Front Doors
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
Looking to make a dramatic statement and enhance your curb appeal?
Look no further than a new front door. This is one home improvement project that can make a big impact.
Before selecting a front door, consider your home's architectural style and interior design. With a contemporary house, look for a front door with clean lines and minimal detailing. On the interior, if your window and door trim is stained you will want a door in a similar style that also can be stained.
Front doors typically are 32 or 36-inches wide and are made of fiberglass, steel or wood. Fiberglass is a popular option because it combines the durability of wood with the consistency of a material that withstands changing temperatures.
Fiberglass doors can be stained to resemble oak, cedar, cherry, walnut or a host of other woods. Or, consider painting your door a rich color to accent the front of your house.
Steel doors are the least expensive and typically are made with 25 or 24-gauge steel. They are susceptible to dents and might rust over time, however.
Wood is the most expensive material and gives the most luxurious look. When installed, a solid oak, mahogany or cherry door will make a strong first impression on any house. Consider a wood that blends with interior trim and kitchen cabinetry, or make a bold statement with a dark color or exotic wood species.
Also think about safety when buying a front door. You want a sturdy door with a well-designed locking system, and aluminum and stainless-steel parts.
Entry doors are priced from $500 to $700 for 32-inch steel doors with two panels in the front to $1,500 to $3,000 or more for fiberglass or wood doors with 4 to 6 panels, decorative glass sections and special details.
Depending on the age of the home and the way it was built, installing new doors can be a project for a handy do-it-yourselfer. If the door openings are uneven or an unusual size, however, the job will require more skills.
Other tips:
Look no further than a new front door. This is one home improvement project that can make a big impact.
Before selecting a front door, consider your home's architectural style and interior design. With a contemporary house, look for a front door with clean lines and minimal detailing. On the interior, if your window and door trim is stained you will want a door in a similar style that also can be stained.
Front doors typically are 32 or 36-inches wide and are made of fiberglass, steel or wood. Fiberglass is a popular option because it combines the durability of wood with the consistency of a material that withstands changing temperatures.
Fiberglass doors can be stained to resemble oak, cedar, cherry, walnut or a host of other woods. Or, consider painting your door a rich color to accent the front of your house.
Steel doors are the least expensive and typically are made with 25 or 24-gauge steel. They are susceptible to dents and might rust over time, however.
Wood is the most expensive material and gives the most luxurious look. When installed, a solid oak, mahogany or cherry door will make a strong first impression on any house. Consider a wood that blends with interior trim and kitchen cabinetry, or make a bold statement with a dark color or exotic wood species.
Also think about safety when buying a front door. You want a sturdy door with a well-designed locking system, and aluminum and stainless-steel parts.
Entry doors are priced from $500 to $700 for 32-inch steel doors with two panels in the front to $1,500 to $3,000 or more for fiberglass or wood doors with 4 to 6 panels, decorative glass sections and special details.
Depending on the age of the home and the way it was built, installing new doors can be a project for a handy do-it-yourselfer. If the door openings are uneven or an unusual size, however, the job will require more skills.
Other tips:
- Look for carved scrolling, leaf designs or other details that help create a truly custom door
- Try an exotic wood, such as Brazilian cherry, for a stunning look.
- Pay attention to the details in the glass - diamond patterns, brass caming (lines running through glass); etched shapes or colored glass can add plenty of impact
- Consider the warranty - this will help protect your investment
- When painting a front door consider that glossy finishes create a more formal look, while flat finishes are more casual.
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