Your front door is so much more than just an entry and exit to your home. It’s an invitation to friends and family. It’s a way to give a strong first impression for guests. It truly represents your character and personality. Your front door should go beyond the practical and reflect your unique sensibility.

In essence, your front door is the gateway to the rest of your house. But how do you start when on the hunt for a new one? Here are some things to keep in mind as you search.

Materials

When determining the right material, you will have to consider your home’s needs and personal taste. Three of the most common front door materials include wood, fiberglass and steel/iron. 

• Fiberglass doors are affordable, energy-efficient, and low in maintenance. Plus, they come in many pre-finished and wood-look finishes that don’t need regular re-staining or re-painting. 
• Steel or iron doors are the most durable and secure, backed by strength and dependability. Steel and iron will stand up to the elements and also come in a wide spectrum of low-maintenance colors and finishes.
• Finally, wood doors offer a natural, traditional look but they are expensive and need a lot of upkeep, such as regular re-painting and re-staining.

Styles

There are many styles to choose from as well. Plus, you have to consider whether you want glass (decorative, tinted, frosted, etched, etc.) incorporated on your entry doors. This will depend on how much, if any, sunlight you want to infiltrate the interior as well as how much or how little privacy you need.

It’s best to match your new front door to your home’s architectural style for the most cohesive look. Wood doors go well with colonial homes, while steel doors go well with contemporary homes, for instance.

Another consideration is whether you want raised panels for depth or flush panels for a smoother look.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a major concern for many homeowners, so look for ENERGY STAR® rated doors that are made from a durable composite of fiberglass. Energy-efficient doors can withstand extreme heat and cold, and have excellent fire ratings.

Solid entry doors that don’t have glass are higher in energy efficiency than doors featuring glass, but you can opt for low-E insulating glass for further energy efficiency if you are insistent on a glass element.

Customizations

To further ensure your personality shows in your front door, you can add customizations such as distinctive color choices, unique hardware finishes, decorative glass, and accessories. 

Glass

Decorative glass elements can add visual interest and charm to an otherwise standard entryway. Experiment with grilles for contrast and to break up large glass panels, choosing from a variety of patterns. You may want to consider glass components such as transoms and sidelights.

Hardware and Accessories

Dress up your door with a decorative handleset in any finish or style you want. You can also add accessories such as crown molding, plants and unique pops of color to round out the entryway or porch.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

If you’re still unsure which type of front door to invest in, let our designers take over. Schedule your free quote and consultation now at 214-973-0373.