When picking a front door for your house, for either a new home or to replace the one on your current house, there are some key items to consider. Technology has provided us many different styles and designs to choose from, so here are 5 things to consider when picking a new front door.
1. Size - When building a new home, you usually have the ability to choose a standard 6'8" front door or you may have the room to do an 8'0" front door (or even taller). Just because a door is taller does not mean that it is going to be visually appealing, so be sure to think about scale when making your selection. You can also choose how wide you would like your door to be. Most front doors are 3'0" wide and have one or two sidelights that may be 12" or 14" each. The width of your foyer area will determine how wide your door can be.
2. Materials - The material used in construction is the #1 determinant in the price of a front door. Steel, Fiberglass (stained to look like wood), and real wood doors are all options that you will find in the marketplace. Steel is generally going to be the cheapest type of door. They look good, but if you get a ding in it, there is little than you can do to fix it. Fiberglass composite doors are a product of technology. They are durable and hold up to the elements very well. Real wood doors (oak, cherry, mahogany, knotty alder - etc) can be very visually appealing. The fact that they are wood means they contract and expand with the weather. This also means they will work great one day and may not work very well the next day.
3. Glass - There are an endless number of glass combinations that are available. The amount and type of glass that you choose will have a large impact on the price of your front door. Owners will usually choose from a half-glass or full glass model with sidelights to match. Another important factor is privacy when choosing glass. Choose what you like the best - the more glass in the door, the more light it will let into your house.
4. Hardware - You will want to know what finish your door handle is going to be because you will want your hinges to match. Schlage makes very good handsets without being overly expensive. If doing an 8'-0" high door, it is highly suggested that you do a three point locking system on the door. This will cost extra money but it is vital in getting the door to latch properly over time.
5. Finishing - Paint or Stain, that is generally the question. If you are doing a steel door, you will want to paint both sides of the door. If you are doing a fiberglass composite door, you have the option of staining or painting your front door. Some owners will stain one side of the door and paint the other. When using a real wood door, it is most common to stain the door. If you stain the door, make sure you put several clear coats over the stain to seal the door.
The front door of your house has a big impact on the curb appeal and first impression of those visiting your house. Take your time, do your research, and choose a door that fits your personality and the character of your home.
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