Picking the Right Material for Your Front Door

Your front door is one of the most important features in defining the look and style of your exterior and it defines your day-to-day more than anything else. As the aspect of your home, you’ll be interacting with the most, it sets the tone for the overall personality of your house. It’s also an important safety feature and is subject to the most wear-and-tear. Choosing the right material for your door is an important decision in balancing practicality and style.

Here’s our guide to the most common door materials, along with their pros and cons for you as a homeowner.

Wood Doors for Beauty

Wood will naturally be your first thought when selecting a door. This traditional material provides a huge range of options including pine, oak, mahogany, and maple. With a variety of finishes, colors, and dimensions, you can easily configure wood to many different designs and décors. Wood is generally considered to be the most attractive and visually appealing material, and it immediately creates a sense of class for your home. The weight also makes this door particularly safe and secure, and dents and scratches are easier to repair as well.

However, this material comes with two notable downsides. The first is the expense; wood is a relatively high investment. The next is long-term durability. Wood will warp, sag, and peel over time, especially in areas where it’s submitted to excessive moisture and extreme weather. This will require weather stripping, repainting, sanding, and regular maintenance.

Steel Doors for Durability

Steel is synonymous with durability for good reason. These doors will effectively weather the elements and are the most secure against break-ins and damage. They are also notably energy efficient, effectively sealing heat and cold air within your home with minimal leaks. And finally, they’re among the cheapest materials, providing a sturdy, cheap option.

They are more susceptible to dents and rust, so you should be careful about using them in an area with a lot of moisture. They are also considered a little aesthetically plain and can undermine a more formal aesthetic. Steel is better if you’re going for a more informal, practical feeling.

Fiberglass for Low Maintenance

Fiberglass is the newest entry door material, and it’s rising in popularity. Fiberglass is impervious to rust, rot, and warping, making it more durable than both steel and wood. This makes them ideal for protection against harsh weather and the elements. It also provides best-in-class insulation for optimal energy efficiency, reducing your utility expenses during the colder months. Fiberglass doors can also be customized into a variety of shapes and styles, making them particularly flexible.

The downside is the expense; these doors are pricier than the other options, making them a considerable upfront investment. However, you can expect to eventually recoup your costs in maintenance and energy bills.

These are just the most common materials—entry doors can come in a wide variety of options including aluminum and vinyl. To select the right door for your home, you need advanced expertise. Contact us today to find the perfect solution for your home.