Selecting the Right Front Door

Replacing the exterior doors on a home is not always a simple decision. Several factors are incorporated into the decision making process, which must be considered before buying a door. Finding the right front door for a home will require planning, measuring and comparing different materials.

Consider the Style of the Home:

Exterior doors must match the style of the house. A home that follows traditional Victorian styles will need a different style of door than a Mediterranean style home. Consider the style and the current look of the door as inspiration for the appropriate replacement door.

When the original door seems out-of-place, homeowners should look up the style of the house and look for different doors to comparable houses. Looking at several houses will provide a better idea of different styles that might fit the exterior design of the building.

Measure the Space:

Replacing a door will require accurate measurements. Measure the current door or use the opening after removing the original door to determine the appropriate sizes.

A new door must have the same dimensions as the original or the space available to properly fit into the area. A measuring tape will provide accurate measurements for the height, length and depth of the door. Without all three measurements, it is not possible to pick out an appropriately sized replacement for the space.

Select a Material:

Several materials are available for an exterior door. While wood is a traditional material, homeowners can select steel or fiberglass materials as well. Weighing the advantages of each material will make the decision easier for many homeowners.

While wood is traditional and beautiful, it also requires more maintenance than other materials. Wood can warp or alter over time, which will require replacement or repairs to the material if it is not properly maintained. Wood also requires refinishing to keep the beautiful and warm appearance to the exterior of the home.

Steel is a strong and secure material, which is ideal for home safety. While the material is strong and reasonably low-cost, it does not last as long as other options. Homeowners should consider the possible damage from wind, rain and snow that might cause rusting before opting for the material.

Fiberglass is the best material for the least amount of required maintenance. The look of the material depends on preferred styles, but it can mimic the look of wood or steel. It also needs less work to maintain the material. The material is usually a mid-range cost, but it does not give the high-end feel of wood.

Select a Door:

The final aspect of buying a replacement door for a home is selecting the style, look, material and appropriate size exterior door. The style selection is ultimately a personal decision based on preferred looks, the style of the house and the options that will fit the door frame.

Selecting the best front door for a home is not challenging, but it does require appropriate measurements, styles and carefully selecting materials. Picking out the best door will update the exterior of a home without a high expense.

This post is brought to you by Molly Smith, an interior designer for 20 years. When it comes to selecting the perfect door for her home, she looks to http://www.beverleyhillshome.com/ They provide a range of replacement windows and doors Brampton and across Southern Ontario.