Opening the Door to Design by Choosing a Front Door
Knock, knock.
Come on in! We couldn’t bear to greet you with a knock-knock joke, but you better believe we thought about it. After all, choosing the right front door is no laughing matter. Actually, choosing a front door is one of the most important design decisions you can make in your exterior design process. Your front door is one of the first things — if not the first thing — that your guests will interact with when they come to visit. Make a good first impression by choosing a door that speaks to your style but doesn’t leave function in the wake.
Style
When you open your front door for guests, their line of sight goes straight from looking at your door to looking at you — so your front door speaks a lot more about you than you think. It should match the architectural design of the rest of your home, but don’t be afraid to choose a color or style that stands out. From the classic six-panel to a more ornate arched door with stained glass, there are hundreds of ways to customize your front door.
Size
A standard front door is about 3 feet wide, maybe a little less. But maybe you’d prefer a 42” extra-wide door. Or, for you fancy-folk-at-heart out there, why not make a grand entrance with a beautiful double door? Again, there are a whole bunch of ways to go when choosing a front door.
Material
Many modern doors are built with wood, fiberglass, or steel. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:
- Wood: Always a naturally beautiful option, but can be resource-consuming to maintain wood doors. Because it’s sensitive to sun and moisture, you’ll have to check up on it at least once a year to keep it in good shape. But, boy, will it look good.
- Fiberglass: Affordable and durable, fiberglass can go years maintenance-free. These also generally have a foam core, which is excellent for insulation.
- Steel: It’s strong and it won’t warp or crack, but it might dent. Small dents can be fixed with car-repair kits, but bigger dents will require replacement. Depending on the core, steel will also conduct at least a little, if not a lot, of the outside temperature, so it isn’t great for extreme weather climates when it comes to energy efficiency. It’s one of the least expensive options, but that comes with some tradeoffs.
There are plenty of factors to take into account when choosing a front door, but don’t be afraid to take the step to make it your own. It’s the first thing people will interact with when they come to your house, so take the time to choose the right front door.
Choosing a Front Door in Maryland
Sure, we’re known for our windows, but we’re no slouches when it comes to doors, too!
For the past 20 years, Architectural Window Supply has been the go-to choice for homeowners, builders, and architects looking for personalized and knowledgeable service. We are an authorized dealer for leading brand names of upscale doors, such as Tradewood and JELD-WEN.
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