The front door is what takes you into a house. Welcoming, intimidating, bold, meek, or charming, the front door says a lot about the homeowner. It contributes to a home’s curb appeal and is part of the first impression.
In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.
What dictates the look of the front door?
Many times it can be the structure of the home. But details such as color (see blue front doors here), texture, planters and foliage, door handles and knockers, style, finish and size are all part of the effect.
The fact is most people don’t think about the front door all that much until faced with having to choose a new one for your home, whether a renovation or building from scratch. Then you’re faced with all kinds of door decisions.
Below is our table of contents for this “types of front doors” article which gives you a bird’s eye view of the many considerations when choosing a front door.
Related: Front Door Dimensions | Front Door Design Software Options | Black Front Doors | Red Front Doors | Alternatives to Screen Doors
A. Updated Front Door Photo Gallery (100+ Photos)
Lovely flowers accentuate the black front door with glass panels on the sides framed in a concrete arched trim. It is complemented by matching sconces and wrought iron railings that are fixed on a semi-circular staircase.
Adorned by a wicker wreath, this front door in dark wood is lined with white molding providing a sleek contrast to the entire look. It is flanked by traditional outdoor sconces and a pair of ferns which add life to the red brick walls.
A black front door along with wrought iron fences add a striking contrast to the white walls that are fitted with arched windows. It is accented with gorgeous plants in black planters.
Flagstone pavers and a dark wood staircase framed with white railings lead to this charming front door that’s lighted by an amber sconce. Together with the white-framed windows fitted with deep blue shutters, they all add character in this blue house.
White portico with concrete staircase framed the black front door that’s fitted with bronze hardware. It is illuminated by a wrought iron pendant that hung from the barrel-vaulted ceiling.
A closeup look at this black front door showcasing brass hardware and wrought iron railings. It is surrounded by white moldings that go well with the gray concrete walls.
Concrete white trims highlight this front door in a high gloss finish. It blends in with the black brick walls and wrought iron fence featuring ornate detail and a glazed lamp in the middle.
A black front door with brass hardware is surrounded by glass insets and white trims designed with intricate details making it stand out against the brick walls.
Checkered staircase with wrought iron railings adds a striking accent to the front door that’s adorned by antique brass knocker and plate. White walls and columns create a bright contrast highlighting the black door.
trees along with wrought iron railings that are fixed on the concrete staircase with a curved pavement under.” width=”696″ height=”1024″ />A traditional wall sconce illuminates the glazed front door that’s framed with white moldings. It is flanked by gorgeous pine trees along with wrought iron railings that are fixed on the concrete staircase with a curved pavement under.
A slim front door provides a sleek contrast to the white walls that are mounted with a warm sconce. It is inlaid with a brass knocker and house number.
A black front door against the white walls is c0mplemented by a lantern pendant light and a concrete staircase with white railings guarded by a wrought iron fence.
Green plants on white planter boxes bring life to the simple gray door that’s fitted with a matching knob and brass handle. It is illuminated by a large glass lamp mounted on the white sidings.
Fresh potted plants flank a dark wood front door that’s fitted with brass hardware and framed in a concrete arch against the red brick walls.
A warm lamp illuminates the black door that’s accented with a lion knocker and lined with greek columns. It is designed with black pedestals that are filled with gorgeous flowers over a concrete staircase.
A simple blue front door adorned by a wicker plant holder stands out against the neutral sidings and white columns. It is paired with a metal sconce along with a fresh plant on the side.
Large potted plants add a gorgeous accent to the arched front door with a white portico against the yellow sidings. It is illuminated by a glass pendant light that hung from the barrel vaulted ceiling.
A sleek front door adorned by a lovely wreath. It is lined with glass insets framed in black aluminum.
This brown front door is fitted with wrought iron handle and small mirrored insets situated next to the white framed window that’s covered in roller blinds.
Bright yellow siding adds a cheerful tone to the black front door that’s complemented by a sleek wall sconce and red mailbox. It is wrapped in a black and white staircase with a dark wood plank landing.
A not so ordinary front door in blue with a glossy finish. It stands out against the white walls and tiled staircase that’s framed with wrought iron railings.
A turquoise front door brings a pop of color in this house that are clad in light wood sidings. It is complemented by a chrome sconce and cream fences wrapping around the green plants.
This house features a black front door that’s accented with a gorgeous floral wreath. It is accompanied by white columns and a concrete staircase with straight paver under flanked by lush green lawns.
Vast creeping plants dominate this house boasting a blue front door lined with white columns. It is complemented by a brown rug that sits on a concrete floor.
A simple black door made elegant by a brass handle and plate. It is housed by a cream portico with a matching staircase contrasted by wrought iron railings.
Stone brick walls set a textured backdrop to the black door that’s fitted with glass insets. It is illuminated by a warm lantern pendant that hung from the cathedral ceiling.
Side glass panels flank a dark wood door that’s fixed against the stone brick walls. It is accompanied by a pair of potted plants and a black rug over a concrete floor.
Various plants create a serene and fresh ambiance in this house with a mirrored front door framed in black aluminum. It is styled with greek columns along with decorative pumpkins and a large lamp over the concrete landing.
White portico houses the black glazed door that’s illuminated by a wall sconce mounted on the arched trim. There’s a concrete staircase on the side framed with wrought iron railings.
Arched windows flanked the black front door that’s accented with a garland. It is accompanied by a tiled staircase with concrete planters on the sides filled with manicured shrubs.
A lovely house clad in red bricks features a black French door that’s fitted with ornate glass panels. Manicured bushes and palm trees add a tropical feel to the area.
A blue polished door stands out against the beige brick walls and limestone flooring. It is flanked by tall potted plants and wrought iron railings.
Almost similar to the above front door, this blue door with brass handle and plate is paired with a brown bordered rug and a traditional outdoor sconce mounted on the stone brick wall.
Small glass panels surround a blue front door that’s fitted with a bronze handle and knob. It stands out against the white walls with hints of green plants.
White columns and a pair of wall sconces along with lovely potted plants add a perfect symmetry to the blue front door that’s fitted with brass hardware.
White portico against the stone brick walls framed this cool blue door adorned by a lovely floral wreath. It is completed with a brass handle and plate along with a ring knocker.
A vibrant blue door stands out in this house with brick walls and portico designed with a head sculpture. It is illuminated by a wall sconce that’s mounted above the brass plates.
Traditional outdoor sconces illuminate the blue front door that’s fitted with a chrome handle and a ring knocker. It is lined with arched trim and white columns.
Clad in beige bricks, this house offers a blue front door that’s framed with a white portico. It is illuminated by a glass flush light mounted on the barrel-vaulted ceiling.
A mint green front door matches the planter box that’s filled with a charming manicured shrub. It is guarded by a wrought iron fence over gray tiled flooring.
A lovely floral rug over the rich hardwood floor complements the mint green front door that’s fitted with chrome hardware and small glass panels. It is framed in white with a backdrop of gray bricks.
A brick house with a porch filled with white rocking chairs and a small side table along with a light wood front door that stands out against the gray walls. Lush green lawns and colorful plants complete the look.
Concrete planters and side glass panels flank the dark wood door that’s fitted with a brass handle. It is lined with white columns and illuminated by a warm pendant light.
lavender plants on stylish wooden planters.” width=”1000″ height=”670″ />Metal sconces match the handle on a white front door that’s fixed against the beige sidings. It is accented by lavender plants on stylish wooden planters.
An emerald green door fitted with arched glass insets along with a bronze handle and a brass knocker. It is surrounded by white column moldings and an arched trim overhead that’s designed with simple floral carvings.
A view of the black front door at night with glass side panels and a small arched transom window illuminated by recessed lights. It is accompanied by a brown rug and traditional sconces mounted on the gray sidings.
French front door features stained glass windows and wooden trims. It is framed in a beige surround that harmoniously blends in with the walls and ceiling.
A simple wooden front door on an arched inset wall illuminated by outdoor sconces. It is complemented by green potted plants and a brown bordered rug over a concrete landing.
Red high gloss double door leading to an all-gold interior. Its sleek design goes perfectly well with the luxurious look of the house.
Creeping plants dominate this house with a glazed front door that matches the French windows for a cohesive look. There’s an interlocking concrete pavement leading to it.
A wooden front door showcasing glass panel insets and a stylish chrome handle. It blends in with the rich hardwood flooring topped by a vintage rug.
A tiled staircase leads to this porch that’s framed in white fence and columns. It is filled with gorgeous hanging plants and wicker armchairs along with a red front door that’s fitted with brass hardware.
A sleek white front door accented with blue-tinted glass insets matching with the large pot that’s filled with a manicured shrub. It is surrounded by frosted glass panels against the red brick walls.
Contemporary white front door fitted with a sleek chrome handle that goes well with the frosted glass panel accented with silver trims.
An antique double door with glass panel insets wrapped in ornate metals. The abundance of creeping plants can make or break the entire look depending on one’s preference.
Wooden framed glass panels in white trims surround the natural wood front door that’s fitted with bronze hardware. It is illuminated by a wall sconce and a matching pendant light that hung from the cathedral ceiling.
Red brick walls incorporated with stone accents set a textured backdrop to the blue front door that’s adorned by a lion knocker. It is complemented by a wrought iron lamp and tall potted plants over concrete tiled flooring.
A craftsman front door with metal hardware accompanied by a wall sconce and a jute rug. There’s a rustic bench on the side that blends in with the large wood beams.
A red front door stands out in this traditional house that’s clad in taupe sidings. Manicured shrubs and bushes add a serene ambiance to the area.
A sky blue front door with brass handle illuminated by a wall sconce mounted on the white beadboard. It is accompanied by potted plants and a deep blue rug over terracotta flooring.
Flagstone entry stairs lead to this dark wood front door that’s flanked by mirrored side panels. It is accented with a pair of hand-painted ceramic pots.
A black front door with mirrored panels enhancing its sleek look that goes well with the modern house. There’s a brushed metal inset on the side matching with the chrome mailbox that’s mounted on the white wall.
A classic wooden door that reminds us of the medieval age. It is fitted with glass insets and wrought iron hardware matching with the vintage pendant light.
Another classic wooden door in arched that’s accented with intricate carvings and trims. A pair of brass knobs complete the look.
A simple glazed front door that blends in with the hardwood flooring and wood plank ceiling fitted with a skylight.
A yellow front door with a side glass panel and a transom window. Its vibrant color makes it stand out against the gray walls regardless of its plain design.
A straight pavement sandwiched by lush green lawns leads to the blue front door on an open porch lined with white columns. It is complemented by folding chairs situated against the light yellow walls.
Blue front doors framed in column moldings stand out against the white and brick walls. The green surrounding helps to make its color pop.
Gorgeous plants on white planter boxes flank the dark front door that’s fitted with a chrome handle and a small glazed window. It is surrounded by contrasting white trims making it more visible.
Arched front door illuminated by a glass sconce that’s mounted on the concrete wall. It is accompanied by a brown rug flanked by large potted plants along with entry stairs that are arranged in a herringbone pattern.
Charming arched front door with a small glass inset and an iron handle accented with a concrete border. There’s a picture window on the side that’s dominated by lovely flowers.
A brushed metal front door with a black accent showcasing its modern look. It is fitted with a sleek chrome handle and side glass panels.
A simple front door that can’t be noticed in one look. With it blending on the red walls, only a chrome knob and plate will tell where it is.
A simple front door in dark wood with an enchanting touch. It showcases a ring knocker and a brass plate along with creeping plants that dominate the upper wall of the house.
A wood plank door on a Greek house with iron details adorned by lovely hanging plants that are fixed under the roof.
An amber sconce illuminates the wooden front door that’s fitted with wrought iron hardware. It is complemented by a patterned rug that lays on the terracotta flooring.
A metal front door with a rustic look showcasing an x-trim and a transom window against the wooden background.
This brick house offers an arched double door that’s accented with intricate glass insets and lion head knockers. It is flanked by traditional sconces and sleek potted plants over concrete flooring.
A classic red door that truly stands out. It is fitted with a charming bronze handle and plate matching with the glass sconce and small bell that are mounted on the white siding.
Cheerful yellow sidings add a striking contrast to the deep blue front door that matches the walkway. It is adorned by a charming wreath surrounded by white trims.
A frosted glass double door with horizontal panes maintaining the cohesive look of the modern house from concrete beams on top continuing to the beige walls. Green potted plants add a softer look in the area.
A dark wood front door accented by square and round trims creating a sleek character. There’s a ring knocker in brass on the lower right that completes its look.
A beautiful blue front door adorned by stained glass panels that are arranged in geometric patterns. It is completed with a brass knob and a bronze knocker.
Red brick walls set a textured backdrop to the wooden front door that’s flanked by frosted glass panels. It is fitted with small glass insets and a long chrome handle matching with the door lock.
A sleek red door with glass insets and a wrought-iron handle stands out in this modern house showcasing gray sidings and glass-paneled windows.
Beautiful landscape completed with a gray French door that blends well with the sidings. It is complemented by a small rug and a wooden bench concealed with flowering plants.
A pair of manicured shrubs flanked the black door that’s contrasted by a white surround. It is illuminated by a warm sconce that’s fixed under the shiplap ceiling.
A white front door that stands out against the red brick walls. It is fitted with a framed glass inset along with a brass handle and plate.
A yellow front door brings a pop of color in this concrete brick house with a unique design. It also creates a cheerful tone balancing the monotonous scheme of the house.
A sleek floating staircase leads to the wooden front door that’s situated under the glass roof. It blends well with the parallel lines of the contemporary house.
A red front door under a wood-paneled ceiling stands out in this modern house that’s covered in snow. Together with the neutral and wooden walls, they made an interesting exterior.
An unconventional house with a glazed front door that’s integrated with curved windows. It’s sleek, unique design makes a perfect complement to the enchanting forest in the background.
A lumber house showcasing parallel wood planks and curved glazing. It includes concrete entry stairs leading to a wooden landing with a glass front door framed in aluminum.
An angled shot of the lumber house with a larger view of the glass front door blending in with the full height windows.
A French front door with side glass panels and a transom window creating an arched pattern. It is lined with concrete columns that are fixed on wood plank ceiling and tiled flooring.
The charming house boasts gray columns that are wrapped in lovely creeping plants along with a French door that’s flanked by side glass panels.
A flagstone walkway with a matching landing leads to the dark wood front door that opens in an unconventional way. It is complemented by tropical plants that add a nice touch to the house.
This house features glass front doors with louvered shutters blending in with the porch ceiling. It goes well with the white brick walls and flagstone flooring.
Recessed ceiling lights illuminate the pivot front door that’s fixed against the concrete walls accented with horizontal lines.
A wood slat front door flanked by sleek sconces and glazed windows framed in black aluminum. It is lined with a pair of columns that are situated in front of the tiled walkway.
The block pathway leads to the glazed front door with a matching transom window. It is complemented by modern vases that sit on concrete flooring.
Tall palm trees surrounded by white pebbles accentuate the louvered front door against the white walls. It softens the sleek, minimalist design of the house.
An arched front door blends in with the shiplap wall of this white house. It is contrasted with wrought iron hardware and a peep window.
Concrete planters flanked the arched front door that’s framed with a light wood surround. It is illuminated by a glass pendant light that hung from the barrel vaulted ceiling.
The unique concrete house showcases an arched front door that’s fitted with wrought iron hardware and a peep window. It is framed in white moldings that are flanked by wall sconces.
A double front door with brass knobs guarded by a pair of lion sculptures. It is complemented by sleek sconces mounted on the beige wall.
This house offers a simple front door concealed with brick walls. Don’t get confused by the double doors on its side.
Two-story house covered in creeping plants showcases a French front door on an open porch highlighted by gorgeous sculptures. It is accompanied by beige cushioned chairs over the interlocking landing.
A large house with a gorgeous landscape boasts a gray front door surrounded by white columns. It matches the louvered shutters for a unified look.
Spanish style house with an inviting courtyard featuring a large Buddha sculpture, fountain and enchanting trees along with a French front door that’s lined with white columns.
This brick house offers a gorgeous leaded glass double door surrounded by white columns. It is illuminated by a wrought iron pendant and matching sconces.
A glazed front door adds a modern touch to this all-wood house with a wood plank bridge framed in metal railings. It is complemented by sleek planters and a small black rug.
Contemporary house with a desert garden and a flagstone pathway leading to the glazed front door that goes well with the sleek horizontal architecture of the house.
An enchanting house that perfectly blends in with its surroundings featuring a hobbit-like front door that’s fitted with wrought iron hardware.
A straight pathway leads to the arched front door that’s accented with an ornate design. It is flanked by white columns and sleek potted plants.
A double front door in sunshine yellow stands out against the blue walls of this house. It creates a very welcoming ambiance that makes people enter with a happy heart.
Stone arched border accentuates the wooden front door that’s illuminated by sleek sconces. It is guarded by tall palm trees standing behind the concrete white fence.
A bungalow house accented with a red front door that’s fitted with small glass insets. It is complemented by a brown bordered rug over a light wood plank deck.
A modern house where you will be greeted with a herringbone driveway and a steel double front door illuminated by wall sconces. Lovely plants and manicured bushes soften the sleek, clean line architecture of the house.
B. 3 Main Types of Front Doors
The starting point is choosing one of the 3 main types of front doors. They are:
Single
Double
Single with Sidelites
Single doors are by far the most common.
Check out our 10 different types of door locks here.
C. Front Door Configurations and Anatomy Chart
Learn more about the different parts of a door here.
D. Styles
Another decision to be made is the style of door you wish to have. Like all things home-related, there are many to choose from. Here are the main style options:
E. Glass vs. No Glass
Another obvious consideration is whether to get a door with or without glass.
Glass is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s nice to see who is at the door. Glass also provides more light in the front entry area, which is a really nice advantage.
On the other hand those at the door can see inside your home. This boils down strictly to personal preference. In general, you should consider the front facade of your home when deciding to get a door with glass or not.
F. Dimensions
There are a surprisingly large variety of door sizes; however, typical sizes are illustrated with the following door dimensions image:
source: www.Hotelkiya.com
If standard sizes don’t work for you that’s okay because retailers like Home Depot offer a huge variety of door sizes from 24′ to 70′ wide and 78′ to 98′ tall.
G. The Swing
There are 2 aspects to the front door swing. They are:
- Inward vs. Outward swing (inside vs. outside); and
- Left vs. right door handle placement which dictates the direction of the swing.
By far the most common swing is inward swinging to the inside of your home.
However, left vs. right handle placement, which dictates the direction of the swing is equally popular. It really boils down to what works best in the area through which the door will swing. There is no universal preference.
H. Materials
What material are front doors made of?
Door materials include:
- Fiberglass (less expensive);
- Steel;
- Solid wood (more expensive);
- Glass;
- Wood and glass combination;
- Wood and iron combination; and
- Fiberglass and glass (i.e. windows).
I. Door Decor
There are 2 main elements to door decor. They are:
- Color; and
- Panels (or lack thereof).
- Finish
1. Door Color
This is an opportunity to make your front door POP or blend in. I tend to like bright colored doors that stand out, especially homes with neutral exteriors. Popular brightly colored doors include red, yellow and blue.
On the flip side, it’s hard to not like natural wood doors which can look great on any home.
Finally, if you prefer the more sedate look, going with a more neutral color such as gray, white, beige or black will do the job.
Like most decor decisions, it’s a personal decision.
2. Panels
The main decorative element adding texture and depth to a door are panels. The number of panels range from 0 to 12 (could be more if customized). The lack of panels is also a design decision. The following are examples of doors with varying numbers of panels:
Multi-Panel
Vertical Panels
Single Panel
Custom Panel
J. Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about front doors.
What are the Standard Front Door Sizes (Height and Width)?
If you look around at different houses, you’ll see many different styles of doors. Most homes have a single front door. But you’ll also see others that have two doors that sit next to each other, fanning open. And you’ll even see some doors that are rounded on the top.
Most front doors are 36 inches wide and stand 80 inches in height. But, depending on how the home was constructed, you will see them as narrow as 30 inches and as tall as 96 inches. You’ll typically see narrower doors with a double-door option and taller doors for homes with higher ceilings or expansive entryways. And you can always have a front door custom-made to fit a particular size.
Are Front Doors Hollow?
Since the front door takes the full force of Mother Nature’s wrath, they tend to be well-constructed and solid. And there’s also the safety factor to think about. A hollow front door might not be strong enough for its purpose.
Any reputable company that installs doors will advise you to only use a strong and durable front door, although there are front doors out there that are hollow, usually because of financial considerations.
Are Front Doors Reversible?
Technically speaking, a front door would be reversible. But, once the door is hung, it could be a bit of a challenge to pull it off. For one thing, the hinges, doorknob, and locking mechanisms would have to be considered. And, the finish on the interior of the door might not work well as an exterior home surface.
You also would need to consider which way the door would swing, and whether or not it would function effectively. And if you are reversing the door because of a cosmetic issue, the change of environment could make the problem worse.
Can Front Doors be Painted?
Just about any surface can be painted using the right technique. And front doors are no exception. Since there are so many different materials used to make doors, there would be a slightly different process for each surface along with certain types of supplies needed to paint each one.
Basically, all you would need to do is rough up the surface on the old door a bit so that the new finish would hold. Then you’d want a good coat of primer, followed by a few coats of paint. It’s also a good idea to finish it off with a high-quality sealer for protection.
Why are so Many Front Doors Painted Red?
Front doors that are painted red do seem popular, don’t they? A lot of the time, it’s simply red because that’s the color that the homeowner prefers. But there is quite a bit of history concerning front doors that are painted red.
- Passages in the Hebrew Bible talk about slaves smearing the blood from a lamb on their front doors to ward off the angel of death from taking their first-born children.
- In ancient Catholic times, red doors represented the blood of Christ and signified the sanctity of being on holy ground.
- The Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui believes that a red front door creates welcoming energy.
- Early American settlers would paint their front doors red to let travelers know that they were welcome to stop and rest. In times of horses and buggies, hotels and inns weren’t always available for weary travelers.
- Some people believe that having a red door will protect them from evil.
- Homeowners of Scottish descent sometimes carry on a tradition of painting their front doors red when their mortgage is paid off.
Are Front Doors Painted on Both Sides?
There is typically some type of finish on both sides of a front door. The exterior would be finished to withstand the elements, and you’d want the interior of the door to match its surroundings.
The final look of either side of a front door can be either a manufacturer’s finish, paint, or stain, depending on what type of material the door is made of.
Are Front Doors Insulated?
Having a good-quality, the well-built front door is vital both for your home’s safety and comfort level. Some doors are built out of solid materials, requiring no insulation. And other types of manufactured doors will usually be insulated by some type of weather-resistant material.
Can Front Doors Open Outwards?
A front door can swing in any direction that you want. But it generally makes more sense for the door to swing inwards.
For one thing, if the door swings outwards, there is a chance that the wind could catch it, causing damage. But most importantly, they swing inwards for your safety. If the door is installed to swing out, the hinge pins will be exposed on the exterior of the door frame, making it very easy for someone to remove the door from the outside.
What Are All the Different Materials Used to Make Front Doors?
There are a few different types of materials used for front doors, and each has its own appeal, benefits, and downsides.
Wood
Front doors made out of wood are the most common type. You can choose from a wide variety of types of wood ranging from oak, pine, or maple to mahogany and fir. Wood doors can also be finished with a variety of finishes or paint colors. It’s also the easiest of all of the materials to be custom-sized.
The only real downside to hardwood is that it can wear over time if it isn’t maintained, causing it to warp or crack. Some wood doors are also constructed using a wood-veneer outer coating to cover a cheaper wood. And if it’s not a solid wood door, is hollow, or isn’t adequately insulated, a wood door won’t be a good insulator.
The cost of wood front doors can also vary quite a bit, depending on the quality of the wood. But overall they will be one of the most expensive front door material options.
Aluminum
Aluminum doors are also commonly used for front doors, although they are a more popular material for rear-entry doors, storm doors, or sliding, patio doors. It’s extremely durable, well-insulated and can have a finish mimicking wood-grain. They’re also fairly inexpensive and require very little maintenance.
It’s also a lightweight option that is commonly manufactured from recycled aluminum. Unfortunately, aluminum doors are extremely vulnerable to heat, making them less energy-efficient than other door materials.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass doors are manufactured using composite materials. They are extremely durable, insulated, and energy-efficient. They can also have a finish that is solid-colored or with a faux wood-grain. And they’re just as low-maintenance as aluminum.
The finish on fiberglass doors can fade over time, and the cost is about the same as wood. But high-quality, fiberglass front doors are made to last.
Vinyl
Most commonly used for windows and door trim, vinyl is also used to make front doors. It’s lightweight, low maintenance, and a great insulator. And it’s very affordable.
However, you don’t tend to see it on too many front doors for a few reasons. Direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time can challenge the integrity of the vinyl, causing cracks or other damage. It’s also not the strongest material for security, nor is it the most attractive option.
Steel
It may be the strongest of all of the door materials. Steel is extremely durable, easy to maintain, and it’s a great insulator. And it’s ideal for security because of its heavy-duty construction.
And though they won’t warp, steel doors can be damaged, and they aren’t very resistant to rust. The finish can also fade, requiring maintenance. But steel doors are a more cost-effective option.
Can Front Doors be Repaired?
It really depends on how bad the damage is. It’s always in your best interest to weigh the options between repairing and replacing before making a decision.
If the damage is minor or cosmetic, a professional who’s skilled with door repairs can easily take care of it. But if the damage is more severe, especially if there is any water damage, repairing it might not be an option.
Can Front Doors be Replaced?
Not only can they be replaced, but it’s one of the most common home improvement projects. New doors will give a home more energy-efficiency and better security, not to mention the aesthetic curb appeal that they’ll add.
Can Front Doors be Recycled?
That depends on what it’s made out of. Wood that has been painted or stained cannot be recycled. But the hardware is recyclable, and sometimes the wood can be reused for something else. Fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, and steel are all able to be recycled.
Can Used Front Doors Be Sold?
Many times, homes are updated and the doors are replaced to match the new look. If the old doors are still in good shape, they can be sold. It’s just a matter of finding someone looking for the same door size. And there are plenty of buy-and-sell resources out there for used items.
K. Pricing
How much do front doors cost?
As with most things in life, there are inexpensive front doors, medium-priced doors, expensive doors, and outrageously high-priced doors.
Decent front doors will run you at least $400, but expect to pay more if you’re looking for a great door. At the high end, they can cost more than $5,000.
A solid wood front door will cost around $900 to $3,000.
L. Gallery Photos (Original Gallery)
Below you’ll find a selection of 29 front doors to consider. Some may be to your liking; others you may find off-putting. Focus on the details as well as the structural components of the front doors to find what creates the feeling to which you most aspire.
Double red front door with porch by Chango & co.
The sweeping curve of this entryway that surrounds a rectangular door is echoed in the curve of the steps leading to the door. The dramatic – but still muted – entrance is further enhanced by the sconces and planters flanking the door. The browns and creams complete a very natural, earthy look.
This door has an elegance to it that can’t be duplicated. It is surrounded by a darker green doorway, which sticks out next to the light green foliage and light-colored brick. This door can look good in any home.
This statement door makes your home stand out. The contrasting colors of the flowers around the walkway and doorway are absolutely gorgeous. This color red pops when it’s next to the grayish color of the siding.
Another photo of a statement door. Again, the blue goes great with the red brick wall and cement. The color makes it pop and can guarantee you the best front door on the block!
