A wooden front door is a solid contender, according to a Consumer Reports study comparing them with steel and fiberglass doors. Wooden doors are best at resisting wear (they don't dent and scratches can be repaired) as long as you keep them maintained.
Craftsman Door — One of the most popular types of front doors on the market today, the Craftsman style goes with much more than just a Craftsman style house. You can recognize this style from the raised panels in the center of the door frame as well as the top glass panels.
Farmhouse and Updated Traditional are the most popular design styles out of the four, says Wolff. Coastal entry doors will often include the most glass because these homes tend to feature an abundance of natural light. Light and bright colors, such as whites and blues, are most popular for these entry doors as well.
Wood Exterior Doors
A wood exterior door is a classic choice for any home. If you prefer a more traditional look or are hoping to add a bit of character to your entryway, a wood door is a great choice, especially considering the natural energy-efficient components that wood has to offer.
Sadly all wooden front doors have the potential to twist and warp, so it is important to make sure any new replacement timber door is manufactured from materials not likely to do this, plus one that is designed and fabricated to prevent such a fate happening.
How long a wood door lasts depends on the type of wood, but on average most that have been properly maintained can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years or more. The most common woods used for solid exterior doors and their average life expectancy are: Cedar: 40 years. Mahogany: 60 years.
It's hard to go wrong with a neutral entry door color like gray, brown or black. These colors are classic hues that will stand the test of time. Even navy blues and deep shades of red are classic front door colors. If you want to go extremely minimalistic, you can stain your front door instead of painting it.
Create a polished and sophisticated entry by choosing exterior elements in a similar style. Look for the same color or metal finish for your entrance hardware, door knockers, house numbers, mailboxes, and porch lights.
It's hard to go wrong with black, and it may just be the king of popular door colors. Stately, formal, elegant, and bold, a black door makes itself heard without getting in the way. As trends change, black stands the test of time, so you'll benefit from this color for years to come.
Building codes and federal safety regulations will require that the glass in your front door, and for that matter all doors, uses a safety glazing product, such as tempered or laminated glass.
Advantages of Double Entry Doors
Having two entry doors side-by-side creates a symmetrical, prestigious aesthetic. Their distinct style helps make your home stand out. In fact, double entry doors can boost your curb-appeal and home value. Beyond looking nice, double entry doors improve your home's functionality.
When it comes to energy efficiency, fiberglass exterior doors are your best option. Fiberglass exterior doors are manufactured with a solid polyurethane foam core that insulates the door against extreme temperatures.
Wood Doors & Weather Elements
If it wasn't for the elements wood doors would remain the personal favorite for doors, and other exterior features like siding and windows. However, years of assessments have proved time and time again that wood and the weather don't cooperate very well. Wood can sag, peel, crack, or warp.
Despite the fact that steel has a reputation as a durable material, Consumer Reports found that as a general rule, wood and fiberglass perform better with day-to-day use and normal wear and tear. With heavy use, a steel door may dent, and the damage can be difficult and expensive to fix.
Fiberglass. Fiberglass exterior doors are among the strongest on the market. They're also some of the most energy-efficient. Fiberglass is a poor conductor of heat, making it energy-efficient on its own, but when insulation is added, it's hard to beat.
Choose glossy paint, and consider an oil-based version for the smoothest and most durable finish. Consider using a bold color, such as red, yellow, plum or peacock blue. If you prefer a more subdued look, opt for black, navy or bottle green.
So, what does a black front door mean? As the black color in Feng Shui symbolizes money and wealth for sure, it is always an excellent option to have a black front door. It represents the entrance to your home as well as your life.
In America a red front door holds the historical significance of meaning people are welcome at the homes that host a painted door. Travellers were welcome to rest and have a meal, and during the Civil War in the Underground Railroad, runaway slaves would also see a red door as a sign of a safe house.
You should put the same color across both sides of the door so that the swing upward to the you as you do the inward swing toward you. You must paint it the same color as the outside of the door when it swings outside since it swings when you open the door.
Seven Signs that It's Time to Replace Your Front Door. In an ideal world, your front door should last as long as your house stands. But if it's unprotected and exposed to the harsh elements of Northeast Ohio, then your door may only last 30 years or so.
Double Front Doors Cost
The average cost of double front doors is $1,500 to $5,000 installed. Double door prices range from $400 to $8,000 depending on the quality, style, and materials with labor adding $600 to $1,100.
It should take about 5 to 6 hours to complete an exterior door installation project, which should include the removal of an old door. Replacement for an interior door should take less time on average since that project will not have some steps associated with exterior door substitutions.