Once you’ve made the decision to update your entry with a new front door—what’s next? With so many door types, colors, and configurations available, the choices can be overwhelming. So let’s take a moment to run through some of the most important things to consider when determining the best fit and feel for your home.
1. Match Your Style—and Your Home’s Too
The shape and style of your new door is often determined by the architectural style of your home. For instance, sleek, crisp lines for modern designs or an arched, wood selection for a classic Tudor. However, some homeowners like to venture outside of these guidelines for something more unexpected. In those cases, we recommend a transitional style that’s a happy medium between the style of your home and your personal taste.
2. Make Safety & Security a Priority
A door is only as secure as its hardware. If you’re looking for an option that’s sure to give you peace of mind, we suggest a high-quality, multipoint locking system, where the hardware locks at different places in the door but can still be controlled by a single lock mechanism. We don’t generally recommend double-cylinder deadbolts as they may make it more difficult to get out of your home should there be a fire or other event that requires a fast exit.
There are lots of options to ensure your door is secure.
3. Determine Exposure to the Elements
How exposed your door is to the elements can have a big effect on what kind of material you choose. For example, you don’t want to put a wood door in an area that gets a lot of sun or rain. Instead, you might think of using steel, fiberglass or a clad product using multiple materials like aluminum clad wood or fiberglass clad wood. On the flipside, if your door is completely protected from the elements, the sky’s the limit—depending on your budget of course.
4. Think about Function as Well as Form
The kind of door you choose impacts the look of your entry as well as how it functions. For instance, if the door will open to a small interior room, an inswing door may interfere with furniture placement. In that setup, an outswing door is likely a better option. If the entryway is located in the rear of the house, a sliding door is another alternative. Or maybe you need a way to move big items in and out of the house. If so, you might consider a double door system rather than a single door with sidelites. Whatever your setup, there’s a door configuration to match.
5. Choose Your Hardware Carefully
Hardware can be tricky. If you have a very ornate door, you should consider a simpler style of hardware. On the other hand, a simple door with more ornate hardware might be more appropriate. No matter what you choose, don’t skimp on quality. Your door hardware is used multiple times a day so it needs to be able to withstand regular use. It’s a very important element to the door’s look and functionality—as well as your long-term happiness!
Your door color can make all the difference.
6. Find a Color that Works
Choosing the color of your door can be one of the most fun parts about the process. Whether you’re looking for a color that perfectly coordinates with your entry or for something that pops, the best option to find your color would be to buy a few pints of the paint you’re considering and paint the door you’re replacing. You can also get smaller samples and paint a piece of wood to place in front of the door to see how it looks with the house.
We’re Here to Help
We know—it’s a lot to think about. That’s where our expert Sales Consultants can help. We can walk you through all of your options to ensure you get the perfect entry door to match your style and needs. Give us a call today to set up a free in-home, no obligation consultation!
