Your front door is an opportunity to make a statement, and choosing the best door material says a lot about your design style.
The most popular door materials are wood, aluminum-clad wood, fiberglass, and steel. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right fit for your home is based on a number of factors.
Regardless of what material you choose, it is critical that you have your front door professionally installed. Not only will a respected contracting company do an excellent job, but they will also be able to advise you on the best material for your area, house style, and budget.
How to Choose the Best Door Material
When it comes to choosing the best material for your front door, you need to consider your budget, the maintenance demands of each material, and the door styles you might want.
Wood, aluminum-clad wood, steel, and fiberglass doors can all have glass panel detailing. This design element allows more light into your home but also offers a way to add a unique aspect to your front door.
Some door materials cost more than others initially but are low maintenance long-term, which will end up saving you money. Wood is a classic material option, particularly for historic homes, but it does come with a lot of care requirements.
Aluminum-clad wood and fiberglass doors can give you the look of a wooden door without the same maintenance hassles.
Wood Doors
Wood doors are still a popular option because they offer a classic aesthetic. They are naturally energy-efficient and can have glass panels and historical detailing like stained or leaded glass.
You will need to regularly repaint, stain, or seal your wood doors to help weatherproof them. You can opt for an aluminum-clad wood door as this will increase its lifespan. It is vital that you keep your wooden door free of moisture to avoid rotting, swelling, warping, and pest damage.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors need less maintenance and resist dents and scratches with their long-lasting finish. This makes them ideal for a family home where kids and pets run rampant.
Fiberglass front doors are durable and work well in transitional homes. It is a high-performance and low-maintenance product that also comes with wood grain finish options. Fiberglass is also a budget-friendly option, so not only can you get the look of a wood door, but you can get it for cheaper.
Fiberglass doors offer better insulation than wood and steel doors which helps the energy efficiency of your home. Because fiberglass is resistant to moisture, you don’t need a storm door to protect it.
Steel Doors
Steel doors require less maintenance than wooden doors and are naturally strong. They look fantastic in modern, contemporary homes and offer a smooth surface and even color.
Steel doors are perfect if security and privacy are important to you. They are durable and long-lasting and don’t have the maintenance issues of warping, swelling, and rotting as wood does.
Steel doors are often thick, which makes them energy efficient. Steel is also great at keeping out neighborhood noise, so if your home is on a busy street, steel is a good option.
Ask the Experts about the Best Door Material Options
At Hawthorne Home Exteriors, we work with the best of the best when it comes to front door specialists. Our job is to offer advice and answer your questions about your door replacement project.
We offer best-in-class products and craftsmanship, so give us a call to discuss the best door material for your home.
