What does your front door say about you? Do you prefer the elegant look of glass and iron, or do you like the warmth of wood?
Your front entry doors are one of the first things people see as they approach your home. As such, you want it to make a statement. It should also complement the look of your house.
The right front door is both practical and beautiful. So how do you begin to choose the right entry door with so many options out there? Start with these tips to find a door that says, “Welcome Home.”
Wood Front Doors
Wood used to be the go-to option for front doors for thousands of years. The first depictions of doors appeared in Egyptian tomb paintings 4,000 years ago. King Solomon used olive wood for his temple doors.
Wood doors can last for generations in the right conditions. Some of the most famous and most iconic doors in the world are made from wood. For instance, the door of St. Edward’s Church in Gloucestershire has been welcoming people since the 1200s.
While you may not want to go as far as framing your front door between two trees, there are many creative front door ideas that involve wood designs.
Even today, many homeowners choose wood for their front entry doors. Wood doors are extremely versatile, as you can stain and paint them any way you wish. They also add warmth to your front entryway, making your home seem more welcoming.
The downside to wood is that it’s porous. Wood also expands and contracts as temperature and humidity levels change. Wood doors are more resilient these days compared to older doors, but they still require sanding and staining every few years.
Steel Front Entry Doors
If you prefer the look of a modern door, steel might be the better choice. Steel doors are incredibly durable and popular in the south, where heavy rainfall and bright sunlight are a concern.
If security is a concern, you can’t go wrong with steel doors. These doors are much stronger than wood or fiberglass, protecting you from intruders and holding up to any kind of storm debris.
They won’t crack or warp no matter the weather conditions, and any dents can be fixed with a repair kit. Steel doors also come in a variety of different styles, from classic to contemporary.
Fiberglass Doors
Steel has one downside, and that is it’s prone to rust. Fiberglass doors won’t rust, and they won’t rot either. Modern fiberglass doors are designed to withstand the elements, making them a durable choice for homeowners.
Fiberglass doors are also relatively low maintenance, making them a good choice for homeowners that don’t have the time or experience to handle DIY jobs. Unlike wooden doors, you won’t have to maintain them as much.
Another benefit of fiberglass doors? They’re excellent insulators, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in the winter.
Fiberglass composite doors can mimic the look of wood, and you can stain them to look like cherry, walnut, oak, or other types of wood.
Choosing a Style
There’s more to choosing exterior doors than just selecting a material. You also have to consider the style.
What kind of home do you have? The architectural style should influence your decision. For example, a wood-paneled front door makes an excellent choice for a traditional home, such as a Victorian, Tudor, or Colonial.
If you have a contemporary house, you might want to choose a metal or glass front door that matches the exterior and feel of your home.
If you want the design of your home to flow, match your front entry doors to your patio doors. Beautifully designed French doors look elegant in any home and match well with a similarly designed front door.
Picking a Color
Depending on the material you choose, you have many options for stains and paints. Try to match the material and color of your door to other exterior elements, such as your windows, garage door, and so on.
You can work with your surroundings and choose a natural color that blends in, such as an earthy tone. White and black are classic choices that never go out of style.
You might want to make a statement and make your front door pop. Shades of blue and green are popular choices among homeowners. Some people also believe a red door symbolizes good luck.
Think about your location, your surroundings, and the other homes in your neighborhood. If you live in a coastal region, you might consider painting your door a nautical color such as seafoam green or navy blue.
If you want a wooden door, you also can’t go wrong choosing a natural stain finish.
Security and Locks
When choosing a front door, you need to consider security as well as aesthetics. A front door with a multipoint locking system offers more security and can help put your mind at ease.
Lock grading varies from Grade 1 to Grade 3. You might consider choosing a door or lock with a higher deadbolt level.
Locks these days are also designed to match any kind of decor. While security should be your top priority, you should then consider a door with locks that have a shape and finish that complement the look of your house.
You might also want to consider adding a keyless smart lock to your home. You can control these locks from your smartphone, so you never have to worry about whether you locked the front door or not again.
A Door to Welcome You Home
Choose front entry doors that welcome you home by following these tips. The right front door can boost your home’s curb appeal and add value to your property. The front door should look beautiful and keep you and your family safe.
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