Which Door is Best For Your Entry?

Choosing the right front door for your home isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a decision that can impact your home’s security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. With numerous available options, selecting the perfect front door can be challenging and confusing. This guide walks you through the different types of doors and offers tips on choosing the best one for your home.

Types of Front Doors

Wooden Doors

Wooden doors are timeless and offer a classic look. They’re highly customizable in size, design, and color. However, they require maintenance to protect against weather and can be more expensive than other materials.

Steel Doors

If security and durability are your top priorities, steel doors are one of the best options. They’re stronger than wood and fiberglass, making them less susceptible to wear and tear. Steel doors are also highly energy efficient but can dent and rust if you don’t keep up with maintenance.

Fiberglass Doors

An excellent alternative to wood and steel, fiberglass doors offer the look of wood without the maintenance. They’re resistant to warping, denting, and rusting and provide outstanding insulation. Fiberglass doors are typically more expensive than wood and steel, but many homeowners consider them a good investment for the long term.

Aluminum Doors

Aluminum doors are lightweight, durable, and don’t need much maintenance to maintain their appearance. They resist rust and can be customized to fit any size or style. However, they’re typically more expensive and offer less insulation than fiberglass or wood doors.

Glass Doors

Finally, glass doors, or doors with glass inserts, can enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal by allowing in more natural light. When used with double—or triple-paned glass, they can be extremely energy-efficient. However, some models may compromise security and privacy, so you must be diligent when choosing glass.

How to Choose the Best Door For Your Home

Consider Your Home’s Architecture

The front door’s style should complement your home’s architectural style. For example, a modern home might look best with a sleek, minimalist door, while a traditional home will benefit from the classic wood look or a door with glass inserts.

Think About Maintenance

Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining the door. If you want something low maintenance, fiberglass or steel are the best options. Wood doors require more upkeep to prevent weather damage and warping.

Think About Security and Privacy

If security and privacy are concerns, steel doors offer the best protection. Adding features like multi-point locking systems can beef up the door’s security, regardless of the material.

Consider Energy Efficiency

You want to save every penny on energy expenses, so it’s crucial to choose a door that will help reduce heating and cooling costs. Look for a door with better-than-average insulation properties, like fiberglass or steel, with a thermal break. Check the door’s energy performance ratings to ensure it meets your requirements.

Budget Considerations

Set a budget before you start shopping. While it’s important not to skimp on quality, especially for an exterior door, there are options available at virtually every price point. Remember, investing in a high-quality door can save you money on maintenance and energy expenses in the long run.

Aesthetic Appeal

Finally, the door should reflect your personal style and enhance your home’s curb appeal. Color, texture, hardware, and windows can all be customized to create a beautiful front entrance.

Let The Glass Door Store Help

The Glass Door Store is the local expert in full replacement doors, sidelights, and more. We offer a wide array of glass inserts and door hardware from major manufacturers, including standard-tempered and hurricane impact glass options.

We’re family-owned and operated and have decades of experience, making us the go-to company for all things door-related.