Looking for a way to beautify the exterior of your residence?
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Written by Atila on July 27, 2008 – 4:56 pm
Looking for a way to beautify the exterior of your residence? Open up to new looks for your home’s entryway?
Entry doors must be durable sufficiently to withstand wind, rain, sun, and would-be intruders, yet handsome adequate to make a good first impression. Unfortunately, meeting those necessities is a tall order for many front doors.
Most older ones are made of wood or wood veneer, both of which warp, crack, and delaminate after years of exposure to the elements. Metal doors don’t last forever, either — the surface on some older steel doors can exfoliate.
DESIGN DRIVEN DOORS
Making over your house’s entryway is easier than ever with the wide range of creations (designs), materials and window options in front doors. Of course, that can be a mixed blessing if you don’t know where to start. The most important style consideration for an exterior door is whether it fits your residence’s architecture; front doors manufacturer Masonite offers: Barrington, Oakcraft and Belleville Fiberglass Doors, Masonite and Masonite Sta-Tru HD Steel Doors and Masonite Mahogany doors. To learn more about the doors below go to masonite.com.
MATERIALS THAT MATTER
Wood, fiberglass and steel are the main preferences in exterior doors. Classic design styles demand the look of wood: poplar, pine, mahogany, oak, alder or cherry. Fiberglass cast from hard wood comes close to the look and feel of the real stuff and offers a low maintenance alternative.
An insulated steel door is a practical, energy-efficient option. Door glass and hardware help establish the door’s style and improve its functionality. Balance your preferences with the relative importance of light, security and maintenance.
MATERIAL MATTERS
Most manufacturers offer dozens of door designs, and you’ll find a broad selection at lumberyards, home centers, and many door dealers. Or, create your own door. Some manufacturers let you specify the styles of panels and glass options you want.
But these doors have to be specially pre-ordered and take a few weeks for delivery. A third option is to have a local woodworker shop build a wood door according to your specs.
Perhaps the most important decision is what your entrance is made of. Most combine several materials; for example, many fiberglass and steel doors have wood frames. But it’s the surface material that most affects appearance, durability, security, and of course price.
DOOR CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS
- FIBERGLASS
Fiberglass passages (aka. doors) offer wood look-alikes with a large variety of glass and hardware options.
- STEEL
Steel entries resist rust and corrosion and are a good option for energy efficiency.
- WOOD
Custom wood doors can transform a boring entryway into a piece of art.
You always have the option to repaint and be done with it, but a new front door does wonders for your house’s curb allure. Go for it!
