Having a perfect front door complements the style of your home. The style and the front door’s material generally depend on the homeowner’s preference, current needs, and budget. So, before you decide on the material, do your homework and consider the key factors in creating an informed decision. Reading and surfing the websites through blogs, videos, and other useful information may help you find the best material for your door.
The most preferred material is wood, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass due to their notable properties like insulation, visual appeal, and security. Yet, some homeowners tend to choose other materials than these or do a composite style. Considering door providers and installation services may also help you select high-quality materials. For instance, installing nova doors provides great choices for superior and energy-efficient doors.
In this article, you’ll know more about the materials that are best for your front door.
- Wood
Wood is the common choice for the front door, and it’s usually made of pine, mahogany, maple, or oak. The material is popular because it can be customized depending on the desired size, shape, and style. Wood materials can be personalized with decorative glass accents, sidelights, and ornaments. These materials are eco-friendly, attractive, and provide better security, but they’re expensive.
On the downside, wood needs regular maintenance since it’s prone to rotting, warping, and fading over time. Make sure that your door is cared for and protected from rain and harsh weather conditions. Some door materials are built with solid-core wooden veneer that’s quite affordable and less prone to decay.
- Steel
Steel is one of the safest and most attractive and reliable door materials for your home. The modern models are made with insulated foam between steel panels, making it energy-efficient. Another advantage is that steel doors are stylish, less expensive, and available in different colors.
However, a damaged steel door is hard to repair and needs a replacement for the entire door. Yet, minor scratches and rust can be solved with regular painting. Surely, with proper maintenance, the shelf life of your front door may extend a longer time.
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass materials provide a stunning look in combination with wood. The material is durable, resistant, energy-efficient, and low maintenance. Fiberglass doors are available in a variety of colors and style options.
The insulated core of fiberglass doors provides additional protection from adverse weather. Buying a high-quality and expensive type of fiberglass door type may save the homeowner some money in the long run due to its durability and integrity. Nevertheless, low-quality fiberglass is prone to cracks in winter or hard impact factors and fades easily during summer.
- PVC
Another best material for your front door is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These doors are a popular option recently since they’re cheap, lightweight, durable, energy-efficient, and require low maintenance. It’s also an ideal option for contemporary homes since it’s recyclable and resistant to rust and moisture.
PVC doors also provide great insulation properties, increasing the energy efficiency of your home. However, the material lacks styles, textures, and colors compared to other door materials. The installation process is a bit complicated since vinyl cracks may result from substantial pressure or impact. Consequently, the resulting cracks are impossible to repair and need total replacement.
- Aluminum
Aluminum is another in-demand material for front doors since it’s durable, resistant to moisture, and has high strength. These materials have less maintenance and don’t corrode easily. Another advantage is that aluminum materials are less expensive and convenient for storm doors and patio door frames. Storm doors protect the exterior door against the effects of inclement weather. In fact, aluminum door material is one of the best storm doors of 2020.
Unfortunately, the main disadvantage of this material is the presence of ugly water stains. Minor damages to the surface layer affect the overall look of the door. Aluminum doors don’t have insulating properties and are expensive, yet most people can afford them. When looking for a door material with a long-lasting warranty, an aluminum front door is the best option.
- Composite
Some homeowners tend to mix the mentioned materials above to balance the pros and cons. Composite door materials are the newest product on the market. These are made from several materials like glass-reinforced plastic, PVC, insulating foam, or wood. With the combined properties of unique materials, it makes them durable, strong, and secure.
The composite doors achieve their perfect quality due to the selective combination of the best properties of each material. The additional foam core provides better insulation, leading to increased energy efficiency. The attractive wooden effect brings out an aesthetically pleasing appeal, and it won’t fade and warp.
Another advantage of composite doors is that they’re low maintenance. However, this material is quite expensive since it’s composed of the best materials combined into one.
Final Thoughts
Considering the tips mentioned above may help homeowners land on the perfect door material, which could also provide additional curb appeal to the exterior of the property. It’s best to weigh out the pros and cons of each factor in terms of cost, security, durability, strength, maintenance, energy efficiency, and your preferred style. By taking the time to research and finding the best door installation services, you’ll achieve the desired output.
