Exterior Door Buying Guide

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Exterior Door Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Door

The right exterior door does more for your home than allow guests inside. Exterior doors add curb appeal to the front of your home and keep your house protected. There are several outdoor entrances that require specific types of doors (patio, porch, garage) that are broken down further into various styles, so how do you find the right one to pick?

The first place to start when choosing a door is simply considering where it is in your home. Location,—where the door is going determines the right one to use.

Ready to feel confident in your new exterior door purchase? We’re breaking down all you need to know in this buying guide, plus detailing where to shop so you can spruce up your exterior in style and purpose.

Before Buying a New Exterior Door

Exterior doors go through a lot of wear and tear over the years that damage their appearance and function. If your current one has damage or no longer speaks to your style, it’s time for a new one. Buying new doors shouldn’t be rushed since it’s a large investment, so it’s important to take time with your selection.

Buying Considerations for Exterior Doors

Material:

The material of your front door is a key component of choosing the right exterior door for security, durability, and insulation.

If durability and security are your top concerns, a steel door would be the best option since they’re stronger than wood and fiberglass.

For aesthetically pleasing doors, you’re going to want to go with fiberglass as a solid wood door is not one which performs exceptionally well in most applications in our climate.

The material of your door is also going to have a significant impact on the overall cost. Wooden doors are offer superior aesthetics, but this is your most expensive option—a wooden front door can set you back $5,000-$10,000. For a more budget-friendly pick that still has a gorgeous appearance, he recommends going with fiberglass.

Style:

Every type of exterior door is broken down into individual styles, another factor to consider when selecting one. The Craftsman style is one of the most trendy for our business right now, but choose a style that matches the rest of your home’s exterior for a cohesive design.

Size:

To collect the measurements of your exterior door, start by taking your measuring tape to measure the width and height of your current slab. Brining these measurements into our showroom can help get a more accurate price. We do offer job site measuring services as well. Don’t worry we will ensure you get the right door before ordering

Types of Exterior Doors

Front Entry Doors

Front entry doors are the most common type of exterior doors. They’re at the main entrance to your home and what makes a first impression with your curb appeal. There’s a lot of customization that goes into front entry doors with the selection of the material, color, and hardware for a personal look tailored to your style.

Patio Doors

Patio doors lead to your outside escape, whether it’s a screened-in patio or an open deck. A popular selection for patio doors is French doors, but there are sliding glass options available.

Storm Doors

If you want to give your front door more protection from inclement weather, then you would benefit from a storm door. These doors are installed in front of your front entry door and are made with a strong glass center. Some storm doors are made with a top panel that has a lowering screen to provide more airflow, or you can select a full glass plane. Another major benefit to storm doors is that they add another layer of insulation to your home.

Cost

You can expect to spend at least $1,000 on a new exterior door, depending on the door and labor costs. Other factors that may increase the price of the door include new hardware, customization, and of course, the material you choose.

While your budget is something to keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you should select the cheapest door. The average exterior door has a lifespan of 30 years or more if it’s maintained properly and cleaned at least twice a year. You want to select an exterior door that’s going to provide your home with style and security for years to come instead of one that will need replacing fairly quickly.