Suggestions for a front entry door

anon94785555
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 06:03:34 +0000

Climate matters. Consider the insulation factor of the door. We had a wood west facing door in our old house- needed to have it restored (stain…) which kept a match with the interior doors. We also had a full glass storm door (a couple of years later than built- should have had it to begin with)and could have used the screen. Here in Florida we replace the front door with a fiberglass one, keeping a glass insert- larger, better and hurricane rated (think anti burglar/smash proof). It is under a portico so sun not an issue. Given the weather and so many rear windows we do not want a screen door which would let in heat/humidity and be unsecure. Our door could have been stained and had a wood grain appearance but I chose to paint it. House woodwork and window frames are white, chose a tan. Old house stain matched woodwork.

Agree with checking out the area for ideas. We have always had sidelights (full length) so no need for a window to see out of. The design should fit the house- ie traditional/contemporary/other. Color depends on stain/paint. For stain I would match interior woods. For color it depends on the house and can be repainted by the next owner.

Storm doors can help protect the front door and offer airflow/extra insulation.

Go online and read various manufacturers’ take on doors. The brands can vary with the region. By reading you will find how brand X is superior to others because of Y. They often offer comparisons. You can check on which features seem good for you and at what cost. We could have spent a lot less/more depending on the glass insert chosen from the same company. Having the leading within the glass makes it so much easier to clean than the old one (plus no leaks).

With your new door you will have to decide on the handle as well. Can’t find the feature I loved in the old house- lockable handle plus the dead bolt. Now only found the deadbolt in the handle styles. Chose Kwikset for two reasons (replaced all door handles in house- levers instead of knobs). With Kwikset we could easily rekey all locks to match ourselves instead of needing a locksmith. Also, harder to lock oneself out as you need to unlock closed doors to leave (with Schlage it was easy to go out to get the paper just by opening the locked door but then you could shut the door and lock yourself out).

The door handle color and style depend on your taste and the house. We never bothered with keyless entry for doors. Brands can vary in costs. You do want a 1" deadbolt of a better grade.

Ditto on replacing the frame. See if neighbors tend to have screen doors (ours does not but all have glass inserts).