How to Pick a Front Door

The front entry door is every house's focal point. In its own way, it defines the occupants of the house, through its simplicity or elegance, size, construction and color. Choose your front door the same way you would choose your home decoration style. Here are some tips to help you find the entryway that suits your home and personality.

Things You'll Need

• Budget
• House theme
• Time to shop

Instructions

1. Decide on the decorative theme of your home. Does your house have the straight lines and square angles of Japanese or minimalistic style? Does it have the curved and elaborate design of European or Victorian inspiration? Maybe the house has that country-style look of handcrafted logs and hardwood. Choose a door that complements the dominant style of your home architecture.

2. Decide on the level of security you prefer. Front doors are available not just in different decorative styles, but also in various levels of strength and security. Depending on your preference, you can choose a door that's reinforced with several layers of hardwood, or one that has metal or fiberglass reinforcements.

3. Decide on the durability of the door against the elements. Like your concrete walls, front doors will be exposed to wind, rain, snow and sunlight, but unlike your walls, the doors need to also be decorative. When choosing a door, consider your climate, the door's exposure to it and the vulnerability of the door's construction. It may be worth it to invest in an expensive decorative entrance that will remain structurally strong over a longer period of time.

4. Decide on the amount of light you want to let in. Doors can be designed with glazed glass accents to allow light to stream into the home. Options include stained glass and glazing that's break-in resistant.

5. Shop around before you buy. Door manufacturers always come up with new and cost-effective entry doors to fit a wide range of homeowner budgets. Some door models take the appearance of hardwood, but are actually composites that provide sufficient security and durability at an affordable price. Do your homework and get your dream door without breaking the bank.

Tips & Warnings

• Some front doors are equipped with thermal insulation (also called thermal break) that is best for homes exposed to extreme temperatures.

• Take your time in choosing a front door. This is a major home improvement that you will want to seriously deliberate on.

Resources

• Lowes: Choose an Exterior Door