Have you ever seen a home with an old, worn out front door? We’re talking chipped, scratched paint, rusty doorknob, the whole nine yards.
If you’ve ever seen a house like this, you know how hard it is to notice anything positive about it. Like it or not, you just get hypnotized by that unsightly front door!
If your house is the one that’s in need of a new front door, keep reading. Listed below are some great tips that will help you choose one that perfectly complements your home.
Why Buy a New Front Door?
Buying a new front door isn’t just about making your house look nicer — although that’s definitely a huge perk. Some of the other benefits that come with replacing your front door include:
- Increased home value
- Better security
- Better insulation and lower energy costs
- More durability
If any of these benefits appeal to you, then buying a new front door is probably a good idea.
How to Choose the Right Front Door
If you’ve decided to invest in a new front door, these guidelines can help you make sure you’re buying the best one for your home.
Assess the Current Damage
Sometimes, when you replace your front door, you simply have to remove the old door and secure a new one in its place. Other times, though, there is damage to the framing and you’ll need to do a little more work.
Common issues that people notice when they go to replace their front door include worn or rotting frames or frames that are crooked.
If you’re experiencing either of these issues, you’ll need to rip out the old framing and replace it. If your frame is crooked, you may also need to plane the top and bottom of the new door. This will help you ensure that it fits properly and hangs correctly (keep in mind that this is only an option if you’re buying a wood door).
Figure out what the state of your current door frame is before you start shopping for a new door. That way, you’ll have a better idea of what your budget is and you won’t be met with any surprises when you to install the new door.
Choose the Right Material
There are many different styles of front doors, and it’s fun to look through them all and choose one that looks nice and matches the exterior of your home. More important than the style of your door, though, is the material it’s made out of.
Many doors are made of several types of materials, but the surface material is the most important.
The following are some of the most common surface materials that you can choose from:
- Wood: Wood is attractive and versatile; most wood doors are made from oak, walnut, cherry, pine, fir, mahogany, or maple
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are durable and require little maintenance; they’re also cheaper than wood doors but can be stained to resemble them
- Steel: Steel doors are the best for people who prioritize security and durability since they’re stronger than wood and fiberglass and won’t warp or crack; they’re also less expensive than wood and fiberglass doors
- Aluminum: Aluminum doors are highly durable and can only be purchased through a dealer; they provide a great deal of security and are custom-built for your opening — because they must be custom-built, they’re the most expensive option
Once you’ve considered your budget and the material and style of door that you like best, you’ll be ready to start shopping.
Shopping Tips
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you start shopping for a new front door, but keeping these guidelines in mind can help you stay focused.
- Make sure all components come from the same manufacturer (this includes weatherstripping seals and threshold interlocks); that way, you’ll know that everything seals properly and works together the way it’s supposed to
- Look for low-e glazing on the windows; this provides additional security and reduces your risk of break-ins
- If you’re buying a steel or fiberglass door, make sure it has a thermal break to prevent drafts and ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible
These tips can help you sort through all the samples you’re being bombarded with and help you make the best choice for your home.
Consider a Storm Door
Initially, a storm door might seem like a ruse meant to trick you into spending more money — do you actually need two doors?
Depending on where you live, the answer may be yes.
If you live somewhere with extreme weather (lots of rain, hail, wind, or snow), a storm door can help protect your front door and keep it looking nice.
A storm door may also help you save money. It provides an extra layer of insulation to keep your energy bills down.
How to Save Money on a New Front Door
Depending on the type of front door you’re looking for, buying a new one can be a pretty big investment. Don’t let money stop you from getting the door you want, though.
These tips will help you get the front door of your dreams without breaking the bank:
- Choose steel or fiberglass instead of a natural wood door (remember you can always choose a new paint color or stain to brighten things up)
- Use clear glass in the windows instead of designer glass
- Choose standard colors instead of customizing
- Consider a single door instead of a double door
- Paint or stain your door yourself instead of having it prefinished at the factory
It’s also helpful to look for door sizes and styles that are already in stock. This eliminates any shipping costs.
Looking to Upgrade Your Home?
A new front door is one of the simplest ways for you to enhance your home. But, are you looking for more ways to upgrade and improve its appearance?
If so, be sure to check out our blog for all kinds of tips and tricks today.
Whether you’re redecorating on a budget or don’t know where to begin when it comes to renovating your house, we’ve got all the advice you need.