How to Choose the Best Entry Door in Canada

The front door to your home is so much more than just a door. It is the fitting that welcomes you home each day, that gives outsiders a glimpse of your personal style, and it is the one element of your home that provides you with the greatest sense of security.

While the front door to your home should mirror the style and architecture of your home, it is also essential to choose one that offers security, durability, and functionality.

Things to Consider When Buying Entry Doors

Before you head out to buy a new front door, there are a few considerations to take that will stand you in good stead in the long run. Let's take a closer look at some of them:

Style

The style of your entry door is often dictated by the home's architectural design or by the look and feel of the facades. For example, the type of door designed for a Craftsman-style home would differ from that of a Victorian house.

It is essential to consider whether a stained-glass look is more appropriate or perhaps a more significant solid panel look is better suited.

Colour and finish are other features you will want to consider. Do you prefer the timeless look of a wooden door, or do you want something more eye-catching like a painted one?

If you choose a wooden door, would a lighter or darker wood suit the exterior of your home?

A steel door features a smooth surface that is easily painted, here you can think about what colour will complement your house's facade?

In the case of a Brownstone or Cape Cod style home that features a more minimalistic exterior will pair well with a door that has a pop of colour, such as a rich blue or red. More ornate homes are better suited to wooden doors or those in shades of black or white.

Durability

Entry doors need to be able to withstand continuous wear and tear. Besides being opened and closed numerous times each day, your front door acts as a barrier to the elements.

The climate plays a significant role in determining how long your front door will last. If your front entrance is exposed to the elements opting for a steel door is a better choice. When directly exposed to rain, sun, and freezing temperatures, wood is more likely to weather and crack.

If you opt for a glass door and live in an area that experiences sub-zero temperatures, make sure the glass is glazed to prevent cracking or breaking. When glass gets cold, it contracts but, as the day warms up, it will expand and may crack as a result. While this is unlikely, particularly in a high-quality door, it is something to keep in mind.

If you want to read up more on this here is an article that explains it well: https://www.windowscanada.com/whitepages/why-spontaneous-glass-breakage-occurs-canadian-choice-windows.html

Types of Front Doors

There is an assortment of different entry doors available. Each is made from a unique selection of materials that play a part in the overall look and feel of the door design and durability.

Let's take a look at the different front doors available:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are a great choice in that they are relatively inexpensive, durable, and don't require a lot of maintenance. These doors do well in all weather conditions, too, especially those that are humid or that experience sub-zero temperatures.

Fiberglass doors also often come with an insulated foam core that provides a protective barrier, making them more energy-efficient.

These doors are resistant to wear and tear and won't crack, rust, or become dented. In addition, you can find fiberglass doors with a smooth surface that you can paint or opt for one with a woodgrain finish that features a more natural look.

Steel

Steel doors are popular and understandably so. They are relatively inexpensive and don't require a lot of maintenance. In addition, a steel door comes in a wide selection of shapes and designs, making it easy to find one that fits with the aesthetic of your home.

While not as durable as a fiberglass door, a steel one is inexpensive to repair and offers exceptional insulation.

Steel front doors withstand various climates and the forces of the elements; however, keep in mind that should the door become scratched, you'll need to repaint it to prevent corrosion of the metal.

Wood

Wooden doors are luxurious, stylish and add a distinct look and feel that many others try to mimic. Unfortunately, while wooden entry doors look elegant, they are relatively expensive and require a fair amount of maintenance.

Although they are impervious to dents and rusting and cost little to repair, they don't do well with the elements. Wood is prone to taking on moisture which can lead to warping and cracks. In addition, direct exposure to sunlight can cause the wood to fade and cause cracks and fissures.

You will need to treat your wooden door at least once a year to keep it in top condition.

Tips for Buying the Best Front Doors

Once you have given thought to the style and material of your new front door, all you need to do is go out and buy one. Here are a few tips when purchasing a new entry door:

1. Choose a look that suits your home's architectural look and feel, but make sure it also offers curb appeal.

2. Give thought to whether you want a door that has a wood finish, or that is painted. If you go with painted, consider the colours that will best suit your home.

3. Consider your climate and how well-protected your door will be, and then choose a material for the door.

4. Carefully measure the dimensions of the door, so you get the right size. This will also make it easier to buy a pre-made door rather than waiting weeks for a custom design.

5. Considering the side of the entranceway will help you determine whether you need a single or a double door. If you have a larger opening but prefer the idea of having a single door, you can always custom design the frame and add in sidelights and transoms. This style is effective and costs a lot less than opting for a double door.

6. Give thought to other doors around the home. For example, if you have a patio door or a kitchen door, you may want to change these out to match the new one you're buying for your front door.

7. Shop around! Multiple manufacturers offer exceptional front doors. Each brand will feature its own selection of designs and features. If you're on a tight budget, this is another good reason to look a little more closely at what is out there. You can always do research online, too; this will give you a better idea about the prices you can expect and the styles on offer.

Cost of windows per square foot

Conclusion

Finding the perfect front door for your home may seem daunting at first, but once you have a good idea about what you want in terms of style, finish, and material, it will be far quicker and more straightforward to find.

Don't forget to add durability and functionality into the mix, and you're on your way to finding that door that perfectly complements your home.