Looking to update the look of your home? No need to spend a lot of money—a simple front door upgrade can do wonders for curb appeal! In fact, one of the first things guests and home buyers notice is your front door. Upgrading or making changes to your current front door is a wonderful way to get noticed! And if you are looking to sell, Realtor.com says updating your front door of is the second best return-on-your-investment renovation you can do—after a kitchen remodel.
Refresh and Renew
Replacing your front door is a great way to refresh and renew the appearance of your home. The front door is a focal point, and it makes a significant impact on the appearance of your home. When considering a new door, make sure to take materials into consideration as well as the style you want. You want a front door that is both nice to look at and secure!
Choosing the Right Material
There are four main types of materials to choose from when it comes to front doors. You can select fiberglass, steel, wrought iron, or wood. If you are setting out to replace your front door, you will need to decide if you want to replace your entire entryway or just your front door. Most doors are sold as an entryway package; this includes the door, the sill, and all of the weather strippings you will need.
If you’d rather just replace your door, you may be limited in your choices. This is because most fiberglass, wrought iron, and steel doors cannot be planed if they don’t fit your current frame.
Benefits of Each Material
All of these materials have their benefits. Choose the one that fits your needs best.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are often very affordable. This material is extremely durable, too. It is weather-resistant and energy-efficient, making it a very popular choice. Fiberglass doors come in a variety of colors and designs, or can be painted any color you choose. They often feature glass accents, too.
Steel: Steel doors are very economical. These doors require little upkeep, are durable, and won’t swell, shrink, or warp as wood doors can. Some of these doors come pre-insulated with energy-efficient foam, making them energy savers. Like fiberglass doors, they often feature glass details and can be painted any color.
Wrought Iron: Iron front doors are very popular for those who want a bit more security. They are the most secure doors you can choose, and iron front doors are also very durable and weather-resistant. They are very stylish and are often very detailed. Wrought iron doors are heavy, which is one reason they are so durable and secure.
Wood: Wood doors are sold at a variety of price points to fit any budget. They can feature windows, be paneled, be painted—they are very versatile. Wood doors are sold in a variety of wood types, and they can also be stained to match the rest of your home or your tastes. Some wood doors feature a steel core and are very secure. However, it’s important to note that wood doors require more upkeep than other materials. If not maintained correctly, they can swell, rot, or buckle.
No matter which material you choose, a new front door can really improve the look of your home and increase your home's value.
