Top 10 Issues when Buying a New Front Door

They say that the first impression is everything and your front door is one of the first things a visitor sees when entering your house. The right door can make a great first impression as well as validate your personal style.  Your front door is a representation of your home, your life, and you.

When installing a new front door entrance, you have to keep in mind that the new door complements both the interior and the exterior of the house. The décor, quality, budget, climate conditions, fixtures, and finish all play an important part in your decision. Although there are not any set rules when purchasing the door, there are few factors that one should keep in mind.

Our Dixieline Lumber and Home Center Door Experts put together this handy Top 10 list to help you make the right decision for your new front door.

#1: Front Door Style

It all starts with style.  The design aesthetic of your door should match your home’s architecture but still offer a creative style that showcases your personality.  Generally, the simplest advice is to get a door that complements the existing property style. Designs that match the aesthetics of your house add more depth to the details. There are doors available in a selection of shades or can be customized according to your décor. Choose between double entry doors, decorative doors, entry doors with sidelights and transom, elegant front doors with glass panels, or even a speakeasy door with a small opening window.

#2: Front Door Size

After deciding the style, next consider the size of your front door. Is your space wide enough for a double entry door?  Could you consider an extra wide single door?  Is there space around the door opening for glass panels?  You have a blank slate when you are constructing a new house, but if you are remodeling you may be constrained by the physical limitations of the space of your entry.

#3: Front Door Material

When choosing the material for your door, it is highly recommended that you consider the exposure your door has to the elements.  A wood door will work well if it is beneath an overhang where it is protected from the rain and it gets shade on a continuous basis.  Hardwoods like oak or mahogany are mostly preferred by homeowners, but there is a huge variety of materials in the market to choose from.  If your front door will get significant sun or rain exposure, it is recommended you consider a composite material that is much more resistant to the elements.  Composite front doors look just like real wood and rarely lose their luster.  Steel front doors are always an option for those that want extra security and durability.

#4: Front Door Security

Security is an essential element for every homeowner.  You must keep in mind that even the strongest door is only as good as the strength of the frame and the quality of the installation into the property. You can fortify your home with a sturdy and robust front door that has features such as multi-point locks. You can also replace the traditional spy hole with a front door security camera and a smartphone app to see who is knocking on your door, whether you are at home or not.  Many other wireless or touch screen locks are available that use the latest technology.  These new technologies can be especially handy if you use your home as an Airbnb rental and need to avoid keys and continuously change your security code.

#5: Front Door Handles and Hinges

As for the fixtures and fittings, the number of choices is nearly unlimited.  Most homeowners choose decorative hardware that complement the door, but some like to choose handles and hinges that make a bold contrast. You might choose to remove some of the usual fixtures and fittings the door comes with and replace them with upgraded styles. For example, you can choose a larger door handle on a plain door and individually select the details such as door hinges, draught strips, locks, etc. With so many options to choose from, you do not need to compromise on design - there is something for every situation.

#6: Front Door Installation

It is important that your door installer has an excellent reputation for quality.  Installing a front door is no easy task and requires a specialized skills to get it right.  Front door installers will need to prepare the rough opening, cut stucco, install a sill, add weather proofing, level/square/plumb the frame, add insulation, use trip edge guards to cover edges and then paint both the door and the house around the door opening.  Be sure to check references on your installer or consulting with your door salesperson for assistance.

#7: Front Door Glazing

If the design of your front door includes glass, proper glazing can completely change the whole look and feel of the front entrance. You can choose from clear, tinted, frosted, and patterned glass available in three different formats. While doing so, consider balancing factors such as the natural light gained from clear glass with the look and privacy from patterned or obscured glazing.

#8: Front Door Durability

The doors need to be sturdy and durable enough so that they can withstand wear and tear. Whether you decide to get wood, steel, fiberglass, or even faux wood for your door, you should make sure the material you are choosing is durable enough with high shelf life.  If you are choosing a wood material, be prepared to do periodic maintenance, such as staining and sealing, to ensure your front door is protected from rain and sun exposure.

#9: Front Door Cost

A good quality front door is a long-term investment; there will be a significant return on the initial cost over the years of usage. A great looking front door has tremendous curb appeal for that day when you need to sell your home.  So be sure to get this right.  Opting for a door that is initially cheap may cost you more in the long run as these doors make savings using lower-quality materials, manufacture, or installation that may affect the structure, insulation, and security.

#10: Front Door Maintenance

Last but not least, the most important factor to consider while buying doors is that they need to have low maintenance. As a front door is a one-time investment, you must choose the right material, and plan the door installation in a manner that minimizes its maintenance cost.

Conclusion

Your front door will be the first thing visitors will see, and it will definitely leave an impression.  Make your decision wisely, but still have some fun doing it and add your artistic flair. With so many choices and opportunities to give your house the perfect door, you will find the right one in no time.

For more information, contact one of our Door Professionals at Dixieline Lumber.  Visit us at https://www.dixieline.com/front-doors-and-entry-doors or visit one of our convenient store locations.