What to Consider When Choosing a New Front Door
Ask a kid to draw their house, and they will invariably depict one with windows that look like eyes and a door that resembles a mouth. Your front door is probably the first thing people notice about your home—and if it represents a mouth, it can “say” a lot about who lives there. Your door can say Welcome! Your door might tell people you’re traditional or all-in on a modern look. Doors keep you safe; they’re the literal barrier between you and the world at large. Doors have changed a lot throughout history—from textiles or hides to hardened materials. Today, many options are available to homeowners wishing to upgrade.
What to Consider When Choosing a New Front Door
Choosing a door is a big and potentially expensive decision. The list below outlines the many factors to be considered.
- Aesthetics. Your personal style and the style of your home will determine the look you desire. If you own an old, Victorian home, for instance, you probably wouldn’t want a door that looks like it belongs on a Frank Lloyd Wright creation. Your choices when it comes to aesthetics are practically limitless.
- Cost. Like everything else, the cost of a new door will depend on many factors. Is it a custom size? Must it adhere to a certain aesthetic? What material will work best for your needs? Must the door be professionally installed, or will it be a DIY job? All of these considerations will determine the ultimate cost of your new door.
- Materials. According to home remodeling expert and well-known TV host Bob Vila, the most important factor when choosing a new door is the material the door is made of—wood, steel or wood-grain textured steel, or fiberglass.
• A wood door can be a “solid” choice. For a long time, it was the only choice. It’s easy to change up the look of a wood door with a fresh coat of paint, and it’s possible to resize them. The downside is that wood doors are porous and can warp and rot.
• Steel doors are more durable than their wood counterparts. They provide excellent security and work well in areas where weather is a concern. For example, if you live in a warm, humid climate, you’ll want a door that won’t swell. Steel doors are easy to maintain and have come a long way in terms of offering up stylish choices. Steel doors, however, can rust.
• Fiberglass is a relatively new option for doors. A fiberglass door won’t rust or rot. In fact, they are generally immune to environmental damage, provide good insulation, don’t dent, and come in a variety of styles.
Call Us for Help With Your Front Door
There’s a lot to ponder when choosing a door for your new home or remodel. Let the professionals here at Tri County Windows help you make the best choice for your new front door.