Need a New Front Door? Learn About the Best Materials for Exterior Doors

There are plenty of reasons to upgrade your front door. You might want a different color or an updated design. The existing door might not have been well maintained over the years. You might be looking for ways to make your house more energy efficient.

Whatever your reason, there’s no shortage to your options when it comes to finding the best entryway doors. In fact, the number of choices can get a little overwhelming!

To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of the best materials for your new front door. Keep reading to learn more!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 4 Ideas for Window Treatments for Sliding Glass Doors

5 Best Front Doors for Your House

Wooden exterior doors

Wood front doors are gorgeous and distinctive. They’re also endlessly customizable. Hard, dense woods, like oak or mahogany, work well for exterior doors. Alder and cedar are also popular choices. 

Paint your wooden door to complement your house, or stain it to let the natural wood grain show. If you change your mind in the future, wood doors can be stripped and refinished. Since a wood door can be carved and shaped by hand, it’s a great choice for a nonstandard doorway.

The primary downside to a wooden door is that dense wood is very heavy. This means that over time, the door might sag. It should also be kept out of direct weather as much as possible. For most people, that means installing a storm door. A glass storm door helps the wooden door stay in good condition for longer.

Steel entry doors  

If security and low maintenance requirements are your priority, give some serious consideration to a steel front door.

Steel doors are unbeatable in strength, and they offer great insulation. They can also be painted to match your house. You won’t have to worry about a steel door sagging or deteriorating with time.

There are a couple of drawbacks to a steel front door. If you opt for one, your measurements will need to be accurate. Steel doors can’t be shaved down. And while steel isn’t affected by the weather, it can be dented. Bare steel will rust quickly.   

Aluminum front doors

Aluminum doors are durable and low maintenance. While solid aluminum front doors aren’t common, aluminum frame storm and patio doors are very popular. They’re lightweight and energy efficient. 

Fiberglass entryway doors

Fiberglass front doors are another great option if you’re looking for durability, low maintenance, and plenty of design options. If the maintenance needs of a solid wood door are more than you’d prefer, consider fiberglass. It’s an excellent compromise.

The different finishes available for fiberglass doors look more natural than other options. They can also be painted, if you change design direction in the future. Fiberglass doors can fade over the years, but since they’re easily painted, don’t let that deter you. 

Vinyl front entry doors

Vinyl is a cost-effective, low-maintenance choice. Similar to aluminum, vinyl is typically not used for solid front doors. Most often, you’ll find vinyl used as the frame material for a patio or storm door.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Why Is My Living Room Cold?

Choosing a New Front Entry Door

A new front door can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. And replacing a door is relatively straightforward. It’s an easy one-day project with a tremendous return.

If you decide on a steel or fiberglass door, be sure to opt for an insulated version. That feature will help you save money on energy costs. It’ll make your entryway more comfortable, too. 

If you’ve fallen in love with a solid wood door but can’t swallow the price, look into a wood veneer front door. These doors have a solid core for strength. Because they aren’t solid wood, wood veneer doors are actually less likely to warp over time. They offer better insulation, too.

With so many great choices on the market, you’ll be able to find exactly what you want for the price you’re willing to pay. Not sure where to start your search? Door and window replacement companies are great resources. Their experts know the ins and outs of the best entry doors and can guide you through the whole process.

KEEP READING: Six Most Common Exterior House Repairs