We don’t often think about it, but front doors are perhaps the single most important feature of most homes. They’re what mark the boundary between your private space and the rest of the world.
Therefore, when you buy a new front door for your home, it is usually a bigger decision than you think it is. Yes, you want it to be strong, but you also need it to communicate other things (and not just look pretty).
Fortunately, if you’re feeling confused, this guide is here to help. It runs through everything you need to consider before buying a new front door so you can make the best possible decision.
Choose A Suitable Material
You’ll want to start by choosing a suitable material. These days, there are plenty of options, but some are better than others.
Wood is okay, but it isn’t the strongest option. While it looks pretty, it tends to crack and splinter when bashed instead of warping and bending, meaning that it might not be suitable in a high-security situation.
Steel is perhaps the strongest and most durable. People with private dwellings that lead out onto public areas (including apartments) often rely on these to keep them safe and secure.
UPVC is another option in some parts of the world. This can crack and shatter a bit like wood, but it tends to be more pliable, especially when new. Furthermore, a lot of manufacturers strengthen their units by adding metal struts and reinforcements to the interiors, which, again, prevent them from being bashed in.
Then, finally, there’s fiberglass, similar to the material used in prefabricated in-ground pools. It’s low-maintenance, strong, and efficient, but it doesn’t look as attractive as most other options.
Choose The Style
Next, you’ll want to think about the style and design. Your front door should match the rest of your property’s exterior.
For example, modern sleek designs work best for modernist, new-build homes. Meanwhile, rustic options are superior for older houses.
Nobody can tell you which sort of door you should put on your property, so you’ll have to experiment and use design previews to see what works. As you swap through options, you should encounter doors that suit your style and make you feel the way you want to feel when approaching your home after a busy day.
Think About The Durability
Next, think about the durability and the level of effort you want to put into your property. Wood doors require the most maintenance because they are so prone to the elements, while UPVC can survive decades in direct sunlight without showing any signs of cracks or aging.
Steel and fiberglass are also ultra-durable options and can provide a set-and-forget experience. However, they also tend to be the most expensive.
Consider Your Budget
At the same time, you’ll want to consider your budget. New front doors can be costly (as anyone who’s shopped for them before will know).
Premium doors usually have decorative external hardware and perhaps enhanced locking mechanisms. They are also made of superior materials that protect your home and keep intruders out.
Budget doors often come with the basics, but they are far more affordable. It depends on you which you choose.
Consider The Locks
You also want to consider the locks for your new front door. Ideally, these should be as advanced as possible.
The best place to go is a local locksmith, especially if you want to keep your existing keys. Finding someone who understands the quality of locks and can provide advice is essential if you want to make the right decisions.
Don’t put a simple bolt on your front door. This option isn’t secure and could increase the risk of people breaking into your home. The best locks have multiple locking points up and down the door, making them harder to pry open using sheer physical force.
Consider The Color And Finish
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the color and finish of the door. You want something that’s going to complement your home’s exterior and give it an upgrade.
Sometimes, doors come pre-finished. However, you can buy plain wooden designs that you can paint and finish yourself whenever you want. These give you more flexibility and let you choose the paint color and the hardware you want.
If you want to choose the grain, you can do that too with a plain wooden door. You can’t do that with other options, but those are more likely to be bespoke anyway.
So there you have it: some of the factors you should consider before buying a new front door.
