5 Things to Check Before You Buy a Front Door
If you are in the market for a front door, these are the questions you must ask
Front doors have an unenviable job – they must be able to withstand the sun, rain and wind, they should know when to look welcoming and when to seem forbidding; and they should do all this while looking good. Here is a list of attributes a good entry door must possess; if it has ticked all these boxes, you may take it home to meet the family.
Is your entryway standard? Or will it require something bigger, like a 42-inch extra-wide single door? Beyond that, you will need double doors. So, a good door must meet your size expectations.
Is it made of the right stuff?
Remember, the material you pick will affect the performance of your door in terms of durability and maintenance. Most modern doors are made of wood, fibreglass, or steel. You can choose from these, depending on your requirements.
Remember, the material you pick will affect the performance of your door in terms of durability and maintenance. Most modern doors are made of wood, fibreglass, or steel. You can choose from these, depending on your requirements.
Wood
Wood is the most widely used option because it is most easily customised to size, shape and style. Solid wood doors are sturdy and secure, warm and natural looking – but all this comes at a cost.
However, a little trouble is to be expected if a wooden door is exposed to the elements – warping and peeling being common ailments, but nothing that constant care and a spot of stain and polish won’t take care of.
Wood is the most widely used option because it is most easily customised to size, shape and style. Solid wood doors are sturdy and secure, warm and natural looking – but all this comes at a cost.
However, a little trouble is to be expected if a wooden door is exposed to the elements – warping and peeling being common ailments, but nothing that constant care and a spot of stain and polish won’t take care of.
Steel
Of the strong and silent variety, steel doors are perfect if you are looking for longevity and security. More affordable than wood, you can rely on them to not buckle under pressure — they won’t warp, crack or dent.
Most steel doors have an inner frame made of wood or steel. The cavities within the frame are filled with high-density foam insulation which gives them great energy efficiency.
Of the strong and silent variety, steel doors are perfect if you are looking for longevity and security. More affordable than wood, you can rely on them to not buckle under pressure — they won’t warp, crack or dent.
Most steel doors have an inner frame made of wood or steel. The cavities within the frame are filled with high-density foam insulation which gives them great energy efficiency.
Fibreglass
These smart cookies mimic the look of wood with the help of wood-grain texturing. Fibreglass composite doors are affordable, more durable than wood and offer a variety of price points. Low on maintenance, they can go years without needing touch-ups, so they are ideal for harsh climates. They come with a foam core, so they’ll save you money on energy bills.
These smart cookies mimic the look of wood with the help of wood-grain texturing. Fibreglass composite doors are affordable, more durable than wood and offer a variety of price points. Low on maintenance, they can go years without needing touch-ups, so they are ideal for harsh climates. They come with a foam core, so they’ll save you money on energy bills.
Does it make you feel secure?
if you are looking at superior security, steel is your go-to. Most steel doors are made from 24-gauge steel, making them harder to dent or kick in – something an intruder would soon find out at the cost of a broken leg. Fibreglass, made of composite materials clad in a fibreglass panel, is a stronger substance than wood. Having said that, a good lock system and a strong door frame is of utmost importance in all door types.
if you are looking at superior security, steel is your go-to. Most steel doors are made from 24-gauge steel, making them harder to dent or kick in – something an intruder would soon find out at the cost of a broken leg. Fibreglass, made of composite materials clad in a fibreglass panel, is a stronger substance than wood. Having said that, a good lock system and a strong door frame is of utmost importance in all door types.
Is your door airtight?
How airtight your door is reveals its level of energy efficiency. The most common way to lose energy is air seepage through the gaps around your front door. A good front door should be able to keep the warm air in during the colder months and the cold air in during the warmer months. Equally important, it should keep cold winter winds from finding a place to blow through and keep out environmental hazards such as rain and dust.
How airtight your door is reveals its level of energy efficiency. The most common way to lose energy is air seepage through the gaps around your front door. A good front door should be able to keep the warm air in during the colder months and the cold air in during the warmer months. Equally important, it should keep cold winter winds from finding a place to blow through and keep out environmental hazards such as rain and dust.
Does your front door have style?
Your front door should complement the design of your home and your own personal style. The good news is that even if you pick a plain old door, you can customise it to your liking.
Your front door should complement the design of your home and your own personal style. The good news is that even if you pick a plain old door, you can customise it to your liking.
If you don’t like the idea of glass panes in your main door, you have the option of:
Sidelights
Or transoms (glass windows on top of a door).
Other embellishments can come in the form of handles, knockers, mail slots and dressy panels.
Your front door sets the tone of your home. If it fits with the overall architecture of your home, is secure, highly durable and energy efficient, you know you’ve found the one.
Read more:
How to Choose a Front Door Colour
Make an Entrance With a Dramatic Front Door
Tell us:
What have you chosen for your front door? Post a picture in Comments below.
Read more:
How to Choose a Front Door Colour
Make an Entrance With a Dramatic Front Door
Tell us:
What have you chosen for your front door? Post a picture in Comments below.
Don’t let anyone tell you that size doesn’t matter. Imagine trying to get a king-size bed into your newly refurbished home, only to find out that the beautiful door you recently installed is playing spoilsport and not allowing it in. Contrary to popular perception, one size does not fit all. Height norms are more or less the same, at 80 inches. A standard single door is generally 32-36 inches wide.