Your key (pun intended) to every style of front door available for your home.
The door to your home can make a big impression on visitors or potential buyers, but it also serves several important functions, such as keeping the cold out on those cold nights outside and preventing intruders. Each type of door has its own set of advantages, disadvantages and costs, and it’s critical to understand which is best for your home. This is a comprehensive guide to four different types of front doors.
Which one of these doors do you have or want to have?
Wood Entry Doors
A homeowner’s guilty pleasure is wood. When compared to other types of exterior doors, the appearance of wood entry doors is unrivaled. Many people like wood doors because of the many options they provide; you can choose your wood, stain color and whether or not you want the stained glass installed to create a striking appearance for this classic entry door choice. They are also heavy, which makes them very secure and dent-resistant.
Wood doors, unfortunately, are one of the most expensive options on this list, with prices ranging from $40 to $5,000 depending on the type of wood used (mahogany and walnut are some of the most expensive). The expenses do not end with the initial purchase. To keep your wood entry door looking great, it will require routine maintenance. Furthermore, because this natural material is prone to swelling and rot, it must be re-stained every year to prevent excessive fading from sunlight.
Fiber Glass Entry Doors
Fiberglass entry doors are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and energy efficiency. Fiberglass doors, unlike wood, will not warp, rot or expand. Fiberglass entry doors come in a variety of finishes, including wood grain finishes. You can have the beauty of a wood entry door without the upkeep. Depending on the season, your fiberglass door will have foam core insulation to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping your home.
Fiberglass-composite entry doors are priced similarly to steel doors, typically ranging between $250 and $2,000, though they can be more expensive the more elaborate they are (if you want glass panels, for instance). They are made of dense foam insulation and do not dent or rust. In general, this is a low-maintenance option, though they can crack if struck very hard with a sharp object (we’ll leave the hypothetical scenarios to you). You can buy these with a wood grain or have them stained or painted to your liking, and many people appreciate that they can get the look of wood without the problems that come with it.
Steel Entry Doors
Steel entry doors are ideal for door replacement projects that require maximum security, strength and energy efficiency. Steel entry doors provide all of the same benefits as fiberglass doors, but steel performs even better. A thick gauge steel entry door will provide the highest level of security and protection. Whether it’s extreme weather or an unexpected intruder knocking on your front door, your steel door will last for many years. Energy efficiency comes with strength. Steel entry doors, like fiberglass doors, have foam core insulation to keep your home comfortable all year. Steel entry doors come in a variety of colors, including wood grain finishes.
Steel doors are highly recommended for a variety of reasons. Aside from being low maintenance and resistant to extreme weather, reports show that you can recoup more than 60% of your investment in resale value. They are also a cost-effective option, with some options as low as $150. However, because these entry doors rust and dent easily, they will require regular maintenance. They are typically painted with a polyester finish that will need to be repainted from time to time, though some higher-end models have a vinyl coating for better weather resistance.
Wrought Iron Doors
Wrought iron doors can add a lot of character to the front of your house and are a heavy, sturdy, and secure option (which also makes them more difficult to move and install). They are typically constructed with a steel base and can be customized with wrought iron, glass, or wood details. And, as with most things, the degree of customization will result in a price increase. These doors start at $1,500 but can cost many thousands more.
The various types of front doors are a diverse group of products. Within their respective categories, entry, patio, and storm doors all have numerous styles and variations. We’re here to help you figure out what’s best for your Midwestern home. First, head over to Pella doors to figure out what you would like for your home. Then, Valor Home Services can meet all of your exterior door needs, whether you need a new steel entry door, energy-efficient vinyl sliding patio doors or a tough and rugged aluminum storm door. Call us today for a free phone ballpark estimate on your next exterior door replacement project.
