3 Types of Entry Doors

INTRODUCTION: 

Of all the doors around your home, the stakes don’t get much higher than your choice of front door. Your front entry door completes the overall look of your home, plays a huge role in your property’s curb appeal, and sets the stage for the style and décor throughout. On top of that, it has to stand up to the rigors of daily use, withstand the elements, and keep your home secure. It’s a lot to ask!

Thankfully, there is a huge variety of different types of entry doors on offer, balancing personal style choices with performance and security. The type of front door that you go for will also depend on factors such as your budget, the size and configuration of your entrance, and its direct exposure to the elements. You may find it helpful to learn more about entry doors sizes and the cost of entry doors to guide your search for your dream front door.

Let’s take a look at some front door ideas, as well as the pros and cons of each of these types of entry doors.

Fiberglass Entry Doors

Fiberglass is an unbeatable choice when it comes to withstanding the elements. A fiberglass entry door is durable and resilient, and – unlike wood – will not warp, split or peel with moisture and temperature changes. If your entrance is particularly exposed, this could be a good option for doors that will last. Fiberglass offers multiple different designs, and the smooth skin is easy to paint in the colour of your choice, for doors that suit your home and set the tone for the rest of your décor. These doors tend to be lightweight and low maintenance, but you don’t get the natural woodgrain character of solid timber.

Pros:

• Excellent weather resistance
• Guaranteed not to warp, split or rot
• Multiple styles
• Easy to paint
• Various glass options
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Skin can crack under force
• Less character than natural timber

Wooden Front Doors

Many homeowners choose solid timber doors for the elegance and rich character of natural wood. Timber doors offer a huge choice of styles and designs, with optional raised moulding, for anything from traditional charm to modern chic. You can choose to incorporate glass, to let in natural light, with frosted options for privacy and decorative glass for an added stylistic touch. Unlike other materials, solid timber doors can be stained in a light or dark stain to bring out the natural woodgrain, or you can paint them to match your home and décor.

Pros:

• Natural wood character
• Can be stained or painted
• Traditional and contemporary designs
• Good security, resilience and insulation
• Can be trimmed to fit existing framework

Cons:

• Require ongoing maintenance
• Can expand and contract with changing temperatures
• Can be more costly than other materials

Aluminium Entry Doors

An aluminium entry door combines a sleek frame with clear or translucent glass panes, for contemporary and slimline doors that let in plenty of natural light. Unlike wood, commercial grade aluminium will not swell, warp or crack with moisture or extreme temperatures. It’s durable and corrosion-resistant, and easy to wipe clean, so these doors tend to stay at their best for longer than some other options.

Pros:

• Highly durable
• Excellent weather resistance
• No rust or corrosion
• Sleek and contemporary
• Multiple configurations
• Choice of colours
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Both doors and installation can be costly
• Not as well insulated as solid timber doors

Unique Entry Doors

If you have unique specifications or just want something a little different, the Doors Plus collection includes some exclusive types of entry doors and some innovative front door ideas for your home.

For a grand and welcoming entrance, why not choose an extra large front door? You can choose from a wide range of designs and materials and go for a wider or taller door to create an eye-catching feature at the front of your home.

If security is a top priority, it doesn’t get much better than the Doors Plus Guardian 2 in 1 with integrated screen. Available in solid timber or composite, this unique solution has an integrated stainless steel mesh so there’s no need for an extra screen to cover your beautiful new front door. The extra strong SafeGlass panel can open up when you want to let the breeze in, while the mesh stays in place to keep out bugs or intruders.

We also offer a range of Harmony doors and side panels that incorporate a Venetian blind within two panels of SafeGlass. Whether you choose single or double doors, or a side panel to complement your chosen door, this unique design gives you the flexibility to balance light and privacy throughout the day. The blind can be raised, lowered or tilted using magnetic strips on the side of the panel, so there’s no fuss with messy cords.

To discover more unique entry door options, visit your local Doors Plus showroom.

Summary

As you can see, there are many different types of entry doors to choose from, and each style and material has its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to think about your priorities for your new front door – whether that’s aesthetics, security, insulation or durability – and balance these with the amount that you’re prepared to spend.

The best way to explore your options and be confident that you’re making the right choice for your home is to visit a showroom and check out the different ranges in person. At Doors Plus, one of our local door experts can talk you through the pros and cons of the various types of entry doors and help you find the right match.

We can also arrange a free measure and quote, and even send one of our experienced carpenters to install your new entry door when it’s ready. If you’re confident that you know how to install entry doors and have the experience and tools to do it yourself, we can simply arrange to deliver your doors to your home. Depending on your choice of material and configuration, we can also give you advice about how to insulate entry doors so that you get the best from your new doors for years to come.

Find your nearest Doors Plus showroom today and swing by for your personal consultation.