A front entry door is a vital part of your home as it’s one of the first things that people notice about your home. A beautiful entry door sets the tone of your home and leaves a lasting impression on guests. Besides the aesthetic appeal, exterior doors also provide security against harmful elements. Moreover, the high-quality exterior doors insulate your home and help cut costs on your energy bills.
Considering the functions performed by front entry doors, it is crucial to choose the best product. When it comes to buying an entry door, various options are available in the market. Your door selection depends on several factors and one such important consideration is the door material. Front entry doors are available in different materials that contribute to the curb appeal of your home and energy efficiency in different ways.
Whether you want a storm door, entry door or patio door, the best available materials are – wood, steel, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each of these materials offers some advantages and disadvantages, so the choice largely depends on your needs. In this post, we’ll take a look at these exterior door materials to help you pick the best option. Read on to learn about the basics of the best exterior door materials to make a well-informed decision.
- Wood
The wood exterior door is the traditional choice of homeowners. Wood is the most admired material because it looks elegant and is highly customizable. Wood entry doors are available in many types such as pine, oak, mahogany, and maple. Moreover, wood doors come in a variety of finishes and can be painted in any colors to match your décor. The only drawback of wooden exterior doors is that wood may peel or warp over time. You will need to take care of your door and may even need to refinish or repaint it. To achieve higher durability, you should consider installing wood doors with thicker panels, rails, and stiles.
- Steel
Steel is the best material for those who want maximum security, energy efficiency and strength. Insulated steel doors have a higher insulating value than wood doors and require little maintenance. When you install a steel front entry door, you don’t have to worry about warping or rusting. Whether you need protection from extreme weather or prevent break-ins, steel is the best option. Steel doors are also less expensive than wood or fiberglass doors. Steel exterior doors come in different styles and can be painted in any color. On the downside, steel is not as much customizable as wood. Also, you may need to repaint the finish from time to time.
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass entryways have become a popular choice in recent years. Insulated fiberglass doors are strong and energy efficient because these are made of composite materials. This material offers a splendid look of wood and can be stained or painted in any color. Moreover, unlike wood, fiberglass exterior doors are not vulnerable to warping or rotting. Fiberglass passage entryways also require very little or no maintenance. It has a foam center insulation to prevent seepage of warmed or cooled air. However, fiberglass doors may fade over time and are somewhat expensive.
- Vinyl
If you’re looking for an affordable option, vinyl can be the right choice for you. Vinyl is commonly used for patio door frames because these are low-cost doors. As an energy-efficient material, vinyl can help in lowering your electricity bills. It also needs little maintenance and can last for years. However, with vinyl, you get fewer color and style options.
- Aluminum
Another durable and energy-efficient material is aluminum. This material is quite similar to steel and fiberglass. Aluminum is a preferred material for patio and storm doors because it requires little maintenance. Unlike wooden doors, aluminum doors don’t rust or chip. Moreover, aluminum can also be customized in any shape and design to suit your taste.