Selecting the right front doors from your home

Front doors are the gateways to homes, protecting your home from intruders and setting the visual tone for visitors and neighbours. Whether you're building a new home or looking for a replacement door, it's important to know what features to look out for when shopping for one. However, buying a new front door involves more than just choosing a design you like.

From material and size to style, there are many things to keep in mind. Worry not. We’ve put together this useful guide to help you understand the various benefits and drawbacks of the different materials and styles so you can make a better decision when shopping for front doors for your home.

What are the different types of front doors?

Your search for the right front door starts by understanding the various types of front doors available on the market. The different types of front doors are categorised based on the material used in their construction. Doors can be constructed from a wide range of materials, but only a few stand out as the best. Below, we look at the various types of front doors.

Solid wood doors

Front doors made from wood are the most popular as they are durable, sturdy, and can be stained or painted in virtually any colour. A natural beauty, wood provides a high-end look that other materials cannot match. It also adds natural beauty and warmth to your home. Typically, wooden doors are made from solid wood that runs through the entire door. In addition, wood is easy to cut down to size, carve, and sand, making it a flexible option. Wood is also available in different species, with hardwoods like oak, cedar, mahogany, and poplar being the best options. The downside of wooden doors is that they require regular maintenance to prevent warping and fading. They may also need to be installed under a sheltered area to protect them from harsh weather conditions.

Steel doors

Strong and more durable than wooden doors, steel front doors are ideal for projects that need maximum security and energy efficiency. However, steel doors aren’t made of 100% steel. They often feature a wood core sandwiched between steel panels. Stainless steel front doors are relatively inexpensive and provide the weather resistance and security of pricier materials. Furthermore, stainless steel doors require little maintenance. However, steel can be hot when exposed to the sun.

Aluminium front doors

Like steel, aluminium front doors have an insulation core covered with a metal skin. Aluminium is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it one of the best options for front doors. Aluminium front doors are easy to maintain and don't need stains, varnishes, or paints. They are also tough and hard-wearing and come finished and lacquered to add a sleek, modern touch to your home. However, aluminium tends to expand when exposed to heat. However, aluminium front doors don’t suit all styles of homes. They are also expensive and can be water stained easily.

Fibreglass front doors

If you're looking for the beauty of wood, but with little maintenance, then fibreglass front doors are the best options. The texture and look of wood grain are mimicked and moulded into the fibreglass material, giving it the look of a regular door but with the extra benefit of durability. Fibreglass front doors are durable and more dent resistant than their steel counterparts. Most fibreglass doors have foam insulation that helps to conserve energy. In addition, fibreglass can be stained and painted.

Plastic front doors

Front doors made from plastic are inexpensive and secure. Unlike wood, they don't not split, making them a low-maintenance choice. In addition, plastic front doors are weather resistant and come in a wide range of colours to match your design theme. The main disadvantage of plastic doors is their finish – they cannot be painted or stained like wood. However, if you’re comfortable with the appearance of plastic, it’s a great alternative to wooden doors. Furthermore, they are lightweight, which means they are easier to install and won’t strain the hinges.

Glass front doors

Glass front doors are a popular choice for modern homes, and it’s easy to see why. They let natural light in, making your home feel brighter and more spacious. Additionally, front doors with glass panels are sleek and beautiful. They are a fantastic way to create a good first impression on guests. Glass doors are also easy to clean. They won't rust or warp and will remain in top condition for many years with minimal effort.

What front door size should you choose?

Besides material, one of the most important things to remember when shopping for a front door is size. Front doors come in different sizes, so you must know what size to choose so it can fit your door frame. Below, we examine standard door sizes to help you choose the perfect front door size.

Standard size of front doors

When it comes to front doors, there is a small variance in sizes. This is an advantage for homeowners as it means they won't have issues finding the right door sizes.

The standard measurements of a front door are 914 mm x 2,032 mm. You may also find doors that are as narrow as 762 mm and as tall as 2,438 mm.

The standard size for double doors is 1,828 mm x 2,032 mm. It can also be twice the width of a single door but at the same height.

You also need to determine the thickness of the current door. The standard thickness of front doors is 19.05 mm to 25.4 mm.

How to measure a front door

It’s important to take some measurements rather than assuming the standard door size will fit. When purchasing front doors, there is little room for error in measurements. So, the measurements need to be correct. Here are guidelines on how to measure your front door.

Door width –  To get the width of your door, measure the door opening at three points: top, middle, and bottom. The measurements may vary slightly in older properties, so always use the largest.

Door height – Take measurements from the brick opening, from the top to the floor on each side of the opening. If one side is taller than the, select the larger measurement. You may need to stand on a chair or a step ladder to reach the top of the door frame, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or family.

Door thickness – If you’re only looking for a replacement door and want to keep your existing door frame, you’ll need to measure your door’s thickness. To do this, simply measure the thickness of your existing door.

What front door style suits your home?

You can choose the strong, safest, and most durable door, but your property won't look good if it doesn't match your exterior. The best front doors blend functionality and style. They give a good first impression and hint at the interior vibe of your home. Here are a few front door styles you should know.

Traditional

Traditional style doors add timeless beauty to your home. These doors have evolved from European-style elements of the 18th and 19th centuries. Painted or stained traditional doors feature decorative panels and even a glass detail.

Modern

Modern-style homes started becoming popular in the mid-20th century. These front doors prioritise simplicity in place of ornate decorations. They feature smooth, clean lines that add the perfect touch to a modern, minimalistic home.

Rustic

Rustic-style homes feature natural, aged, and textured elements in their design. Wooden front doors and hammered look hinges make great choices for rustic homes. So, a rustic door would be the perfect option whether you have a mountain lodge, farmhouse, cottage, or Mediterranean-inspired home.

What colour and finish should you choose?

Choosing the right colour and finish will protect and enhance your front door. To get the best of wood’s natural beauty, take into account the different grain and stain options. When it comes to colour, paint gives you different finish options to choose from.

• Wood grain

The different wood species have different grain patterns. Grains can be straight, knotty, or interlocking. The grains, alongside the natural colour of the wood, determine the stain outcome. For example, mahogany has a unique swirly grain that looks like ripples, while oak has a distinctive pattern that resembles cat eyes.

• Wood stains

Wood stain is typically a sealant and colour applied to wood to enhance the natural colours of plain wood. For example, you can choose oak grain with a walnut finish, resulting in a darker brown. Since stains are designed to bring out the beauty of the wood grain, they are visible, unlike paint, which is opaque.

• Paint colours

There’s a wide range of colour options to choose from. You can keep it classic with black, add a pop of colour to a dull design, or make a bold statement with a yellow or red door. Painted doors are also great for letting your personality shine and enhancing your home's curb appeal.

Shop front doors at vidaXL

Here at vidaXL, we have a huge selection of beautiful front doors that add style and functionality to your home. Choose from a wide range of options, from traditional and rustic to modern designs that will make your door welcoming.

Whether you’re looking for a front door for your new home or a replacement door, we've got the perfect unit for you. Browse our collection today to find front doors that meet your needs.