How to Remodel Front Doors

Make a statement about your home and its personality with a front door remodel. Whether you refinish your existing door or replace it with a new one, establishing a plan for the remodeling project ensures its success. Like all home improvement projects, setting a budget before you begin the front door remodeling is important. The budget helps you to make decisions as you progress through the front door project.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Stain
• Paintbrushes
• Saw horses
• Door hardware

Instructions

Refinishing

1. Decide on a new finish if you are reusing your current front door. Choose from repainting the door or refinishing a wooden door.

2. Choose a color for the front door. Consider the rest of the house and how well the color will blend with its surroundings. If you choose a bold color for the door, choose one that complements the other colors on the home. If you stain a wooden door, determine how dark or light you want the finish to look.

3. Remove the door from its hinges, and lay it on sawhorses to refinish it. This allows you to put on an even coat of the stain or paint without drips. Allow the door to dry fully before rehanging it.

4. Choose new hardware for the front door. Consider the finish of the metal as well as the style of the door hardware to ensure it works with the rest of the home. Consider adding a door knocker and other coordinating accessories to finish off the look.

Replacing

1. Measure the existing front door if you plan to replace it with a new door. This will ensure you purchase the correct size door.

2. Select the material for the front door. Common options are wood, steel and aluminum.

3. Consider the style of the front door. The door should match the overall style of the home's exterior so it doesn't stand out. Decide if you want a solid door or a front door with a glass window in it.

4. Select the door based on your preferences in style and price. Select the door hardware at the same time.

5. Determine if you will handle the installation yourself or hire a contractor for the job. Assess your comfort level with the project before deciding how to handle the installation.

References

• Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate: Front Door Face Lift

Resources

• This Old House: Here's How to Pick a Front Door
• Reader's Digest: How to Replace an Exterior Entry Door