Did you know that updating your front door will show you one of the best returns-on-investment of any home improvement project? It’s also simply one of the fastest and most effective ways to refresh the front of your home and add some wow-factor.
However, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices. There could actually be too many options, with so many styles and colours to choose from.
To help you make your decision a little easier, here are some of today’s most popular materials and where you might use them.
Fiberglass
This is a popular choice for people who want the look of a classic and rugged wooden door, without paying for real wood.
It’s important to know that fiberglass front doors require far less maintenance than wood doors, with no need to re-paint them or re-stain them. Their finish can also stand up to scratches and chips, which makes them a popular choice for families with pets or kids.
Steel
These heavy-duty doors are engineered to last a lifetime and look amazing while they do it.
These doors are the most popular on the market today and they come in a wide variety of colours and designs. They can match any aesthetic that you’re going for, whether it’s modern urban or a classic country home.
Many steel doors are also injected with polyurethane foam for a high R-value and exceptional energy-efficiency to keep your home warm in the winter, without driving up your utility bills.
Wooden Front Doors
A lot of people still love the classic wooden front door.
These are stylish and versatile. However, they are typically more expensive than fiberglass doors. They’re also not quite as energy-efficient as other materials.
They also require some maintenance from your end. Wooden doors need to be painted and treated to retain their weatherproofing and their look. Paint can also chip and scratch fairly easily.
A wood door may not be the best choice if you have kids with tiny winter boots that may kick the door, or pets that may scratch at it. They can also warp in extreme climates, which is why they’re most often found in covered areas or protected with some sort of storm door.
Aluminum
These doors have many of the same benefits as steel doors. However, they are lighter and not quite as heavy-duty.
On the downside, they have been known to show water stains from wet weather. The marks can be unsightly and get worse over time. These doors also have a history of expanding and weakening slightly in warm weather, which makes them more vulnerable to damage.
The price of aluminum has also been known to fluctuate, which makes these doors tricky to budget for if you’re planning well in advance.
We hope this list has made your decision-making a little easier. You still have to answer the big questions about colours, materials, and styles. However, if you take a look at your climate and your family’s needs, you can usually make a clear decision about which material will work well for you.
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