Many people are concerned about choosing exterior doors that are not only aesthetic but functional. The exterior is supposed to make your space pleasing on the outside and protected on the inside. With how important they are, choosing an external door’s features may be a thoughtful process.
In this article, we’ll help you get all the necessary information to make informed decisions. We will discuss all the factors on how to choose exterior doors, mistakes to avoid, and more!
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Key Factors to Know How to Choose Exterior Doors
To make sure that you choose the right exterior doors, you have to keep in mind a few things:
1. Aesthetic Consideration
Your space’s appearance and layout play a major role in the style of exterior doors you choose. For instance, if your spaces lean towards a traditional style, then modern aluminum doors will not be a great fit. This is why you should ensure that the style and color of the exterior doors blend into the overall design of the space and not detract from it.
In addition, there are different types of exterior doors with different color and style choices available in the market. You can find options for a simple door or a door with a more intricate design. Whatever you choose from, ensure that one matches the aesthetic of your space to create a harmonious look.
2. Size
It takes more than just having to take proper measurements to choose the right size for exterior doors. There are different other door types, like patio or entry doors, that have two or more doors rather than one. In this case, the size of your entryway will matter, as you need to choose a door that will fit.
To find the appropriate size for your door, you have to measure the width and height of your entryway using a tape measure. This will determine the accurate measurement that you can link with the measurement of the doors and frame.
3. Safety and Security
The safety and security of the space greatly matter. When it comes to these features, steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass would be an excellent option. These materials are proven to be strong and durable, so your space will be protected from extreme weather or intruders.
However, such material is not enough to keep you and your space protected. You need to find an exterior door equipped with a locking mechanism and hardware. This would ensure that the door itself will not only be the barrier.
4. Durability
Among the factors to guide you on how to choose exterior doors is how durable they are. The durability of the door depends on the material it contains and how they are manufactured. The manufacturer should have strict quality control and new innovations to retain such quality. Also, some of the most durable door options for exterior locations are steel, aluminum, or fiberglass.
External door durability is also affected by different elements such as weather, location, and traffic. This includes the level of humidity, rainfall, and UV percent. For instance, if your location is frequently exposed to wind and rain, it would be an excellent choice to choose wood exterior doors, as they are more susceptible to warping and decay.
5. Material
The material of the door has a significant impact on the door’s insulation, durability, and security. This is why some materials are better for exterior doors than others. So when it comes to choosing an exterior door, you have to consider which material will work best for you and your space.
For instance, fiberglass exterior doors are made with a robust core that transfers energy effectively into and out of the space. Another one would be that steel exterior doors are stronger, which increases the likelihood of safety and security. However, there are more options for exterior door materials that come in diverse appearances and prices.
6. Cost
The cost of the exterior doors will depend on many factors, which you can find a door even with a tight budget. Some of the budget-friendly exterior doors on the market are timber wood doors that will give your space a rustic appearance due to their natural grain and stains. Another affordable option would be a steel exterior door that is extremely durable. However, with this range, you can expect that they have fewer options when it comes to aesthetic appearance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Exterior Doors
Among the things you have to remember on how to choose exterior doors is to avoid the common mistakes you might encounter.
1. Overlooking Design and Aesthetics
When it comes to exterior doors, you must not forget to leave the aesthetic and focus solely on practicality. Your exterior door will appear as the front of the space, which means that it can affect the impression of the space. So, you should not purchase the first thing you like without considering many factors.
You must spend some time evaluating and contrasting various designs of exterior doors. For instance, you can compare the style of aluminum exterior doors over solid wood exterior doors. This will allow you to envision if the style fits in the space.
2. Choosing Wrong Material
Choosing the proper material is crucial to the appearance and measurement of the exterior doors. There is a wide range of material options available on the market. However, you have to consider the materials that are not easier to knock down and have poor insulation properties.
For this reason, some of the best materials for exterior doors are wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and steel. This door is enough to bring out its longevity and durability. It will also keep your space protected and safe, leading to strict security.
3. Not Taking Precise Measurements
The right measurement is crucial because your door must fit perfectly in the entryway. There are other exterior doors that are ready to be installed and fit the standard of measurement. However, if your entryway does not fit in the standard measurement, you can ask a professional to do the measurement for you.
4. Ignoring the Inswing/Outswing Feature
The direction of your door can have a significant impact on how the door opens. There are different types of door openings, such as a pivot door that opens by swinging the door on a vertical axis. There is also a sliding door that opens by sliding it horizontally. With this variation, it is important that you consider the size of the entryway to ensure that the exterior door you choose will function properly.
5. Buying Only for the Door’s Price
Buying an exterior door will mark an expense in your savings, but you will get what you pay for. Although there are budget-friendly options, most of the time they are less insulating and will deteriorate over time. This is why you have to consider other factors aside from the cost of the door. For instance, you can buy an exterior door made of wood material, which is generally expensive but will be much less expensive over time due to lower maintenance costs and hardware replacement.
Types of Exterior Doors
When choosing for the exterior door, there are top options you can consider:
Solid Wood Exterior Doors
An exterior door made out of wood is one of the best options you can have, especially if you want to have a natural finish. Wood has a natural grain and stain finish that adds a traditional yet classic look to the space. The texture is also difficult to match, keeping a unique style.
Aside from its aesthetic, the door is also resilient and long-lasting. This is due to the fact that the wood material itself contains durability and is resistant to wear and tear. The only downside is they need to be painted and varnished regularly and are much more expensive.
Fiberglass Exterior Doors
Exterior doors made out of fiberglass are a practical alternative to wood material. Fiberglass comes in a wide variety of textures, and they can be painted or stained. This makes this option fit in various spaces, especially since the glass gives an open and refreshing feeling to the space.
Fiberglass exterior doors are also known to possess durability, energy efficiency, and security. Because of these features, this door is suitable for areas with extreme climates, as it can withstand harsh conditions.
Aluminum Exterior Doors
Aluminum material can provide the exterior doors with both a traditional and classic appearance. This door has a wide variety of designs and finishes that you can mix and match with your space’s design. It is also commonly paired with glass and wood, which makes personalization more possible.
In addition, aluminum provides stability and resiliency, leading to a long-lasting door. It also contains very little maintenance, as it needs to be wiped down once in a while. Because of their aesthetic appeal and functionality, the door can maintain its appearance and performance over the years.
Steel Exterior Doors
Steel in exterior doors is one of the most cost-effective and adaptable options. Steel exterior doors are superior when it comes to weather resistance and security. They will not break or crack even when exposed to extreme weather conditions.
In terms of their design, steel exterior doors do not have to appear like steel, as they can have customization options with colors, style, and design. However, despite these characteristics, steel is vulnerable to heat and cold transfer, which is why thermal breaks are needed.
Conclusion
The guide on how to choose exterior doors is made easy with the points to remember. Exterior doors are a gateway for the indoor and outdoor spaces. This is why the correct door guarantees safety, energy efficiency, and privacy. There are thousands of exterior doors on the market, so choosing the perfect one might be challenging. To start, you can explore a wide range of exterior doors from Mannlee!
