Your front door is the centerpiece of your home’s exterior design; the first thing people will see. First impressions, as we know, are critical. A stunning front door will add desired curb appeal and sought-after charm to your home. But how do you even begin shopping for such an important design element? It’s not easy, as you can imagine. Your front door should be beautiful and durable, not to mention, it should also match the style of your house. Check out these tips for choosing a front door that’s right for you.
First and foremost, have a budget. It’s easy to spend a thousand dollars on a good front door; however, others can fall in the $10,000 range. Know your finances before you start shopping to prevent wanting a door that doesn’t even come close to what you want to spend.
Next, consider the style of your home. Technically, a front door should match your home’s architecture, although it’s quite common to select a door that stands out. Setting the rest of your home apart from the main entrance is becoming an appealing style element. Don’t be afraid to shop around and explore the options. You’re sure to find a unique door that will express your style while maximizing your home’s appeal.
Don’t forget to think about other style features, such as glass inserts or sidelites. These design elements can certainly increase what you’ll pay for the door, but they will also add a classy finish. You may find that a full stained glass insert within your door makes an incredible statement that a solid door with a smaller insert simply can’t achieve.
You’ll also want to determine which material fits your needs and wants. Most front doors are made from wood, fiberglass, or steel. It may be time-consuming, but it’s encouraged that you do research on each.
Wood is beautiful, but pricy and will require maintenance. As with all wood materials, it is susceptible to moisture and sun exposure, which could very well result in cracking or warping. It may need annual polish or staining to keep the wood looking fresh.
Fiberglass is sturdy, insulated, and affordable! A fiberglass front door will last for years and requires no maintenance. These doors have great energy efficiency because of the foam core other doors don’t have.
Steel is extremely durable. However, denting is the biggest threat to a steel front door. The depth of dent damage will determine if repair is an option or if an all-out door replacement is needed. This is the least expensive material of the three, but it will not last as long as wood or fiberglass.
At Fischer Lumber, we proudly carry doors made by the best: Signature, Marvin/Integrity, ThermaTru, and Signature. We offer a wide variety of exterior front doors with choices in several wood species including steel, wood-grain fiberglass and smooth fiberglass. We have plenty of styles and finish options to choose from that are sure to fit your desired look and budget. Call us today at (618) 259-7434 or drop by our showroom in E. Alton.