A Guide to Choosing the Right Front Door for Your Home

The front door to your home is among the first things visitors will see when they walk through your front gate. Any entry point to your home can succumb to the elements and wear and tear over time, which means you may need to look at door replacement at least once during homeownership. If that time is edging ever closer, it might be worth considering the information in this guide before you start shopping. 

Choose a Reputable Door Retailer

For safety, security, and aesthetics, you want your door to be strong, easy-care, and attractive. While there are plenty of door suppliers Sydney-wide, it pays to do your research to determine which one has a reputation for quality doors, such as Doors Plus. 

By choosing a door supplier you can trust, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as door delivery and installation, free measure and quote, finance options, and warranties. You may also benefit from superior materials that last the distance and keep your home secure. 

Pick a Style

Every home is different, with homeowners having specific preferences and tastes. Even some neighborhoods and suburbs can be different, with styles defined by homes’ exterior cladding, roofing, and gardens. 

Don’t rush into a door purchase just because a particular model was the cheapest. Instead, think about the style that’s going to suit your home the best. 

For example, simple, clean lines often suit new builds beautifully, while doors with windows and intricate designs are generally ideal options for classic-style properties. If you’re unsure what type of door will suit your home the best, ask for a door specialist’s advice. They will be more than happy to show you door examples in homes of varying styles to help you narrow down your options. 

Think About Materials

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing front door materials. Take a walk down your street, and you will surely notice that more than one door material has been used to create the most suitable entrance for each home. 

Think about what will be most fitting for your home based on functionality, longevity, and style. Of course, your budget may also factor into which material you choose. 

Steel

Some people like the strength, cost-effectiveness, and minimal maintenance requirements of steel doors. They may not always suit wet and saltwater environments, but their aesthetics and color options make them suitable for classic and contemporary homes alike. 

If safety is your main concern, you may also like to ask your chosen door specialist about reinforced steel doors. These can be both aesthetically pleasing and strong. 

Vinyl

Another inexpensive option is vinyl, which is quite a common option for storm doors and screen doors. They tend to have hollow cores, but generally boast a life expectancy of up to 20 years. 

Wood

The most popular for new and old homes alike is wood. You can choose from a wide variety of options like solid, hollow, and solid core and select a style that suits the look of your home. The beauty of wood is that it can last decades with careful maintenance. 

Consider Color

One of the hardest parts of the entire door purchasing process can be deciding which color you want it to be. Even wood doors, which are already a gorgeous color, can be stained to suit your home’s design and your preferences. 

Think about whether you want your door to blend in with your cladding or stand out in complete contrast. Some people go for natural hues like brown or white, while others select bold, statement colors, such as red, yellow, and blue. 

There is no right or wrong door color, just one that you like the most, and that ties in with your home’s décor overall. 

Think About Installation

If you are purchasing your front door from installers, you don’t have to worry about measuring or installing. They will typically provide a free measure and quote before allowing you to select the door you like and installing it for you. 

However, for homeowners who prefer to go down the DIY route, there can be more to think about than the door’s style, materials, and color. You also have to make sure you’ve measured the space correctly and have considered the door’s swing. 

Firstly, measure your current door’s length, width, and depth if you’re installing a new door into an existing jamb. Double-check your measurements so you can be sure of a perfect fit. However, measure your door jamb’s length, width, and depth if you’re replacing your front door with the pre-hung variety. 

Once you have written down the dimensions and have a new door in mind, decide whether you want it to swing to the left or right. Left-handed doors attach to the left side of your door jamb, while right-handed doors attach to the right. 

If you’re replacing an old door and you’re happy with the way it swings, keep the style the same. However, if you have had problems with traffic being blocked or walls being hit, consider whether the opposite side may make more sense for your new entrance. 

Don’t Neglect Door Hardware

You might have already decided on a door material, style, and color, but it’s essential not to neglect hardware. There are so many different components to consider, and not all will suit the look of your home or your new door. 

Door knobs and levers come in four types: keyed entrance, dummy, passage, and privacy. You can also purchase deadbolts, with most doors being pre-drilled to accept these. You will also need to buy door hinges to suit the door style or a complete handle set that generally comes with everything you need for a front door. 

It’s also worth putting thought into the metal types that are going to suit your home’s style the best. For example, stainless steel is stylish for contemporary homes while also being affordable and easy-care. 

Some homeowners with character homes may prefer bronze or wrought iron hardware which can sometimes appear more rustic. Another classic choice worth considering is brass, which can suit many new and older homes. 

As your front door is going to be the first thing most people notice about your home, it’s worth putting time and effort into the decision-making process. The more you explore the available options, the higher your chances of ending up with a front door you love.