Exterior Door Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Door

The right exterior door does more for your home than allow guests inside. Exterior doors add curb appeal to the front of your home and keep your house protected. There are several outdoor entrances that require specific types of doors (patio, porch, garage) that are broken down further into various styles, so how do you find the right one to pick?

Whether you want to upgrade your welcoming first impression or are thinking of building a home, researching exterior doors is crucial before making a selection. There are various materials, styles, and costs to consider that go into your new door, which is why we spoke to expert Chris Smith of Keith Smith Construction, LLC for his take on the subject.

Smith says the first place to start when choosing a door is simply considering where it is in your home. "Location, location, location—where the door is going determines the right one to use," he says.

Ready to feel confident in your new exterior door purchase? We're breaking down all you need to know in this buying guide, plus detailing where to shop so you can spruce up your exterior in style and purpose.

Before Buying a New Exterior Door

Exterior doors go through a lot of wear and tear over the years that damage their appearance and function. If your current one has damage or no longer speaks to your style, it's time for a new one. Some exterior doors can use a fresh paint job to revitalize their look, but it makes more sense to switch to a new door entirely if the overall design isn't part of your aesthetic. Buying new doors shouldn't be rushed since it's a large investment, so it's important to take time with your selection.

Buying Considerations for Exterior Doors

Material

The material of your front door is a key component of choosing the right exterior door for security, durability, and insulation. Insulation is responsible for regulating the temperature inside your home year-round, and some materials are better with this than others.

• Fiberglass doors tend to be more energy-efficient since they're constructed with a core that's better with energy transfer.
• If durability and security are your top concerns, a steel door would be the best option since they're stronger than wood and fiberglass.
• For aesthetically pleasing doors, you're going to want to go with wood.

The material of your door is also going to have a significant impact on the overall cost. Wooden doors are often the most popular choice for their pleasing aesthetic, but Smith says this is your most expensive option—he notes that a wooden front door can set you back $5,000-$10,000. For a more budget-friendly pick that still has a gorgeous appearance, he recommends going with fiberglass.

Style

Every type of exterior door is broken down into individual styles, another factor to consider when selecting one. Smith notes that the Craftsman style is the most trendy for his business right now, but choose a style that matches the rest of your home's exterior for a cohesive design.

Size

Picking the right size for your exterior door is more than having the right measurements. Some options come with double doors instead of a singular door, like front entry and patio doors, but Smith says to be prepared to double your cost.

To collect the measurements of your exterior door, start by taking your measuring tape to measure the width and height of your current slab. You will need to round each measurement up to the nearest inch to determine the right size you'll need for your current frame.

Types of Exterior Doors

Front Entry Doors

Front entry doors are the most common type of exterior doors. They're at the main entrance to your home and what makes a first impression with your curb appeal. There's a lot of customization that goes into front entry doors with the selection of the material, color, and hardware for a personal look tailored to your style.

Patio Doors

Patio doors lead to your outside escape, whether it's a screened-in patio or an open deck. A popular selection for patio doors is French doors, but there are sliding glass options available.

Storm Doors

If you want to give your front door more protection from inclement weather, then you would benefit from a storm door. These doors are installed in front of your front entry door and are made with a strong glass center. Some storm doors are made with a top panel that has a lowering screen to provide more airflow, or you can select a full glass plane. Another major benefit to storm doors is that they add another layer of insulation to your home.

Screen Doors

Screen doors are hinged doors that go in front of your front entry door. Some screen doors come with an interchangeable mesh or glass interior that allows you to keep your front door open to enjoy views or bring in more air without the bugs.

There's often confusion about screen doors and storm doors since they are very similar, but their differences come down to their purpose and construction. Screen doors are meant to provide your home with more airflow and keep out bugs, while storm doors are designed to add another level of protection for your home against strong winds, rain, snow, and ice.

Security Doors

As the name suggests, security doors are designed to bring another level of protection to your home. Similar to screen doors, a security door goes in front of your front entry door and comes in a variety of styles. These doors are often made with aluminum, steel, or iron materials and can cover your front door completely or be constructed with spaced-out bars to allow your front door to still be visible.

Garage Doors

A garage door is a long, wide door that covers your garage and opens up manually or by an electric motor pairing. Some garage doors have small windows lining the top of the door, or you can choose a fully concealed option. These doors come in a variety of materials including steel, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass.

Cost

You can expect to spend at least $1,000 on a new exterior door, depending on the retailer and labor costs. Other factors that may increase the price of the door include new hardware, customization, and of course, the material you choose.

While your budget is something to keep in mind, this doesn't mean you should select the cheapest door. The average exterior door has a lifespan of 30 years or more if it's maintained properly and cleaned at least twice a year. You want to select an exterior door that's going to provide your home with style and security for years to come instead of one that will need replacing fairly quickly.

The good news is that every now and then you can catch a great sale on exterior doors around the beginning of spring for spring cleaning promotions, or around Labor Day.

How to Choose an Exterior Door

To help with the search, ask yourself the following questions to determine which type of exterior door will best fit your needs.

Where is your exterior door going?

Unless you're building a brand new home, odds are you're going to have to replace one exterior door at a time. Observe your home and determine which location needs a new door. Has your front entry door seen better days? Are you wanting to spruce up your outdoor living area? Knowing which location you'd like to start with will narrow your search to a certain type.

What style of exterior doors are your favorite?

Before you select any door, browse the available styles, colors, and features offered for your new exterior door. Determine where or if you want windows on your door (and if so, how many), which style will best match the rest of your exterior, and if you want a colorful door or wooden door. This will help you price the doors available so you can find a beautiful door that aligns with your budget.

Do you want any added protection?

If you're searching for a new front entry door, consider if your home needs extra security. Most front entry doors are durable on their own since they're constructed with strong wooden, fiberglass, or steel materials, but having a storm or screen door in front is never a bad idea.

Where to Shop

There are a lot of home improvement retailers that sell exterior doors or you can purchase a new door through a door-specific company in your area. It's always wise to shop for doors in person so you can feel the material and weight, plus see the appearance for yourself. Exterior doors are available online if you do not have the time to stop by the store, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make a smart purchase.

Buying in-Store

When browsing for exterior doors in person, take note of all the key components of the doors you like. When speaking to a representative don't be afraid to ask questions like:

• How fast will the door be ready for pickup or dropoff?
• Do you complete the installation?
• Is hardware included?
• Is there a warranty?

Buying Online

Exercise caution when buying an exterior door online. You could experience delayed shipping, cracks or damage during shipping, and extensive returns that can tarnish the experience. You won't be able to physically see the door in person until it arrives, so it's crucial to have a return or exchange policy to protect your purchase.

Some online retailers have a chat feature that allows you to connect with a salesperson. If you're able to speak to a representative, be sure to ask these questions about the doors you're interested in so you have all the information you need:

• What is the estimated shipping time?
• Do you offer local installation?
• What is the return or exchange policy?
• Is there a warranty?
• Is hardware included?

Where to Buy Exterior Doors

Most online home retailers sell exterior doors of all kinds. Whenever you're searching for a new exterior door, it's important to always see the door in person or have a return policy clearly communicated so you can make the necessary return if something is wrong with your investment. Remember to take time in your search for the right exterior door that speaks to your style but will last for decades to come.