A new front door has the power to transform your house and create a great first impression for people. However, it pays to do your research correctly beforehand – choosing the wrong size or design could prove a costly and time-consuming mistake.

There are several elements to bear in mind while selecting door, such as size, design, structure, material, budget and accessories.

Size

Off-the-shelf doors are located in a variety of standard popular sizes. These are generally classified by width, and include 30″ to 36″. If your framework does not conform to some standard size you could have the ability to trim the doorway to match; many wooden doors can be decreased by up to 12mm along every edge.

In some instances you’re better off buying a complete door collection, which consists of a framework and fitting door. This may be a particularly good move if you have an older house, where the initial frame might have warped or cracked over time. As an alternative, you might decide to pay a bit more and have the doorway made to fit.

Design

Since the front door will set the tone for the entire house, it’s important to choose a design and color in keeping with the overall architectural design. An elaborate panelled and glazed door could suit a Victorian or Edwardian house, for example, whereas clean, minimalist lines are often the best choice for modern homes. This applies to additional fittings like door handles and correspondence boxes also.

Structure

The method by which in which the doorway has been constructed plays a part as well. Less expensive dowel doors are created from kiln-dried timber that has been assembled using fluted dowels (little wooden hooks) and glue. Premium M&T (mortice and tenon) doors are manufactured from specially selected kiln-dried timber and place together using traditional mortice and tenon joints and adhesive for superior weather-proofing properties.

Material

The most popular kind of natural substance used in external doors is wood, particularly walnut, pine and hemlock. Be cautious of wooden doors if you live in an area with high animal activity, you can always call Something is living in my attic to take care of those pesky critters so they dont ruin your new door. Solid timber is more prone to cracking and warping over time, therefore nowadays most wooden doors are manufactured from engineered timber. This is created by gluing together small sections of wood to make a multi-layered construction that’s stronger and more stable than solid timber. The components are covered in wood veneer afterwards – a process which ensures matching colour and grain throughout the door panels.

Engineered timber is better for your environment, since the production process generates less waste. But unless the door is provided ready-finished you will need to coat it with some high performance timber stain to weather-proof the surface, and re-treat it on a regular basis.

Composite door collections made of fibreglass are getting increasingly popular. Weather resistant and low maintenance, these doors come in an assortment of colours, require no protective therapy and provide a realistic-looking choice to timber versions. They are also lighter than wooden doorways, making them easier to hang, and will not warp or split.

Another minimal maintenance alternative is PVC. This heavy-duty plastic is still widely used for sliding patio doors, but is not as favoured for entrance doors nowadays due to its comparatively delicate construction and faux look.

Budget

If cost is a major concern, think about a door made from bamboo or hemlock. Many doors are available without glazing, and that means you have the option to insert your own stained or patterned glass for an individual touch. Buying an unfinished door and painting or staining yourself will save money. Single-glazed doors are usually the cheapest, but obviously do not provide the exact degree of insulation as triple or double glazing, which can prove more expensive lasting.

Hardwood doors cost a bit more, but are longer-lasting than walnut and can nevertheless be found at reasonable rates. Oak is the top choice, offering an attractive grain, exceptional weather resistance and an undeniable sense of luxury.

Composite doors are more costly than many timber doors originally but have the advantage of needing no maintenance or finishing, saving time and money in the long run.

You will also have to factor in the cost of door furniture. This can vary hugely, from approximately #10 for a set of simple chrome-effect zinc grips to more than #100 to get a superior set made from brass or polished nickel. You may find that a handle kit, comprising hinges, handles, fixing screws and a latch, is the most convenient alternative.

Letter boxes, also called letter plates, come in a vast range of styles and price points. You can grab a plain chrome-effect model for under $10, whilst brass letter plates begin at about #18.

A good quality lock can be significant – for the best protection, look for ones advertised as anti-bump, anti-pick and anti-drill. To finish off, you will most likely wish to put in a knocker or bell (unless you’ve decided on a letter plate incorporating a postal knocker).

To sum up…

These are just a few things to think about when selecting a door. However, bear in mind that unless you’ve got a canopy or porch, your front entrance way is going to be at the mercy of the weather – therefore do not automatically pick the cheapest option. A good excellent door, properly finished, will stay looking great for a number of years give a first impression which you may be pleased with.