front of your home, a door with chipping paint or a:
One of the best parts about replacing old doors is that it’s relatively affordable compared to other exterior projects. You can make a large visual impact on the exterior of your home without a huge investment.
However, there are a variety of front door styles as well as types of doors. By knowing some of the main types of styles, you can find a door that suits your aesthetic far into the future.
Read on to learn all about choosing entry doors and the wealth of options available to you!
1. Budget
You’ll find that when it comes to comparing door prices, wood can be the most affordable. This is because oak and fir grow prolifically in the United States, and the supply keeps pace with demand. If you don’t like the maintenance required for wood doors, fiberglass or aluminum are other great options that don’t require as much maintenance.
It’s important to start with a reasonable budget first, as you’ll be able to prioritize the right materials for your design aesthetic and needs. For instance, if your main concern is security, then you may want to consider pouring most of your budget into a steel door.
2. Materials
We recommend first considering the material of entry doors, as this can determine the styles available to you afterward. If you have a strong sense of what style you want for your front door, you’ll also be able to quickly determine what kind of materials make that style possible. Here are some of the most common types of materials:
Wood
Wood is the most popular material, as it gives a sense of warmth, comfort, and welcoming. It’s also one of the best materials if you have a particular style in mind, as it can combine a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors, finishes, and more. One of the main drawbacks of wood is that it’s not weather resistant.
If you live in a particularly humid area, you may notice that your wood door is harder to open and close as the material retains more water.
Steel
This material is one of the sturdiest available. Although they can be prone to dents, they can be Energy Star rated if you purchase one with insulation. If lowering your utility bills is your main concern, then a steel door could be the best choice. Steel doors have finishes that are baked in, so you’ll need to be certain that you’ll like the color you choose for years into the future.
For this reason, steel isn’t the best option if you want to experiment with bold colors and design styles.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a great option if you want the same flexibility as a wood door without all of the maintenance involved. They’re also budget-friendly and can mimic the look of a wood door reliably. One of the best parts is that they can also be energy efficient with a core that’s made of polyurethane foam insulation.
3. Colors
After you choose your material, the color of your door is the next biggest decision to make. If you want a door that can match the exterior of your home without much thought, choose a neutral color.
Here are some of the most common neutral door colors:
- Black
- White
- Gray
- Tan
- Taupe
You may also want to choose a bold color in order to make more of a statement. You’ll find that bold colors such as red, green, blue, and yellow are easier to use if the rest of your home’s exterior is a neutral color. If not, choose a complementary color combination, analogous, or monochromatic.
Complementary colors are those that are opposite each other on the color wheel–they strengthen one another. Analogous colors are those that are next to each other–they’re similar when it comes to warm or cool temperatures. Lastly, monochromatic colors are those that have different values.
Choosing a monochromatic color for your door will make it blend in with the rest of your home’s exterior, not stand out.
4. Styles
The style of your door goes beyond color–it helps it create a unique impression for visitors. For instance, if you like the idea of a modern door, a flush style with the rest of the doorframe may be your best option. However, other homeowners like the look of glass inserts within their doors.
There are half-glass and full-glass options, as well as glass inserts paired with paneled doors. You can also choose from several different types of doors with panels. You can choose from panels as little as two or as much as eight or more.
You also have the option of glass panels in different shapes and sizes besides the typical rectangle, such as crescent shapes, squares, triangles, and more.
Choosing Entry Doors For Your Home: Upgrading the Exterior
Choosing entry doors for your home takes some time and patience. First, we recommend starting with a reasonable budget before jumping to the materials and color of your door. This is because you’ll be able to consider your priorities when it comes to a new door, such as better insulation, security, or a more attractive-looking entryway.
Next, it’s important to keep in mind that the color of your door can create a strong visual impression. If you want a bolder door, a house that has neutral colors will make this easier. You can also use the color wheel in order to choose colors that complement one another instead of clash.
Ready for more tips on how to upgrade your home exterior? Keep reading the blog for more tips and tricks!
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