Whether you’re building your house from scratch or are conducting some significant home renovations, it’s more than likely there will come a time when you’ll have to choose new doors.
It may sound like a pretty straightforward task — after all, what could there be to consider when choosing doors? However, if that’s what you think, you’re in for an unpleasant surprise.
For starters, there are different types of doors, such as inside doors, front doors, or garage doors, as well as a wide variety of materials they can be made of. Then, their level of security, insulation, and other features may also influence your final decision. And considering all these, you still need to stay within your budget.
While it might sound overwhelming, especially to someone who’s never thought about doors in this way in their life, you just need to approach it right, consider your needs and preferences, and gather all the necessary information.
Below, you will find a concise guide to choosing doors that will help you make an informed decision.
Types of Doors
As we’ve mentioned before, you can choose different types of doors for your house. Here are the most common ones:
- Front doors — As the first and most important doors in your house, they need to be both appealing and durable. They will also be subjected to the harshest weather conditions, so you need to choose a material that can withstand them.
- Interior doors — These include all the doors inside your house, such as bedroom or bathroom doors. They don’t need to be as robust as front doors but should still provide some level of privacy and noise reduction.
- Garage doors — One of the most commonly used doors in a household, garage doors need to be both durable and easy to operate. Make the wrong choice, and you may have to spend more on garage door repair than you would like.
- French doors — These doors have two panels that open outwards, similar to a patio door. They can be made from various materials but are most commonly made from wood or fiberglass.
- Storm doors — These exterior doors are installed in addition to your regular exterior door. They are typically made from metal or fiberglass and are designed to protect your regular exterior door from bad weather conditions.
Common Door Materials
Doors can be made of a variety of materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common ones are wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass.
- Wood — A classic choice, wood is a premium material that offers a high level of aesthetic value. However, it’s also the most expensive option and requires more maintenance than other materials.
- Steel — Steel doors are known for their durability and security. They’re also fire-resistant and offer good insulation. Conversely, they’re susceptible to rust and dents and are one of the heaviest door materials.
- Aluminum — Aluminum doors are a lighter alternative to steel doors. Their main benefits are that they’re resistant to corrosion and offer good insulation. Still, they’re not as sturdy as steel doors and are more susceptible to denting.
- Fiberglass — Fiberglass doors are a lightweight and low-maintenance option. They’re resistant to warping and offer good insulation. On the other hand, they’re not as durable as steel or aluminum doors.
Important Factors to Consider
You need to consider several factors when choosing doors for your house. Here are the most important ones:
- Security — This is one of the most important factors to consider, especially for front doors. You need to make sure the door is sturdy enough to deter potential burglars and is equipped with a good lock.
- Insulation — This is a crucial factor to consider if you live in an area with extreme temperatures. It would be best to select doors that can keep heat in during the winter and cool air during the summer.
- Noise Reduction — If you live in a busy area or have noisy family members, you need to make sure the door can reduce the amount of noise that enters your house.
- Privacy — It is a factor worth considering for inside doors, such as bedroom or bathroom doors. You need to ensure the door provides enough privacy for all people living in the house.
- Ease of Use — You need to make sure the door is easy to open and close. This element is especially important for doors used frequently, such as front or garage doors.
- Maintenance — Finally, you need to make sure the door is easy to maintain. Doors made of materials that require regular maintenance, such as wood doors, should provide you with straightforward ways to keep them in good shape.
Choosing the Right Doors for Your House
Last but not least, you need to think about various factors that may impact your decision, such as your needs and preferences, the style of your home, and the climate in which you live. Let’s go through these points one by one.
Your Needs and Preferences
When choosing doors, the most important thing is to determine what you need and want. What type of material do you prefer? Do you need an exterior door that can withstand bad weather conditions or something to keep the noise out? Perhaps you want a French door or a regular exterior door. Answer these questions to make the right decision.
The Style of Your House
The style of your house should also be a factor in your decision. If your house has a traditional style, a traditional wood door would be a better fit than a contemporary one. Conversely, if your house has a modern style, then a modern glass or metal door would be a better choice.
The Climate in Your Area
If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, such as scorching hot summers or freezing cold winters, you’ll need to choose an exterior door that can withstand those conditions. Remember that exterior doors made from metal or fiberglass are generally better at withstanding bad weather than those made from wood.
Shop Around and Compare Prices
Once you’ve decided on the type of door you want, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices. You can find good deals on doors from online retailers and home improvement stores.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right door is crucial for your house’s overall look and function. It can improve your property’s curb appeal and boost its value. At the same time, a fitting set of doors will showcase your creativity and design aptitude.
Nevertheless, choosing the right doors for your house can be tricky. Because of that, it’s essential to take your time and consider all your options. Remember that you can choose from numerous different types of doors and materials they can be made from. Additionally, remember all the factors that should influence your decision. And don’t forget to shop around for the best deals! Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to find the right doors for your house.
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