Your Comprehensive Front Door Buying Guide

Buying a new front door is a significant investment, so it makes sense to examine all your options before committing to a purchase. This front door buying guide outlines six essential things to consider during your search.

When it comes to curb appeal, your front door can either be a game-changer or a deal-breaker. If you’re shopping for a front door but don’t know what to look for, there's no need to worry. This front door buying guide puts everything into perspective so you can choose the right option for your home. Read on to review six essential factors to consider when shopping for a new front door.

Door Material

First, you’ll need to determine if you want a door made from natural wood or fiberglass. Real wood is an excellent choice if you’d like to add an elegant touch to your entryway, but wood does tend to warp, peel, and deteriorate more rapidly than its fiberglass counterparts. While solid wood doors look better than many fiberglass alternatives, they are also more expensive upfront and often require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.

For the most part, fiberglass doors tout superior insulating properties and are cheaper to purchase, but they won’t offer the same natural look like a solid wood door. However, it’s important to remember that the quality of doors will fluctuate depending on the manufacturer, so take your time to review the specs of both fiberglass and wood options before making a decision.

Glass Options

The next thing to consider is the type of glass paneling installed on your new door. In short, more glass will provide more natural lighting but can present some security concerns. To strike a balance between safety and appearance, select a door with only a small section of glass installed at head level. You can also consider finding a door with glass panels reinforced by decorative wrought iron for added protection.

Remember, glass comes in a range of textures and colors to suit your preferences. Add a rippled effect to glass to obscure the view of nosey visitors or install stained glass panels for a more regal, unique touch.

Privacy

Another issue to consider is how much privacy your front door provides. Choose privacy glass, textured glass, or stained glass to allow natural light into your home without allowing visitors to peer inside. You may also want to think about installing interior blinds or drapes, especially if your door contains completely transparent glass panels.

Style and Aesthetics

Exteriors doors can be as intricately decorated as you’d like, so take your time to explore all the various customization options available to you. Most wood and fiberglass doors come with an array of trim options, finishes, and colors to accommodate your specific personal taste. Just be sure to select a door that closely matches your home’s exterior color schemes and design.

Durability

The overall strength of exterior doors will vary depending on the materials used in construction and the type of hardware installed. For the most part, fiberglass doors exhibit enhanced resistance to damage caused by moisture, mold, sun exposure, and seasonal changes. Harsh environmental conditions may be less of a concern if you have an awning or screen door protecting your entryway. In this case, a wood door may be a viable option. In terms of security, both solid wood and fiberglass doors offer comparable levels of defense against break-ins.

Warranty and Service

Ideally, your new front door should come with a comprehensive warranty and service agreement in case you encounter any issues. Since wood breaks down faster than other materials, these doors typically come with a much shorter warranty period, usually between 1 and 3 years. Many fiberglass doors come with longer warranty periods, but this will depend on the manufacturer of the door.

Door installation companies will also often guarantee the quality of their work while ensuring your new front door does not contain any defects upon delivery. Be sure to ask about any maintenance plans available to help keep your door functioning properly throughout its lifespan

Refer to this front door guide to narrow down your search to the best options available. If you’re looking for quality doors that meet your criteria and personal taste, Knockety likely has exactly what you need. We offer a wide range of wood and fiberglass exterior doors to choose from, each available with various trims, finishes, and customizable add-ons. We also offer expedited shipping on all our inventory items, including our beautiful double doors and side lites. Visit us to browse among some of the most impressive doors on the market today.