So you’ve decided to take the plunge and purchase a new exterior door for your home — congratulations! Unfortunately, the hard decisions are only just beginning. Choosing the right exterior door takes thoughtful consideration, and we’re here to walk you through the process.
Here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing your exterior door:
What current concerns do you have about your existing door?
Is the door warped? Does it not close properly? Do you just not like the color, or are there deeper issues happening? Does the door take a regular beating from inclement weather, or is it partially protected under an overhang? Asking yourself these types of questions can help you zero-in on what you’re hoping to achieve with a new door, and hopefully make your choice a bit easier.
Are there any special considerations?
Perhaps your exterior door gets a full blast of afternoon sun and you want to do what you can to keep the heat out. In that case, you’d likely want to skip the clear glass panels. Is your current door frame rotting? You’ll need to address that before you install your new door or you won’t be satisfied with the outcome. These situations are nuanced, because every home is different. Give it some thought from a practical perspective before you commit to a certain aesthetic.
What’s the existing style of your home?
Now comes the fun part — finding your favorite style! Of course, the first step is to think about your home's existing architectural style. While you can certainly juxtapose a more modern door with a classic build, you want to stick with complementary styles. Does your home fall into the colonial camp, or is it more New England style? Contemporary or coastal? Put on your designer cap and think about what would look best with what you already have going on with your home’s shape, shutters, and porches.
Quality counts.
Exterior doors are the first line of defense against intruders, bad weather, and more. With such an important job to do, your door — especially your front door — is not the place to skimp on quality. Carefully consider the durability of the material with higher regard than its price point, and understand that your door a long-term investment. Additionally, don’t forget to check out the quality of the weatherstripping system, as this component is crucial to keeping out bugs, water, and air.
Luckily, you don’t have to choose between high quality and affordable prices. Our exterior doors use the best materials and won’t break the bank, and there’s something suited to whatever your specific goals and needs are. Peruse all of our exterior doors now to find what you’re looking for!