How to Choose a Front Door

Your front door is one of the first aspects many people will notice about your home. Choosing the perfect front door is just like choosing the perfect piece of jewelry to wear for a special occasion. Your front door choice makes a statement and can create a one of a kind look for your home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tape measure
• Paper
• Pencil
• Camera (optional)

Preparation

1. Measure the height and width of your front door. Open the door and measure the actual door, not just what area you can see while your front door is closed.
2. Write down the measurements so there is no room for error.
3. Stand in front of your house at street level. Look at the color of your home, the style of your home, as well as any existing architectural details. Make note of all of these details on the same paper on which you wrote the measurements.
4. Search online for websites that sell front doors. Peruse the different styles of doors as well as the colors. Get familiar with available styles and looks.
5. Visit the local home improvement store to see front doors in person.

Choosing the Front Door

6. Decide whether you want a wood or aluminum front door. This will narrow your choices.
7. Choose a color. Try matching it to existing details on your home. If you have shutters then you might try to match the shutters.
8. Walk the aisles at your local home improvement store checking out the options for front doors in the material you choose as well as the color or stain you want.
9. Narrow your options down to three favorites. Take photos of each door with your camera. You can also take any brochures with photos of the front doors printed on them.
10. Take the photos or brochures home and stand in front of your house. Hold the photos out and compare to the look of your home.
11. Choose the front door that best accents the look of your home.

Tips & Warnings

• If your home has one main body color and then a trim color the front door is the perfect opportunity to add a third accent color. You can use a warm wood or bright color to liven up the look of a neutral home color.

Who Can Help:

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