Which front door will go with the new house

How to choose the right exterior door for your new home. The front door plays a vital role in the facade of a modern house. It welcomes guests and visitors and protects the owners from unwanted visitors.

Before deciding which exterior door to install in your new home, you need to understand how well your door protects and insulates your home, how long it will last, and how much it will cost. The answers to questions about the right front door can be found in your builder's sales department, what material is best, and what types of doors they offer.

Material matters when it comes to the quality and cost of any element of a home - and exterior entry doors are no exception.

Choosing between all the options for door strength can seem overwhelming, but fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and steel have unique advantages and disadvantages that should be explored before deciding.

Fiberglass doors

Fiberglass doors are very affordable, durable, and beautiful for people who live in harsh or humid climates. Fiberglass doors mimic natural wood and are filled with styrofoam to prevent heat loss through the door. Fiberglass doors have an extended warranty period and are not susceptible to warping.

Fiberglass doors are a great option if you don't want to repaint your exterior doors often. Because fiberglass exterior doors are inexpensive, they are also a good option for people who like to remodel or want to give their front door some versatility.

Wooden doors

Wooden doors are the most common type of exterior door. Wood has a natural beauty that is both traditional and elegant.

Wooden front doors usually require more attention for maintenance. However, mahogany or walnut front doors can give a stunning look that is not available with other materials, still give homes a handmade effect that cannot be achieved with fiberglass or steel. Wood veneer doors cost as little as $200, and a genuinely luxurious solid wood door can cost as much as $2,000.

Wooden doors do need to be repainted every few years to keep them from damage. When buying wood doors, pay attention to the fine details and thickness. As a general rule, the thicker the paneling and the more intricate the carving, the better the quality of the door.

Iron Doors

Steel doors are the most affordable type of exterior door. Starting at $150 per door, steel doors are more robust than wood and fiberglass doors, and owners don't have to worry about cracking and warping.

A steel door can be dented or scratched, but breaking and thoroughly ruining it is problematic, unlike wood or fiberglass doors.

Steel doors usually come with a hinge system in place, so if you want one, you need to make sure that the hinges on the door are positioned so that they won't be inconvenient to use in the future. Steel doors have a polyester coating that needs to be repainted periodically, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or high humidity.

Aluminum doors

If you want to invest in a low-maintenance exterior door, choosing an aluminum door may be the right option for you. Aluminum door construction has an insulated core covered with aluminum cladding and treated with enamel. These doors never rust or need painting and almost always come with a 20-year warranty.

However, aluminum doors do not come cheap, unlike other types of doors. Homeowners have to buy custom aluminum doors exclusively through a dealer, so resolve this issue with your builder or during the design and approval phase. The cost of aluminum doors usually starts at about $600 per door.

Before you buy an exterior door, you need to weigh the cost of the gate against its ability to withstand the weather and protect your home. Choosing the right exterior doors makes an excellent first impression on a guest while reducing maintenance and utility costs.