Looking to install new exterior doors on your home? You may be wondering about which materials are best. Perhaps your focus is on high security, or maybe you are more concerned with aesthetics. Whatever you need, it’s important to research the types of doors out there and the materials that are best for your specific application.

Types

You will find several types of doors depending on where you live and which provider you’re using. Sometimes, people even combine a couple of different materials for their exterior doors for an interesting contrast. But in general, the main types available to most consumers include:

• Wood
• Steel
• Fiberglass
• Iron

The one you choose will depend largely on personal style and budget. Overall, wood is best for an attractive, classic appearance; steel and iron are perfect for the highest level of security; and fiberglass is a great low-maintenance choice for many homeowners. Your door installation professional can go over your choices and help you decide on the best for your needs. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each material.

Wood

This is the best choice for aesthetics because it gives a traditional, authentic look you just can’t get with any other type of door. However, wooden doors can be expensive these days. While they are fairly heavy and offer a moderate level of security, they do need to be sealed for protection from the sun and other elements. In addition, they can be prone to rot and insect damage if not well maintained. They require quite a bit of upkeep in the form of sealant, stains and paints to ensure they can resist pests and the weather.

Steel

This is another expensive material, even more so than wood. However, for that price, you get a high-security option that makes for a strong and secure safeguard for your home. Steel is also energy efficient, weather resistant, pest resistant and low-maintenance. This type of door won’t crack or warp like wood or fiberglass can, but it can be susceptible to dents which are difficult and costly to repair, says SF Gate.

Fiberglass

A great choice when it comes to maintenance-free living, fiberglass doors are also extremely energy efficient. And with the ability to resemble the look of other materials such as wood, they provide that classic look without the upkeep and risk that comes with it. In fact, fiberglass can resist wear and tear as well as the elements even more so than steel. If you go the cheap route and get low-quality fiberglass doors, they can crack in cold weather.

Iron

The unique design and character that iron doors bring to the home is unmatched. However, they only fit with a select archictectural style of home, which could be a drawback to many home owners. However, wrought iron doors certainly do add curb appeal as well as value to your property, acting as the centerpiece for your home.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Here at Dallas Door Designs, we have a variety of exterior door designs and materials to choose from that can boost your curb appeal, property value, and energy efficiency. Let our designers help you choose exterior doors that complement your home, style, and budget. Contact us at 214-973-0373 to schedule a showroom or home visit.

Style

Swing

Framing

Sound Proofing

Style

• Siding
• Pocket
• Folding
• Flush
• Barn
• Panel
• French
• Dutch
• Blind

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Safety… durability… security… these are all words that come to mind when you think of iron doors. However, you can add beauty to that list, too, because today’s iron doors are back and they are bold. When choosing a new door that makes a statement, consider one that not only adds aesthetics to your property but one that will last a lifetime. Iron doesn’t rot like wood does, plus it offers enhanced strength that you just can’t get from any other material. Of course, not every home is suited to an iron door. For instance, the effect of an ornate iron door would overpower a small ranch. However, large, stately homes would benefit nicely from this addition.

Many people choose iron doors to keep burglars or trespassers out. Yes, resilience and robust features are what iron doors are all about. But they don’t have to all be about toughness. They can also boost your curb appeal at the same time. What began as a trendy addition to homes in the 1970s has started to come back into popularity today.

Why Choose an Iron Door?

There are many reasons why homeowners would opt to go with iron doors for their home:

• They make a grand entrance: Impressing your guests has never been easier when you accentuate the entry way to your home. Check out this arched, European-style wrought iron door flanked by mirrored obelisks opening onto a tiled foyer by HGTV. When you think of wrought iron doors, you may think of solid pieces that look more Medieval than modern. This photo shows how much natural light iron doors can let in, punctuated by a breezy, beautiful style for any grand home.
• They guard against extreme temperatures: Because iron doors are usually foam insulated, they can reduce the flow of heat and cold into the house. You’ll enjoy cooler temps in summer and warmer temps in winter, saving on energy bills in the process.
• They’re damage-resistant: Tough against all kinds of weather and corrosion, it takes a lot to damage an iron door. Wooden doors, by comparison, are not nearly as sturdy and are vulnerable to the weather, which means they have to be replaced more often. They can also be broken into easily.
• They protect the home and everyone in it: An alarm system or elaborate lock is great, but if you have a flimsy front door, this won’t be any kind of deterrent against burglars. Due to their high weight and strength, iron doors and their accompanying locks and steel hinges are no match for prowlers. As far as long-term investments go for your home, this is one of the best. If you live in an affluent neighborhood and have a lot of valuables in the home, an iron door gives you immeasurable peace of mind. Due to their material, they can easily resist strong impacts.
• They bring a unique look to your home. Everyone has wood or fiberglass doors. You can be different and make a statement with iron doors. You’ll probably be the only one on your block with them — increasing your curb appeal and property value.

Contact Dallas Door Designs in Dallas, TX

Here at Dallas Door Designs, we offer custom wrought iron doors to rejuvenate and enhance the look of your home. Get a free estimate when you contact us at 214-973-0373. Our team takes great pride in our custom work, with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship thanks to dedication and training in our hand crafted, original designs.

What to Consider When Choosing Interior Doors

Style

You can get as ornate or simple as you want here. You can even choose different doors for different areas of your home in order to best complement the decor. Mixing and matching is a great way to add character, although you’ll want to keep some elements the same so that there’s a sense of flow throughout the house, says Houzz. A major thing to consider when choosing style is the overall size and feel of each room. Don’t go too big on doors for a small room; likewise, large rooms deserve a grand entrance.

Swing

Framing

Types

• Sliding: Usually constructed of wood, glass or even mirrors, sliding doors are perfect for closets because they take up minimal extra space.
• Pocket: These slide right into the wall instead of alongside it, as sliding doors do. These are even better at saving space.
• Folding: Most common are bi-fold doors, which fold in on either side. They’re ideal for closets, laundry rooms, and pantries because they can accent small spaces.
• Panel: These are what you’ll see most often in typical American homes, made up of square panels crafted in wood.
• French: Featuring transparent panels of glass, these let in a lot of natural light.
• Dutch: One half opens on top, while the other on bottom stays closed, or vice versa.
• Blind: These are “secret doors” that blend in with the wall thanks to no visible handles, hinges or trim.
  

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Why not take a look at our many interior door designs? The interior door you choose makes a big difference in how you feel in your home. Contact us today at 214-973-0373 to learn more about our offerings.

Many country-style homes feature barn doors for the interior or exterior to lend a rustic appeal. However, barn doors don’t just provide inspiration for the outdoors; they also offer an unmatched functionality — especially when it comes to sliding doors. So why are more and more businesses and home owners opting for barn doors? There are many reasons. Check out these benefits:

Space Savings

First off, sliding barn doors save a lot on space, which is desirable if you’re looking to maximize what little room you already have to work with. Because standard doors need a wide berth to open and close, this can make the surrounding area cramped, especially when there are other pieces of furniture in close proximity. The installation of barn doors only requires sufficient wall space. Because barn doors take up less space, you can make max use of every square foot.

Easy to Install

Barn doors also happen to be relatively easy to install. Whereas traditional doors need to be bolted to hardware with frames built into the wall, barn doors are hooked onto a track via a mounting board anchored to the wall. The result? You don’t need a lot of tools, materials, or time to install barn doors. However, to ensure proper installation, it’s best to hire a professional for the job.

Light Materials

Due to their lightweight design, barn doors aren’t as heavy to operate as traditional doors. This comes in handy in homes with small children or in medical offices and nursing homes where elderly or disabled patients can more readily operate them. The heavier the door, the more chances of sticking and jamming, plus they require more force to open and close. Sliding barn doors simply need to be swiped with a few fingers and entry is achieved.

Safety

On a similar note, barn doors tend to be safer for families, as well as employees, patients, visitors and clients. With safer solutions come safer spaces. Already designed to slide in and out effortlessly, barn doors have the added benefit of soft closers that can be installed to further guard against pinched fingers.

Beauty

Of course, it goes without saying that barn doors lend an aesthetically interesting appeal to any space. They are unique conversation starters, adding a unique element to your home that adds value, beauty and curb appeal. Choose from unfinished rustic styles or go with a sleeker, more modern touch. You can even opt for custom features like tinted or etched glass or even whiteboards.

Convenience

It’s easy to get yourself and your belongings through barn doors because they tend to offer wider spaces than traditional narrow doors. This way, you can easily bring furniture and equipment in and out easily without having to take the door off the hinges. That extra space is certainly a sought-after convenience. Another convenient feature of the barn door is that they can be used to slide right over odd shaped doorways for which you have a hard time finding an exact fit.

Privacy

Decorating for the holidays is a fun way to celebrate the season, but sometimes people get out of control with the tacky decor around this time. To keep it classy and elegant, try these tips. The goal should be to highlight the focal point of the home’s exterior, which is the front door (and porch if you have one).

Make a Bold Statement

Before coming up with a plan for decorating, it’s necessary to figure out what the focal point of your yard is. In many cases, it’s the front door. Accenting that area will draw the eye and welcome guests. Define the doorway with green garland and small accents of gold bulbs with white twinkling lights. Flank either side of the door with miniature faux pine trees adorned with red satin bows, beaded garland and handmade ornaments. If you want to go shabby chic, hang a rustic, off-white sled featuring the word JOY printed vertically. Bold red or maroon lettering would be nice, except instead of painting an “O” use a simple green circular wreath. For an extra WOW factor, hang twin boxwood wreaths tied together with colorful ribbon and embellished with bright ornaments for a pop of color, suggests Better Homes and Gardens. The goal is to do something different, out of the norm, to make an impression.

Establish Zones

All too often, homeowners lose the focus of their front porch and door, cramming too many things into one space. Instead, break up your farmer’s porch, for example, into a couple of different zones. One area off in the corner could feature a beautiful balsam fir Christmas tree with traditional fixtures, or go a bit more eco-friendly with recycled barn siding constructed in a tree shape. You could even make an arbor out of vintage ladders, wine bottle candelabras and rope garland to welcome visitors to your front walkway. For a smaller effect but one that’s equally as striking, place a cozy winter village scene off to the side of the door or even a manger scene. Propped up against one wall could be an old wooden sled with a pair of ice skates slung over the side with a bucket of cotton snowballs nearby for effect.

Modern Touches

If you have a front door with a large window at the top, don’t assume you can’t ever hang a wreath again. Break tradition with a wreath hung low, on the lower half of the door. This way you don’t block sunlight, and you create a modern and welcoming entryway that still makes an impact. Another unconventional idea is to fashion a wreath out of an antique serving dish to form the centerpiece of your new door decor, as seen on BHG. From lime ribbon to bold ornaments, get cool and contemporary with this design. This year, monochromatic decor is all the rage. Hang cut-out snowflakes from strings of tiny lights, spray those faux mini trees with white paint, and fill wire baskets with white painted pinecones. Place holly or poinsettias in silver decorative buckets to achieve a monochromatic melody of winter!

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Need more inspiration? Need a new front door as the focal point of your home this holiday season? Contact us at 214-973-0373 to learn more, or visit us at our showroom in Dallas at 1241 Majesty Drive, Suite #102 in Dallas TX.

On a budget? No need to compromise the state of your home’s exterior. There are plenty of affordable ways to make an impact and improve your curb appeal! It doesn’t take much to stand out in the neighborhood, and we’ll tell you how.

1. Add a Splash of Color to the Front Door

If investment in a fancy new exterior door isn’t in your budget, why not paint the old one? A vibrant coat of paint can certainly transform the whole look of your front entryway, and with a gallon of paint costing as little as $25, this is certainly a budget-conscious option. When choosing the color, make sure it represents a contrast between the front door and the facade of the home, recommends HGTV. For instance, if you have a gray or white home with black shutters, you may want to go with a bold red to add pizzazz and draw the eye. Get new door numbers for further visual appeal. You can pick up some metallic house numbers at the home improvement store for under five bucks.

2. Spruce up the Lawn

You don’t have to hire a professional landscaper every week to maintain a lush front lawn if you’re on a budget. Put your lawn mower to good use, pull the weeds, add some fresh mulch to garden areas, and edge your lawn for a manicured look that’s sure to boost your curb appeal. Looking to sell your house quickly and want to show it to potential buyers? If it needs a facelift in a pinch, invest in a quart of lawn paint for under $30. While you’re at it, plant a few colorful blooms. Annuals such as pansies, black-eyed Susans, impatiens and petunias are affordable to plant, provide long-lasting color, and bloom quickly. For just $20, you can pick up a flat of annuals for a cost cutting measure.

3. Power Wash Your Property

You may have noticed unsightly black streaks on your roof, walkways, front steps and driveway. Caused by moisture, mold, mildew and a host of other environmental factors, this staining is not something you have to live with. For an instant facelift, power wash your home’s exterior and you’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes! If you’re unsure how to do it or lack the equipment, hire a professional to do this. If you get water underneath your siding or roofing material, you can do real damage. For the budget conscious, rent a power washing machine for about $50 a day.

4. Clean the Windows

You probably don’t think too much about the state of your windows, but the truth is, dirty windows signal neglect to outsiders. Just like the pressure washing for your roof, you won’t believe what an effect simple window washing can have on your total curb appeal. Use a gentle chemical spray attached to your garden hose to get the outside of the windows and wash the interiors by hand. The cost is free, minus any soaps and chemicals you may decide to purchase.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Conveniently based in the center of Dallas, we are an exterior and interior door installation and design company serving the entire DFW Metroplex. Contact us today at 214-973-0373 for a free estimate on your next curb appeal project. We are open M-F from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat by appointment.

There is nothing that says “welcome” more than your front entryway. As the face of your home, it defines the portal to your home and continues the flow of the landscaping for a seamless connection with the house itself. Not only should this space be functional, it should also be decorative to warmly welcome guests throughout the seasons. Take a look at your existing entryway. Is it lacking in character and definition? Try these ideas.

Choose a New Door

The door you choose for the entry of your home is a big decision. Not only must it complement the style of your house, it also has to match the color scheme and overall decor. For a large home where you want to instill a sense of sweeping grandeur, go with a two-door effect rather than the standard single door. Even better — offset the look with decorative glass accents, transoms or sidelights. These days, you have your pick of the litter when it comes to material, from wood to fiberglass to steel. If energy efficiency is a concern — and it should be — don’t go the cheap route or choose a door that looks pretty but is too thin to provide you with the heating and cooling comfort you’re looking for.

Consider color in addition to style, trying something bold such as a deep red or green, adding a pop of color that draws the eye. Hardware options abound as well, from sleek brushed nickel to traditional wrought iron. A high-quality finish, such as a rich wood door stain, can pull the whole look together. Making a statement for your front entryway is the sum of a variety of details that can enhance the character of your abode.

Clean up the Surrounding Landscape

The immediate area around your front entryway needs attention too, or the new door is all for naught. Be sure to repair any broken light fixtures and burned-out bulbs that may have gone without notice for awhile. This is for everyone’s safety plus it illuminates your home attractively at night. Got peeling and cracked weather stripping? Replace it. While you’re at it, change out the seasonal decor on the porch. Time to replace the patriotic flags from July 4th with autumnal touches. A new welcome mat can’t hurt, as well as a sprig of fresh flowers when in season. Houzz suggests garnering attention with a colorful collection of ceramic pots featuring eye-popping flower choices for an earthy palette.

Elements of Convenience

Because your interior entryway and foyer are places to tie shoes, check your reflection in the mirror and throw your keys, don’t neglect the convenience elements to make these tasks easier. Place a large decorative mirror just above a short bench for making last-minute makeup changes and for lacing up the sneaks before a run. Mirrors tend to open up the space to reflect even more natural light. Decorative benches establish your foyer as a stopping point where homeowners and guests alike can pause, take stock, remove shoes, and move into the interior of the home seamlessly. Make this area count.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

If it’s time your front entryway got a makeover, contact us at 214-973-0373. Based in Dallas, our hours are M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat by appointment.

The key to making home improvements is not just to heighten your comfort and enjoyment of your living space; it’s also to increase your property value. Even if you don’t plan on selling your home in the near future, it’s still advisable to make smart home improvement choices that will contribute to the value of your home rather than detract from it. Let’s take a look at the highest property value-boosting renovations you can make to your home this year.

1. Install a New Front Door

It may surprise you, but the #1 home improvement that can bring you more bang for your buck is a new front door. According to US News and World Report, a new exterior entry way door adds 96.6 percent of the amount you spent to the value to your home. That being said, it must be the right front door, by getting the perfect style for your home in complementary colors so it really pops.

2. Create Open Space

Today’s homeowners and buyers are looking for wide open spaces. They don’t want to be defined by a room — or confined by it for that matter. While separate living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms have been en vogue in years past, the trend now embraces open floor plans that combine the three. This type of layout is ideal because you can cook, eat, entertain and supervise your kids all from one spot.

3. Perform Landscaping

The outside of your home is the first thing people see when they pull up. That’s why curb appeal depends on the quality of your lawn and surrounding landscape. Overgrown trees and unkempt bushes make your property look neglected, plus they obscure views, darken interiors, promote mold, and hide the home, says This Old House. Truth is, an investment of just $400 to $500 dollars in landscaping in Dallas can equal a return of four times that amount. This happens to one of the more neglected tasks a homeowner falls victim to. Fortunately, it’s one of the easiest to fix.

4. Lighten Up

Lights, in the form of sun tubes, sky lights, and more expansive windows, can enhance your home’s appeal. Not only do they provide your home with more natural light to boost your spirits on a daily basis, you spend less money in energy costs because you’re using the sun to your advantage. You can also repair broken window panes, use motion detectors, and install energy-efficient light bulbs and dimmers to keep your home looking great and reduce your electrical costs.

5. Upgrade Your Efficiency

Putting some money into green efficiency is never a bad idea. Upgrade your heating or air conditioning system to a more energy efficient one that will save you cash. Look into green tax credits, as well, through the installation of things like a solar-powered water heater, which incidentally can save you up to 80% on your water heating bills.

Contact Dallas Door Designs in Dallas, TX

Lucky for you, we can help you secure the #1 spot with a property value-boosting front entry door. Schedule a free consultation with us by calling 214-973-0373 or filling out our convenient online form. As a family owned and operated company, we are dedicated to helping you increase the aesthetics and value of your home through the use of superior products and workmanship.

Your front door says a lot about your personality and style. Perhaps you like bold statements that say “look at me” — in which case a nice red door would be perfect for you. This color also stands for prosperity. A white door shows you are clean, neat and organized, says The Huffington Post, while green shows you care about nature and your community.

What Does Your Door Say About You?

In addition to color, there are also many styles to choose from in a variety of materials, such as wood and iron. If you go with wood, you’re more of a traditionalist, while iron symbolizes more of a contemporary yet retro look all in one, signaling strength and stability. Perhaps you’re trying to settle on the perfect door for your home. The one you ultimately select will depend on your budget and of course your style of home.

Here are five modern front doors to choose for your home in 2016.

1. Double Black Front Door with Bars

If you like doors made of wood, check out this modern front door as sold by Dallas Door Designs. The black striped look is offset by long bar pulls that give any home a regal look. Best for large homes, a double entry door is bold and certainly makes a statement of elegance.

2. Modern Mixed with Durability

Reminiscent of a bank vault, this grid of glass panes lets in natural light while preserving the modern edge, says HGTV. Best for an ultra modern home, this bank vault-esque front door screams security, durability, and don’t-mess-with-me strength. Doesn’t hurt that the sleek gun barrel gray looks great!

3. Pivot Design for the Utmost in Sleekness

You need a large space with which to install this one, but a pivot design door can be opened with the touch of a finger. We guarantee this stunning, 900-pound sapele wood front door will be the first of its kind for miles around. Just for the conversation piece alone, this custom front door’s unique design puts it head and shoulders above the rest.

4. Front Doors with Transom

In a somewhat more muted tone, this double wood door with transom above lets in plenty of natural light yet allows for the grand sweeping entrance many homeowners crave. This unique spin on the Floridian style is best used when opening up to an airy space to keep things bright and updated.

5. Wood Front Entry with Glass

For a sleek contemporary look best for larger homes, try a sandblast etched glass design as seen here on Houzz. Not only do you enjoy some much-needed privacy, you also get the natural sunlight streaming in that you need for an open feel. Going with hand-crafted glass art for both residential and commercial purposes can open up your space and show off your modern side.

Contact Dallas Door Designs in Dallas, TX

As your trusted exterior and interior door installation and design company based in Dallas, TX, we are proud to serve the entire DFW Metroplex. Schedule a consultation for your new door today or give us a call at 214-973-0373. For your convenience, we specialize in all aspects of pre-finishing for both interior and exterior doors to ensure the end result is a reflection of your home and style.