Barring constant exposure to extreme weather, a fiberglass door won’t require esthetic maintenance for over a decade. Fiberglass is a lightweight, strong material that can withstand a lot of tough treatment. Fiberglassįiberglass entry doors are quickly becoming the standard in most newly constructed homes, and for good reason. A wood door will likely land on the upper range of the price scale. Wood doors are known for their strength and wide range of custom options. If your front porch offers some shelter from the elements, however, consider a wood door as you make your decision. Even when protected by paint or sealer, wood will deteriorate in the face of lots of sun, extreme temperatures, and moisture. Regardless of whether your wooden door is painted or simply stained and sealed, plan on repainting or refinishing it every two to three years to keep the wood in good shape.Ī wood front door is probably not a good option for you if your home does not have a covered front porch. Wood front entry doors are a classic choice, but they are not maintenance-free. We Do Your Homework So You Don’t Have To. It’s all a lot to consider, but keep reading for the information I’ve compiled to help you choose the best exterior entry door and lock set for your home. Once you’ve chosen a door, you’ll need to decide on a locking handle and deadbolt. All those choices can be a little overwhelming.įiberglass or solid wood? Steel or aluminum? Six-panel or sidelights? What about a storm door?

If you’ve ever wandered through the home remodeling department of your local home improvement store, you’ve probably seen countless front entry doors stacked together or arranged in demo units. That being said, you don’t have to make it easy for them. When my home was broken into, I questioned everything in the house-the front door, the French doors that led to our backyard patio, every window in our sunroom, our lazy pups who didn’t make a sound-but the reality is that if someone wants to get into your home, they will find a way. And if you’ve ever experienced a break-in, you know how tenuous that barrier can feel. You may not want to think about it, but when you’re at home, your front door is all that separates you and your family from the outside world.

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