The first thing that greets people as they enter your home is your front door. The front door can also say a lot about your personal style. There is an overwhelming amount of options when it comes to choosing a front door, but a few guidelines can help you choose the right door for your home.

Style

Take into account the architecture of your home. Make sure the style of the door fits the architectural style of the rest of your home’s exterior. This is a great opportunity to let your personal style shine. Choose a door color, entryway accessories and hardware that reflect your personality. Consider glass, stained glass inserts or even an arched door.

Material

There are several options when it comes to front door materials.

Wood: Natural wood doors with a rich, organic appearance and visible wood grain, reflect a traditional home decor style. They can have raised panels or a glass insert installed to fit your personal preference.

Steel: Steel offers a more affordable option than solid wood. Steel is also an incredibly durable material. It won’t crack, peel or warp and is resistant to dents. These doors can be constructed with an insulated core to help with energy efficiency. Steel doors have a smooth appearance but can be personalized with panel and paint color choices.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass is also an affordable and durable option. They rarely need touchups and due to their foam core, they don’t conduct heat so they are a good choice in extreme climates.

Size

There are several choices and things to take into consideration when choosing the right size door. Take into account the size of your entryway. Will a standard single door of 32”-36” fit? Do you have a larger than normal doorway that can accommodate an extra wide single door? Anything beyond 42” will require a double door configuration. Have you taken into account decorative tiles and ornamental elements around the sides of the doors? These things will require proper measurements as well as framing for support.

Cost

Choosing the perfect front door that reflects your style is an investment in your home. Keep in mind the both initial and long term costs. Consider how well the door insulates and the impact it will have on your home energy costs. Consider the standard life expectancy of the door and how much maintenance will be required to keep it looking great.

Iron doors typically reside at the upper end of the price spectrum. Choosing wrought iron designs should be done very carefully to ensure that the ironwork complements the style and architecture of the exterior of your home and your entryway or foyer. Real wrought iron doors can add considerable value to your home that can stand the test of time if properly designed. Double entry doors present perhaps the best canvas for an artful iron design. If the cost is unwarranted in your plan, you will find many less expensive glass doors that provide a similar aesthetic to wrought iron.

For expert advice on the right front door for your home, contact the professional at Gilkey Windows of Central Kentucky. Contact us today or stop by our showroom to set up an in-home consultation. We proudly serve Lexington, Kentucky and the surrounding areas with project planning services for replacement doors and windows.