If you have a home in the Dallas area, population 6.5 million, you likely want to maintain your curb appeal. The best way to do that is by caring for your front door through regular cleaning, maintenance, and decoration. Many things can detract from the function and beauty of your front door, from sun damage to regular use.

In this guide, we’ll discuss front wood door care tips and how to rejuvenate your front door this summer.

Front Door Care: How to Protect it From Sun Damage

Your front door is like the icing on the cake of your house. It creates a cohesive look that brings all elements together and forms the foundation of your home’s style. It makes sense, then, to take good care of it through all seasons. That’s because your front door takes the brunt of all the weather, in most cases facing the sun for a good portion of the day.

Causes of Fading

The fancy term for color fading as a result of the sun is photodegradation. Light-absorbing color bodies referred to as chromophores that are present in dyes are susceptible to break-down by ultraviolet rays, resulting in a bleaching effect. Some objects can’t resist fading as well as others, like dyed textiles and water colors. Other objects reflect the light better so they don’t fade as fast.

We have some tips for you to protect your wood door from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Sanding

If the finish on your existing door is cracking and fading, you can sand the exterior portion of the wood to remove the finish that was there previously. Add an exterior varnish, polyurethane or clear finish containing UV protection for reinforcement. Avoid interior-grade finishes which can fade quickly when exposed to UV rays.

For even more protection, go beyond a clear finish and choose a high-quality exterior paint. Pigments present in paint keep sunlight from penetrating through to the wood.

Even the best doors can get weathered over time. If you’re not ready to purchase a whole new door, there are other options. Dallas Door Designs offers offer on-site and off-site wood door refinishing through the use of superior stains and varnishes. Whether your door needs to be stripped-down and refinished or just resealed, we have the skill and training to deliver.

Landscaping

Another option is to plant trees to block the direct rays of the sun. By adding natural shade, you can stop the direct path of the sun from hitting your front door, at least at prime times of the day. Evergreens are best so you get protection in the winter too. At the very least, look for a variety that’s hearty and fast-growing.

Awning or Canopy

You can also add man-made protection in the form of an awning or canopy. This way, you can customize the amount of coverage you get from the sun, keeping your door safe from UV rays in any season. Use this same awning or an additional awning to shade any exterior patio furniture you may have that is also susceptible to fading. Bonus: this solution can also cut down on your energy usage and costs, plus your home can become more comfortable. This is critical in a hot climate like Dallas.

New Door

If your door is getting on in years, it may just be time for a new front door. With today’s technologies, advancements and materials, you can choose a beautiful yet durable wood exterior door that can be stained and painted to resist UV ray damage. Dallas Door Designs offers a variety of solid wood doors that can be customized, assembled, and hand stained to meet strict quality standards.

This Summer: Rejuvenate Your Home With a New Front Door

As we head into summer, it’s time to take a look at your home’s exterior and see where you can improve your curb appeal. You may likely focus on your front door. If it’s old, outdated, broken in any way, or just plain ugly, now is the perfect time to replace it.

Here are some ways you can breathe new life into your home this summer with a new entry door.

Settle on a Material

The first thing to think about is which material you want to go with when replacing your front door. When it comes to composition, you have several choices at your disposal. For instance, you may want to go with solid wood or solid engineered wood core if you are seeking a natural, classic look. With these choices, you’ll get exceptional durability and insulation, while at the same time slashing the outside noise that enters your home.

Next up: what type of wood should you choose? Each type will lend its own unique look to your property. Let’s take bamboo; the sleek and modern appearance of bamboo comes with another bonus, as it’s extremely sustainable and eco-friendly. Contrast that with oak. Which brings a headier, more robust, more traditional look. Then, when you consider cedar and knotty pine, this is where a rustic look comes into play.

When security and strength is your # priority, you really can’t go wrong with iron. You may think iron is ornate and perhaps a little too much for your front door, but iron has come a long way and can be very versatile and understated.

Despite the material you choose, your door can be customized to the entryway of your home for a seamless fit.

Consider Various Styles

The style you choose is a very personal decision, and will usually be impacted by the style of your home and property, as well as your budget. If you have a modern home, a glass front entry door is a wise choice, especially if you decided to augment it with a sandblast-etched glass design for lots of natural light yet privacy at the same time.

Another modern accent that places a high priority on natural light is one with a grid of glass panes that resembles a bank vault for increased durability.

If security and a stately presence is what you’re going for, try a double-black door with bars, perhaps some black stripes enhanced by long regal bar pulls. This choice is great for larger homes.

There are many ways you can spruce up the look and feel of your home as we move through summer, whether you live in Preston Hollow or University Park.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

To get started on your summer front door replacement or to learn more care tips, contact us for a free estimate in Dallas today.

If you’re considering replacing your windows in Southlake, you know there’s a wide variety of styles out there to choose from. Which one is best for your home? When choosing replacement windows for your home, you will want to consider which ones are the most popular.

This will guide you in your decision on the best windows to choose in Southlake, considered one of the safest places to live in the nation and the proud home of Southlake Town Square, the Carroll ISD Dragons, and Bicentennial Park.

Single Hung Windows

This classic and simple design allows you to raise the bottom half of the window to get fresh air. The top sash remains fixed or stationary, meaning you can’t open it.

Double Hung Windows

This is the most common type, consisting of two sashes that open and close rather than one.  Double hung windows provide multiple ventilation options while being easy to operate and clean.

Casement Windows

These windows have more airflow, allowing for full maneuverability using a vertical hinge. They either swing in or out (like a door), and you operate them easily with a crank.

Awning Windows

Similar in style and functionality to casement windows, awning windows are crank operated, but have horizontal hinges, not vertical ones. The sash is attached by one or more hinges at the top of the frame so you can swing the window out.

Bay Windows

These are common for homeowners who want to create a cozy nook space. Comprising a series of windows (typically three or more), usually you have a large picture window flanked by two smaller windows at the sides.

Bow Windows

Similar in look to a bay window, these have angled edges at connection points to provide a half-circle shape that curves.

Arched Windows

Arched windows are decorative in nature and usually stationary. They feature rounded tops for an appealing architectural design. These are among the most expensive windows to install aside from custom shapes.

They are usually installed above standard windows so you can get ventilation. You may even consider installing a multi-arch structure with square or rectangular window panes on the sides and arched curved windows on top.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows have tracks running above and below the window. You open them by pushing them to one side. Usually it takes just a gentle push of a finger to operate these versatile windows.

They are more inexpensive than other designs. This durability and easy-to-use functionality has ensured it remains a popular choice for many homeowners. Consider this design as an alternative to casement windows that could be impeded by the vertical hinge.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

If you’re still unsure which kind of window you need for your home, contact us in Southlake, home to 30,000, for your free estimate. We sell, design and install all types of windows, including the ones above as well as custom designs.

If you have a small Plano home, or perhaps just a small room or two, you may consider adding barn doors to save on space. When traditional swing doors threaten to cramp your room, try barn doors for their unique aesthetics and functionality. These statement pieces really open up floor space with tight rooms.

And because the farmhouse trend is still quite popular these days, you can’t go wrong with this door style in Plano, home to 293,000 people, many Fortune 1000 companies, and 10,000 businesses, according to the Plano Chamber of Commerce.

This ninth largest city in Texas has many diverse neighborhoods with lots of different home styles. If you have a smaller home, such as a ranch, you may benefit from barn doors. These versatile space-saving solutions can be used instead of traditional swinging doors in any room. Add a mounted barn door to your kitchen pantry, guestroom or playroom, for example.

It’s time you reclaimed valuable wall space and square footage. In fact, sliding barn doors may add up to 14 sq ft of floor space. The absence of a swing door allows for more flexible furniture arrangement while adding extra space for shelves or seating areas.

Creative Ways to Use a Barn Door in Plano

On top of the space savings, here are some great ways to utilize barn doors throughout your Plano home.

Conceal a Pantry

Looking to hide a messy kitchen pantry? Use a chalkboard barn door where you can write out your weekly menus, grocery lists, to-do’s, reminders, and more. Chalkboard theme barn doors are also perfect for kids’ bedrooms and playrooms.

Hide a Bathroom

If you have a half bath and you’re short on space, add a barn door to open up the area.

Mask Laundry Supplies

Who says you need a full-sized barn door for it to be useful? You may want to consider a cute mini-barn door in your laundry room to conceal washer-dryer units, trash cans, racks, laundry supplies and detergent. Your guests don’t need to see all that!

Add Mirrors to It

A mirrored barn door can be a great alternative to a traditional bathroom or closet door. Not only will the room look bigger, it will save you the space you would have had to sacrifice with an additional hanging mirror.

Hide Storage

Use sliding barn doors to conceal your storage spaces in narrow hallways or entryways. This way, you can hide your cluttered closets or utility areas such as bike and sporting equipment storage.

Make Shutters

Your barn door doesn’t have to stay all in one piece. You can cut it up into several small pieces to create beautifully-crafted and unique interior shutters. Just attach hinges and decorative cut-outs and voila – you have a window covering worthy of conversation.

Showcase Wall Art

Use barn doors as gallery walls to display an eclectic collection of artwork and photographs.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Need more inspiration on adding barn doors to your Plano home? Browse our online selection, then contact us in Plano for your free estimate.

Whether you plan to open a restaurant, corporate office, art gallery, coffee shop or retail store, you will have to give some consideration to the type of door you will add. Even if you have an existing business in Dallas, you may be thinking of replacing your front door for aesthetics or security. In either case, the type of iron door you choose will be dictated by the type of business you own.

Ultimately, you want to create a beautiful and reliable look for your business, reflecting your brand’s personality, keeping your business safe, and projecting a professional image.

A Look at Iron Door Styles and Designs

Each type of iron door offers a unique style for any business. Wrought iron French doors, for instance, tend to be more welcoming than a traditional iron door due to the use of large glass panels.

Or, take pivot doors as another example. They open differently from standard doors and can accommodate a larger entry way, making them ideal for industrial interior designs.

Bi-fold iron doors pair well with modern business designs, featuring multiple glass panels that open up when you unfold them. They offer a more creative and open space. And lastly, custom-made iron doors can be very unique and innovative. As you can see, there are many options to choose from.

Considerations

There are many considerations to take into account when choosing an iron door for your Dallas business.

• Design: Select one that enhances the existing design of your business structure. Browse online galleries to see all the available styles out there today.
• Size: Take measurements of your doorway to ensure a precise fit, whether you need a single door or a double.
• Quality: Choose a quality iron material that can stand the test of time. After all, you will need your door to provide beauty as well as security for many years.
• Finish: You will need an anti-rust finish to ensure long-lasting beauty and weather resistance.

Types of Businesses

Let’s take a look at which types of iron doors complement various types of businesses.

• Real estate brokerage: Pivot and custom iron doors are a good choice here due to their sturdy, professional look that reassures clients and shows a trustworthy reputation.
• Luxury retail stores: Choose custom iron doors for an elegant yet safe way to showcase yet protect your high-end consumer goods.
• Corporate offices: Choose bi-fold iron or glass doors to showcase a professional interior look within your corporate spaces.
• Restaurants, bars, coffee shops: Bi-fold iron doors offer a welcoming and relaxing environment for customers.
• Art galleries: French iron doors showcase your unique, artsy style that can attract discerning clientele.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

No matter which type of business you have, our design team can work with you to create the perfect entry way for your company. Take some time to browse our website and then call us for a free quote and consultation.

Front doors are the lifeblood of any home. They showcase the home’s architectural style and highlight your personality. Some are bold and others are subdued. But no matter what, it’s important to make a statement with your front door, especially when you plan to put your house on the market soon.

Boost your home’s curb appeal and attract high-end buyers with these front door trends.

Wood Door Styles

Check out these four incredible and trendy wood door styles that will make sure you can close the deal quickly.

1. Natural wood: This is a simple yet elegant way to showcase the entry to your home, thanks to its traditional wood grain that can be stained or painted in virtually any shade. Many buyers love the appeal of a traditional wood front door and may pay extra for it. You can’t readily replicate the richness and beauty of wood. Depending on the type of wood you choose, you can achieve a casual and rustic look or an elegant and timeless look. The distinctive grain patterns of exotics add another element to your front porch for a striking visual impact.

2. Extra large doors: To make a grand first impression, consider installing an oversized hand-crafted wood front door at the front of your home. You are seeing more and more XL doors on new construction homes, with their impressive height and width attracting guests and visitors alike. XL doors can span up to 10-feet-wide and 12-feet-tall, bringing that wow factor to your property that people won’t be able to resist.
3. Dutch doors: These can help you balance privacy with visual connectivity. While once only used as a back door, charming Dutch doors are making their way to the front more and more. Not only does a Dutch door exude formality, it offers added convenience with a windowed top that can open separately. Harking back to classic Americana, Dutch doors are going through a revival of sorts.
4. Modern farmhouse: The neutral color scheme and natural textures of modern farmhouse doors blend contemporary design with a cozy aesthetic. This crisp and clean look brings forth feelings of comfort and warmth. Whether you choose a full lite door with glass from top to bottom or a quarter lite door that limits pane space to the top of the door, you can’t go wrong with a modern farmhouse front entry way.

Whether you plan to sell your house soon or you’re just looking to enhance the beauty of your exteriors, try one of the above wood door styles this year!

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Our team designs and installs all manner of wood doors no matter what style or trend you’re looking for. For more inspiration, browse our website or call us for a free quote and consultation.

Your front door is one of the most pivotal elements of your whole property, yet it’s the most overlooked by many homeowners. It serves as the focal point of your exteriors, to be sure, but it also boosts the style and function of your Dallas home’s interior.

Is it time to replace your front door? Take a look at these front door design trends for 2023 to give you inspiration.

Bold Colors

Many homeowners are scared off by bold colors and end up going with muted, natural tones. While there’s nothing wrong with this, it’s time to get bolder in 2023. Take a chance with bright reds, yellows, blues and teals to add a pop of color to your home. In contrast, keep your other designs more modest in nature.

Wide Doors

Who says you have to stick with a single door in a standard size? The trend is now moving towards wider doors, such as two-leaf doors or wider single doors. Give the feeling and appearance of a grand entrance simply by widening your entry door.

Glass Elements

Adding glass elements to doors is something that’s trending for 2023. You can do this by adding a glass insert to your front door or by installing a storm door with all-glass panels. This will encourage the infiltration of natural light into your home while making your entryway more inviting.

Fiberglass and Steel Doors

Fiberglass and steel doors are both stylish and durable. They come in a multitude of styles which you can even customize to complement the appearance of your home. Fiberglass doors are low in maintenance and don’t need to be painted or stained like wood doors. Steel doors are your most secure and durable option, but keep in mind they can get dented and scratched. Look for a steel door that has been powder coated for additional protection.

Natural Wood Stains

Available in many styles and colors, natural wood doors and stains make your home stand out in beautiful ways. Darker stains are trending, but if you really want a more subtle look, go with a lighter stain for charm and character.

Smart Features

Front doors are getting smarter in 2023. These doors can:

• Automatically lock upon exit and unlock upon arrival so you don’t have to fumble with your keys.
• Alert you when someone tries to gain entry.
• Alert you when someone is at your door.
• Open and close automatically for hands-free convenience
• Integrate with your other smart home devices for a seamless experience

Contact Dallas Door Designs

For more inspiration about 2023 trends in front doors, call us for a free quote and consultation today.

If you have noticed that your windows don’t open as easily as they used to, you may wonder how they got like that. Whether your windows are old or relatively new, your foundation can actually have a lot to do with why they’re sticking when you try to open or close them.

You may just decide to live with it like it is, or you may even replace it. But this doesn’t always fix the problem. The sticking can actually be the result of a serious foundation concern. Addressing the root cause is always best, so the same situation doesn’t happen again.

Reasons For Sticking Windows

There are many reasons that could contribute to your stubborn windows. Here are the most common.

Natural Occurrences

Stuck windows and doors can occur due to the settling of the foundation. This causes the soil under your home to shift, which can negatively impact the whole structure. If your area has gotten an unusual amount of rain, check around your home to see if you can spot signs of erosion.

Windows also often stick and warp due to excessive rain and humidity so make sure no moisture has made its way inside.

Poor Soil Preparation

Problems can arise with your foundation due to improper installation and pouring in the first place. If your foundation wasn’t stable from the get-go, it can suffer from the results of a poor soil base.

Soil preparation is vital to a well-functioning home. But when the soil under your home wasn’t properly prepared, one of the symptoms can lead to sticking doors and windows.

Inadequate Foundation Drainage

Frame warping is another symptom as a result of water getting into the frame of your window. This causes warping, which makes opening and closing it tough. Your frame may not have been properly waterproofed, which means moisture can infiltrate it and cause issues. It’s important to fix the waterproofing concerns first.

Signs of Sticky Doors and Windows

Here are some things to keep an eye out for when it comes to windows and doors that don’t operate properly.

• Windows and doors don’t open or close correctly.
• They need extra force to open or close.
• You see cracks appearing from the outside of the window or door frame.
• Your floors sag and dip, or are otherwise uneven.
• Door and window frames are out of square.
• You see gaps between your door and doorframe, compromising privacy.
• Windows and doors can’t be closed or opened all the way.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

If you have been having trouble opening and closing your windows properly, call us for a free quote and consultation on new custom windows.

You may not think too much about the doors in your home, but as it turns out, they do play a big part in your interior design. Who says you have to stick with the standard doors you see at your local home improvement store? Get creative and try a specialty door instead. They’re just as functional but add another layer of beauty to your décor.

Here are some top reasons to add a custom door to your home.

1.  Match Your Style

Any home is a reflection of the owner’s personality. Why not show off that unique style with a specialty door or two? They are available in a variety of materials such as wood, stainless steel and glass.

When choosing your door slab, think about what specialty door knobs will be required to complement it. Take pocket doors, for instance. They will need inset door knobs so the door is able to close flush into the wall. With a barn door, as another example, you can select a more ornate door knob.

2.  Custom Functionality

Glass doors are popular specialty doors these days, and that’s because more and more homeowners want to encourage the flow of natural light in their rooms — particularly great for patio doors.

Also rising in popularity are double doors, which are great for home offices and closets, as well as family rooms where you want to close off a separate area. They can function in different ways depending on the door hinges you select. Some operate similar to traditional French doors, while others operate on a rail system.

3.  Augment Curb Appeal

Using a specialty door as your front entry door is a great way to instantly boost curb appeal and property value. You can choose a beautiful door and ornate specialty door handle, of course, but just make sure the material and locking systems you choose are strong and secure. Explore your creative side, such as with a front entry door featuring sidelights and transoms with frosted or textured glass.

4.  Visual Interest

Having a statement wall as the focal point of your room is a big component of interior design.  Your specialty door creates visual interest without having to renovate the whole room or paint the walls. You can choose a dramatic door slab in a variety of materials such as reclaimed wood, chalkboard, scrap metal, leather, or mirror panels.

5.  Streamline Your Space

More and more homeowners are interested in modern, open floor plans. While a great interior design choice, open floor plans don’t offer much privacy. Specialty doors such as French or barn doors, can bridge that gap.

With custom doors, you get a wider door frame to work with than a traditional door, which affords more space. If you want privacy but still want natural light and visibility into the next room, consider a door with frosted, clear or textured glass.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Finding the perfect specialty or custom door doesn’t have to be hard. Consult with your trusted Dallas designer to help. Get started with a free quote and consultation at 214-973-0373.

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.

If you have a small space in your home, every interior design detail matters, as it maximizes the space’s functionality. For your small bathrooms, guest rooms, pantries and other tight spaces, choosing the right door, ideally with minimum doorway swing, makes all the difference. Let’s take a look at the best doors for tight spaces.

Barn Doors

Barn doors are ideal for small spaces, acting as an exterior pocket door that runs along a track. This type has no door swing, so you don’t need extra space inside the room to accommodate an opening or closing door. Barn doors, trending right now, come in all kinds of materials such as metal, wood, glass and mirror.

Barn doors are great for small bedrooms, bathrooms and even closets, and come in single and double versions.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors for small spaces help you maximize a room’s square footage. From frosted glass to mirror to wood, there are many ways you can customize these doors. Because they slide on a track from side to side, you don’t have to accommodate a swinging door, similar to barn doors above.  

Pocket Doors

These are similar to sliding doors, but the doors actually slide inside the wall with no exterior track. They are great for walk-in closets, basements, playrooms, laundry rooms, bathrooms and small apartments. They come in many different materials, such as wood, glass, reclaimed wood, salvaged scrap metal, mirror, or chalkboard.

Accordion Doors

These are designed to transform even the smallest of spaces. Accordion glass doors, for example, can be used on patios or balconies, which gives you extra space in your small bedroom. Accordion doors are also great for closets.

Bifold Doors

These are commonly found in laundry rooms, as they reduce door swing while still being able to close off the space. From traditional shutter-style to bifold barn doors, you have many styles available at your disposal.

Dutch Doors

Get plenty ofnatural light with Dutch doors, which are horizontally split in two. This means you can keep the top half open while keeping the bottom half closed for privacy. This type of door can visually expand any small space, and they usually come as single doors. However, you could use double Dutch doors for your patio, or even a small playroom, where you can keep the top half open for visibility yet the bottom half closed for containment.

French Doors

French doors are a great way to infiltrate your interiors with natural light. Choose from sliding French doors, bifold French doors, sliding French barn doors, and pivot French doors. You can use these in any room of the home, such as between a living room and sunroom. They add a luxurious touch to any décor.

Pivot Doors

Pivot doors have hinges that are mounted at the top and bottom side of your door rather than flush against the side. The door then rotates on a vertical axis, providing an interesting architectural style and unique visual appeal. They are best for modern homes.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

If you have a small space and aren’t sure which type of interior door would be right for you, let our designers take a look. Schedule your consultation now at 214-973-0373.