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By Brittany McCain 

Professionals in the home improvement field continuously talk about curb appeal and improving your home for future buyers. Whether you are getting your home ready to sell or just making it more appealing for yourself, replacing your entry door can give your home an instant face lift and add to its curb appeal. 

The entry door is the natural focal point of your home from an outside view. It is the first thing visitors see upon arrival and it sets the tone for the entire house. Therefore, your entry door should be consistent with the style of your home and at the same time reflect your personal style. 

Given the wide variety of materials, styles, glass options and features available, choosing an entry door can be a time consuming task. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when selecting a new door. 

1. MATERIAL

You should first choose the material of your new door because it will determine the amount of maintenance required to keep the door in shape and also determine if the door will be painted or stained.

·       Steel: Little maintenance required other than a coat of paint every few years. Smooth finish that is paintable

·       Fiberglass: Less maintenance than wood yet can be made to look like wood with multiple woodgrain finishes and stains. Also available in a smooth finish resembling steel, yet won’t dent like steel. Paintable or stainable surface.

·       Wood: Requires the most attention yet gives home the beautiful look of real wood. Used traditionally for its versatility and wide selection. Paintable or stainable surface.

2. GLASS

Door glass increases the cost of your door or door unit, but also increases the value. It can add character to an otherwise plain door.

·       Transom: Glass insert above the door.

·       Sidelites: Glass inserts on both sides of the door. Available in multiple styles and sizes.

·       Door glass: Multiple styles and sizes.

3. HANDLES/KNOBS AND LOCKSETS (HARDWARE)

Obviously, security is the number one priority when it comes to choosing the locks for your new door, but you don’t have to sacrifice security for style. By complementing your door’s style with handle sets and locks, you can complete your door with a cohesive, finished look. Try matching the color of your locks to the caming of your glass or if you’ve chosen a door without glass, make sure the handle set and locks complement the color of your door. 

Investing in quality materials will add to the beauty and value of your home. While it may cost you more initially, your investment will keep the door operating smoothly, securely, and with little maintenance for years.

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