A new front door has the power to transform your home and create a great first impression for visitors. However, it pays to do your research properly beforehand – picking the wrong size or style could prove an expensive and time-consuming mistake.
There are several aspects to bear in mind when choosing things like windows and doors Brampton, including size, design, construction, material, budget, and accessories.
Size
Off-the-shelf doors can be found in a variety of standard popular sizes. These are generally classified by width, and range from 30″ to 36″. If your frame doesn’t conform to a standard size you may be able to trim the door to fit; many wooden doors can be reduced by up to 12mm along each edge.
In some cases, you might be better off buying a complete door set, which consists of a frame and matching door. This can be a particularly good move if you have an older property, where the original frame may have warped or even cracked over time. Alternatively, you may decide to pay a bit more and have the door made to measure.
Design
As the front door will set the tone for your entire home, it’s important to choose a design and colour in keeping with the overall architectural style. An ornate paneled and glazed door would suit a Victorian or Edwardian house, for example, whereas clean, minimalist lines are often the best choice for modern homes. This applies to other fittings such as door handles and letterboxes too.
Construction
The way the door has been constructed plays a part as well. Less expensive dowel doors are made from kiln-dried wood that has been assembled using fluted dowels (small wooden pegs) and adhesive. Premium M&T (mortice and tenon) doors are manufactured from specially selected kiln-dried timber and put together using traditional mortice and tenon joints and adhesive for superior weather-proofing properties.
Material
The most popular type of natural material used in external doors is timber, particularly oak, pine and hemlock. Solid timber is prone to cracking and warping over time, so nowadays most wooden doors are manufactured from engineered timber. This is made by gluing together small sections of wood to form a multi-layered construction that is stronger and more stable than solid timber. The components are covered in wood veneer afterward – a process that ensures matching colour and grain across the door panels.
Engineered timber is better for the environment, as the manufacturing process produces less waste. However, unless the door is supplied ready-finished you will have to coat it with paint or a high-performance wood stain to weather-proof the surface, and re-treat it on a regular basis.
Composite door sets made from fiberglass are becoming increasingly popular. Designed to resemble timber, they are manufactured from a mixture of glass fibers and resin and are supplied complete with a steel and PVC reinforced frame. Weather-resistant and low maintenance, these doors come in a variety of colours, require no protective treatment, and provide a realistic-looking alternative to timber versions. They are also lighter than wooden doors, making them easier to hang, and will not warp or split.
Another low maintenance option is PVC. This heavy-duty plastic is still widely used for sliding patio doors but is less favoured for front doors nowadays due to its relatively flimsy construction and synthetic appearance.
Budget
Obviously, your choice will be influenced by the size of your budget. If the price is a major concern, consider a door made from engineered pine or hemlock. Many doors are available without glazing, so you have the option to insert your own patterned or stained glass for an individual touch. Buying an unfinished door and painting or staining it yourself will also save money. Single-glazed doors are usually the cheapest, but obviously don’t provide the same level of insulation as double or triple glazing, so can prove more expensive long-term.
Hardwood doors cost a little more, but are longer-lasting than pine and can still be found at reasonable rates. Oak is the premium option, offering an attractive grain, excellent weather resistance, and an undeniable feel of luxury.
Composite doors are more expensive than most timber doors initially but have the advantage of requiring no finishing or maintenance, saving time and money in the long run.
A good quality lock is also important – for the best protection, look for ones advertised as anti-bump, anti-pick and anti-drill. To finish off, you will probably want to add a knocker or bell.
These are just a few things to think about when choosing a door. But bear in mind that unless you have a porch or canopy, your front entryway will be at the mercy of the weather – so don’t automatically pick the cheapest option. A good quality door, properly finished, will stay looking good for many years and give the first impression that you can be proud of.
