About Front Doors
The front door sets the entire tone of a home. It can give folks the impression of a stately manor or offer the impression that the home is a dingy hovel. Front doors can be ornate, intricate and 9 or more feet high, while others are functional steel slabs, often high in security but not taste. Advancements in the door industry have made it possible to combine the best of both worlds. Front-door designs and materials have also advanced over the years, making the doors more durable and longer-lasting than ever before. Any front door should come with some type of warranty, as well as boasting a design that pleases the homeowner. Does this Spark an idea?
Function
Front doors make a statement, but they are also expected to fulfill some vital functions. In addition to being the first thing people see upon entering the home, thus setting the impression instantly, they need to do more than just look good. Quality front doors will be able to withstand all the elements, from freezing rain to blaring sun, and be tough enough to keep out burglars and other unwanted visitors. Doors set in a foyer or other open area may also serve to let in a little sunlight.
Types
Wood is one of the most common materials used for front doors, but it's not always the best choice. Wood is rich, fabulously grained and warm-looking, but it is also known to warp, crack and buckle. It's also more easily chopped through or broken by intruders. Metal doors provide better security, but older steel doors can also peel after years of weathering. A sturdier construction has come about for newer doors of all types: wood, steel, aluminum or even fiberglass. Wood and fiberglass doors are usually solid throughout, while steel or aluminum will have an insulated core and an outer covering.
Features
Even doors that are not made of wood often have a wood-grain finish, to resemble the real thing. This gives homeowners the warm wood look with the added security of metal or fiberglass. Some doors may stand alone, while others may be framed by door-length windows or even feature a double-door setup. Windows on the door itself are another option; they let light in but also allow for easier break-ins. Door hardware is another feature to consider. The small details--such as doorknobs, locks, door knockers, peepholes and other embellishments--can finish off the look with style.
Considerations
People who like to leave the front door open for additional sunlight or air may want to consider a storm door. A storm door can add a tacky touch or enhance the overall effect of the door it protects. Some of the most ornate storm doors are made of wrought iron, and are complete with full landscape scenes, animals, scrolls or a number of other designs. Wrought-iron storm doors are hugely popular in the southwest, but can be found nationwide. Other people may want to opt for a storm door that is the least noticeable, with a frame that matches the front door and no embellishments over the storm glass or screen. While many storm doors have very poor-quality locks, those with a sturdy metal frame can harbor fairly hefty locking systems that add one more layer of security to the home.
Warning
A quality installation will cost a pretty penny. Some doors themselves may be only a couple of hundred dollars, but the entire setup, hardware and installation fees may raise the price to thousands of dollars.
Heavy-duty doors, especially those chosen for their security value, will do no good if they are not properly installed with deep enough screws and sturdy enough locks.
Another consideration is which types of doors are allowed in the neighborhood. While doors can be a unique and personal statement, some homeowners' associations have strict guidelines that curtail the type---or even color---of door that's allowed on neighborhood homes.
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