Buying a new front door is exciting. It’s a chance for a new style, and to give the entryway of your home a little facelift. But, deciding which front door is right for your home when faced with the complete range of options available today is easier said than done. If you’re planning to buy a new front door, here are 6 questions to ask yourself to help you choose the right door for your home, your style, and your budget:
What Size Door Do I Need?
The first step to buying a new front door is figuring out what size door you need. While many entry doors are standard-sized, it’s not uncommon to see a front door that’s a little wide, or that has a unique feature like an arched top. Start by measuring the size of your door, so you can determine whether you’ll need a standard entry door, or if you’ll need to order a custom front door.
The most common entry door measurements are:
- Height: 80 inches (6ft 8inches)
- Width: 36-inches standard (though 30 and 32 inches are also popular)
- Thickness 1 ¾ inches
While these are the most common entry door measurements, there’s a range of standard entry door sizes, so it’s a good idea to check with your local lumber and supply store or with your favorite exterior door manufacturer to see if the entry door size you need is standard, or if it will have to be ordered. If you’re looking for a little help figuring out what size front door is right for your home, check out this Guide to Choosing the Right Size Door.
What’s My Budget for a New Front Door?
Once you’ve figured out what size door you need, it’s time to set your budget. Standard-sized entry doors are likely to be more affordable since manufacturers have them in stock and readily available. While a non-standard or custom-sized front-door might cost more when compared directly to a standard door of the same size and material, you can make up that added cost by opting for a more affordable material or finish. The biggest consideration to make at this stage is how much you’d like to spend. With a budget in mind, you’ll have an easier time answering the next few questions.
What Exterior Door Material is Right For Me?
Now that you know what size door you need, and you’ve established a budget, it’s time to figure out what exterior door material is right for your new front door. You have three major options, fiberglass, wood, and steel. Each material has unique pros and cons, from price to durability to energy efficiency.
For example, if you’re looking for a new front door that adds character, but is also energy efficient and heavy-duty, a solid wood door might be best for your home.
If you’re looking for a seriously durable option that offers versatility in color and style, a fiberglass door could be right for you. Or, if you’re looking for an affordable option you can paint, a steel door could be what you need.
We’ve broken down all the pros and cons of each material option for your new front door in our article Fiberglass vs. Wood vs. Steel: Which Type of Exterior Door is Right for You?. Be sure to check that out for more information about which material is right for your new front door.
What Front Door Style Best Suits My Home?
The next big decision to make is what style front door you’d like. It’s helpful to think about the style your home already has first. Is it a traditional colonial? Or a more modern, contemporary style home?
Choose a door style that compliments your home, but most importantly, choose a new front door that you like. It’s your front door after all — it’ll be welcoming your guests in for years to come. Whether you choose a wood door with a dutch glass panel or a fiberglass door with contemporary paneling, the style should be something you know you’ll like for a long time.
Is There an Exterior Door Brand You Prefer?
Have you always purchased exterior doors made by the same manufacturer? Or have you heard about a new brand you’re interested in? The brand of your new front door does matter — choosing a door made by a quality manufacturer can help guarantee that the product you get is one that will stand up against the sun, wind, rain, and more for years to come.
If this is the first time you’ve looked at exterior doors, or if it’s been a while, check out this blog on the Best Exterior Door Brands for your New Front Door. It breaks down some of the top-rated brands, showing you what their best products are, and which you should look at depending on the material and style you want for your new front door.
What’s the Warranty On This Entry Door?
Finally, before you buy any new front door, it’s important to check the warranty. Some brands offer amazing lifetime warranties as Therma Tru does for their fiberglass door series. Others might offer limited warranties on the product or the installation.
No matter what, check out the warranty on the new front door you plan to buy before you make your final decision. A new front door is a significant investment — one that you’ll likely live with for at least a decade — so it’s a good idea to make sure you’re comfortable with the warranty that’s protecting that investment.
If you’re ready for a new front door, now is a great time to find and install it, before the colder weather comes around! Stop into your local Zeeland Lumber & Supply showroom to check out some of our best front door options before winter sets in. No time to drop by? Just give us a call at 888-772-2119 or leave us a message online today.
