Your home’s front doors are a main focal point for the outside. They should be inviting to guests but also offer ironclad protection.
Shopping for exterior or interior doors can be a daunting task. But if you know what to look for, it can be much easier. Start by identifying which styles you like and which ones you hate.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a versatile front door material that offers a variety of styles and options. You can choose a door with a full glass insert that lets in lots of natural light or one with a 3/4 view that affords a little more privacy. These doors are also more durable than most and can resist dents, scratches, and rust. They are a good insulator and can help lower your energy costs.
Fiberglass doors are the perfect option for Texas since they don’t swell or shrink like other materials do during the summer and winter seasons. Masonite has several different fiberglass doors to choose from including Barrington, Belleville, and Oakcraft. These doors are available with smooth or textured surfaces and can be painted to match your home’s decor.
Wood
Wood front doors are still a favored option for many homeowners, offering classic beauty and customization options. They can be crafted into virtually any shape or size and feature unique woodgrain patterns and lustrous factory-applied stain finishes. They are also known for their durability, security and energy efficiency.
However, wood requires more maintenance compared to other materials, and is vulnerable to damage from water and sunlight. Unless properly sealed, it can rot, or become warped or cracked.
Humidity levels can cause wood to swell, while drier conditions can cause it to shrink. To avoid this, look for a durable species such as jarrah or khaya ivorensis (American Mahogany). These types of wood are resistant to moisture and high temperatures. They can also be sanded and refinished, allowing them to hold up against the Texas climate.
Steel
Steel front doors are highly popular with homeowners because they offer a range of benefits such as improved security and energy-efficiency. They also provide an attractive and sleek appearance to your home.
A steel front door is a good choice for Texas climates as it will not warp like wood or absorb moisture that can lead to rot. However, it’s important to keep your steel doors shaded from direct sunlight as the metal surfaces can get very hot.
Steel is more expensive than iron, but it’s still an excellent option for your home if you’re looking for a durable front door that can withstand intruders and bad weather. Unlike iron, steel doors don’t rust, so they require less maintenance such as periodic coloring and saving them from water.
Aluminum
When it comes to choosing the front door that best suits your home, there are many considerations. It should be attractive and match your aesthetic tastes, but it also needs to be safe and durable. It should keep out the elements and any intruders, while providing adequate protection from weather elements like freezing temperatures and heavy rain.
Wooden doors can be beautiful, but they’re also susceptible to moisture damage and warping. The humid Texas climate creates thick air with moisture, which wood absorbs like a sponge. This results in swelling that can make it difficult to open and close your door.
Aluminum is a sturdy material that’s easy to maintain. It’s also an excellent choice for screen or storm doors since it protects the interior of your door from harsh weather conditions and debris.
Custom
A lot of people are interested in the industrial look and wrought iron doors are a good way to achieve that. They can add a different style to your home and really make it stand out. These doors are very sturdy and also durable.
Another popular choice is wood. These can be painted or stained to match your entryway. They are also easy to maintain and can last a long time. They have a high u-factor, which means they help to keep the heat in your home during colder weather.
You can also add a custom design to your door, which can give it an unique look that is all your own. This can be a great addition to an older home or even just a doorway that has a strange shape.