Most homeowners know the value of a solid, high-quality entrance door. They understand that a door is not always just a door. They know that with entrance doors you can’t sacrifice function for form. They know that a dependable entrance door can enhance their homes physically and aesthetically. But what many don’t know is what to look for when they’re in the market for new entrance doors.
If you’re one of those homeowners who’s looking for a guide to buying a new entrance door and your flummoxed as to where to start, look no further. Toronto Doors and Windows has put together a list of all the factors that need to be considered when buying new entrance doors.
Entrance Door Mindset
First, you need to consider what you want from your front door. If you’re looking for a simple door that just works, you have nothing to worry about. The days of flimsy entrance doors have passed us by. Nearly any door that you find will provide you with a functional entrance for your home.
If you’re looking for something more complex that will offer you all of the same functionality as a simpler entrance door, there’s good news: New materials and styles of entrance door allow you to have just that
Material Matters
Next, you need to figure out which door material you prefer. There are a number of different materials from which modern doors are crafted and each offers its own special benefits to suit your individual needs.
- Wood: Wood is a classic material that offers a traditional feel and aesthetic beauty. Oak, mahogany, maple, and cherry entrance doors are widely available and look great as the entry to your home. However, wooden doors, while beautiful, do come with the added responsibility of regular maintenance to keep them looking fresh and new.
- Fiberglass: If you’re looking for a versatile door that can take nearly any shape and even mimic the beauty of wood, then fiberglass doors are your best bet. They offer better insulation than wooden doors, are more gouge- and scratch-resistant, and also require very little, if any, maintenance. Over the lifetime of a fiberglass door, you can expect minimal hassle and big energy savings.
- Steel: The final category of door is all metallic. They’re the second most expensive of the different materials, but offer you the added security of knowing that your entrance door is strong enough to defend your family. Steel doors offer the same protection against cracking and rotting as fiberglass doors, but tend not to insulate your home as well.
Style Selections
Now, the most exciting part: choosing what your door is actually going to look like. There are a few factors to consider when it comes to style. The material of your entrance door will not say much about you and your family, as most people will never touch it, but its style can speak volumes. Do you want people to think of your home as more traditional or would you prefer that people thought you were modern? No matter what, there’s a style of entrance door perfect for you.
- Traditional: More traditional entrance door styles like Georgian or Edwardian give your home an almost historic feeling, showcasing that you are the type of person who understands why traditions are important and has a certain level of refinement.
- Modern: Modern entrance doors can take an old-fashioned house and make it into something contemporary and lively. If you would prefer that your home have a sense of modernity, Toronto Doors and Windows has you covered with our vast selection of modern fiberglass doors.
Strong Silent Types
In these troubling times, safety is one of the few things that many of us are unwilling to compromise on. Protecting your family is important and every decision you make plays a part in keeping them safe, including what type of door you buy. It’s important that you consider what kind of security options a new entrance door will offer you and your family before you buy it. If the material doesn’t stand up to the possible abuse of home intruders, it’s a definite no-go. Ensure that the design doesn’t have too much fragile glass that could be broken in order to force entry into your home. Glass accents can make a door look more ornate, but they can also leave the locks on the inside vulnerable.
There are a lot of factors to look at when in the market for new entrance doors, but the most important are mindset, material, style, and safety. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at Toronto Doors and Windows for advice or a new entrance door installation.
