Choosing The Right Exterior Doors for your Home

Entry doors serve an important purpose beyond curb appeal - Did you know there's a reason that entry doors on a house open inward?

Positioning hinges on the inside of a door provides added security from break-ins. Also, a door that opens inward helps protect against extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rain.

Cal Coast Window & Door is a part of TheHomeMag Northern California’s network of professionals. They can help you with everything from choosing the best entry door to entry door installation. With over 20 years of experience in window and door replacement, they’ve taken the time to compile a list of things you should consider when choosing an entry door.

Best Entry Door Materials

The most important thing to consider when choosing entry doors for your home is the material the door is made of. The door needs to be durable and able to withstand the elements. Below are some of the best materials for entry doors.

Wood

Wood is a common material for entry doors. For years it was the only option available, but it's still popular today. Wood is sturdy and versatile with many options for painting and staining.

Since it's a natural material, wood doors are susceptible to changes in the environment. Wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, which sometimes leads to warping. Wood doors can also rot with prolonged exposure to moisture. 

Steel

Steel is an excellent material for entry doors. It's durable and doesn't expand and contract as wood does. Steel doors also provide the most security.

If exposed to direct sunlight, steel doors can build up a lot of heat and become uncomfortable to touch. They are also less energy efficient than wood or fiberglass because heat or cold can be conducted through the surface of the door into your home.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is the newest material for entry doors and it's becoming very popular. Fiberglass doors are low maintenance and resistant to dents. They are also not affected by environmental factors like other types of entry doors.

Complement Your Home's Exterior

Once you've chosen the material for your entry doors, it's time to consider aesthetics. You will want to make sure that the door complements your home's architecture and exterior color scheme.

For example, if you live in a mid-century modern house, a steel or fiberglass door with glass panels would complement the style of your home. A traditional wood door would look out of place in this type of home. 

More Entry Door Tips

Material and style are the first things most people think of when choosing entry doors, but there are other factors you should keep in mind. Below are a few more items to consider when choosing your entry doors.

Price

As with any home improvement project, you need to consider your budget before choosing your entry doors. Steel and fiberglass doors are the least expensive, but there are several affordable options for wood doors.

Hardware

The material used for your entry doors isn't the only thing that impacts security. Make sure that your door has a multipoint locking system, solid hinges, and a high-quality handle.

Cal Coast Window & Door is a full service window and door replacement company located in the East Bay, offering a wide variety of top quality replacement products designed to fit every buyer’s imagination and budget. We’re proud to have them as part of our network of experienced and licensed pros. By hiring a TheHomeMag professional, you’re sure to get the job done right the first time. You can learn more about Cal Coast Windows & Doors here or call (925) 398-8184 to schedule a free consultation.