Your home’s entry door is the face of your house. It welcomes guests to your doorstep, improves the curb appeal of your property, and can make or break the look and function of the whole house. That’s a lot of responsibility riding on the perfect entry door. So how can you be sure you’re choosing the right one this summer? Here’s what to consider before buying the perfect entry door for warm weather appeal.
Material
The first step is to select the right material, all of which bring different benefits. Here are the most common options:
- Wood: Featuring charm and warmth, there are many types of wood doors, such as oak, mahogany, and Douglas fir. They each bring various textures and grains, plus they are highly customizable. Available in a wide range of stains and finishes, wood does require more maintenance than other materials and is vulnerable to the elements.
- Fiberglass: Featuring durability and versatility, fiberglass doors can mimic the appearance of wood yet with less maintenance. It’s resistant to dents, warping, cracking, and rusting, making it ideal for varying climates.
- Steel: Steel provides solid protection against intruders and weather. You can paint steel doors any color and they are energy efficient.
Style and Design
It’s important to choose an entry door that complements the architectural style of your home well. Keep these tips in mind:
- Traditional: If you’re going for a classic look, try panel-style doors with elegant detailing. Go with stained fiberglass or painted finishes in hues such as navy blue, rich red, and forest green.
- Modern: Featuring clean lines, sleek finishes in dark tones, large glass panels, and minimalistic hardware, modern doors are best for contemporary homes.
- Craftsman: Craftsman-style doors offer geometric designs with horizontal or vertical panels, usually made of wood stained with earth tones.
- Colonial: Try six-panel doors painted in classic black, white, or blue, with decorative sidelights and a transom window above.
- Coastal: These are made with weather-resistant materials and feature nautical accents in bright white or blue.
- Farmhouse: This type features classic panel designs, authentic hardware, and rich wood textures.
Color
The right color will set the tone for the character of your entire exterior. All other colors will hinge around the color of the entry door, so it’s important to stay within the color wheel to create a cohesive, consistent aesthetic:
- Exterior Palette: Think about the color of your siding and trim, as well as your landscaping. Use a color wheel to ensure your front door complements or contrasts these hues.
- Personality: What is the message you want to convey? For energy and warmth, go with a sunny yellow or vibrant red. For an air of calm and serenity, go with a light blue or gray door.
- Neighborhood Aesthetics: While you want to express your own style, you also want to harmonize with your neighbors to avoid clashing.
Functional Features
When it comes to the functional aspects of your front door, it should have a nice blend of security, energy efficiency and performance features. Consider fire-rated doors or impact-rated doors with impact glass for added security.
Hardware and Accessories
Hardware and accessories can add that finishing touch to your door. Complement the door’s finish and style by choosing the right handles, knobs, and knockers, as well as accessories such as mailboxes, outdoor lighting fixtures, and house numbers.
Contact Amazing Exteriors for Quality Entry Doors
We can connect you with the highest-quality steel and fiberglass entry doors by ProVia. We also offer Marvin Doors and Infinity from Marvin doors. To learn more, contact us today at 512-428-8417.
