Make a Statement With the Right Front DoorExpert ContributorFriday, March 30, 2018 - 16:46Friday, March 30, 2018 - 16:47It's the first thing that people notice when they pull in front of your home, and it's the first thing that welcomes your guests: the front door!If you're ready to update your home (or just give it a whole new look), consider replacing the front door. It's a quick and relatively inexpensive way to add style, make your home more welcoming, and even make it look fresh and new. But where to begin?Start With Choosing the Structure Entry doors are made of three main materials: wood, fiberglass and steel. Each offers its own advantages and disadvantages. Determining which structure to consider really depends on the look and feel you are after.WoodDoor.jpgWoodDoors made of wood are commonly used when you want a more custom look for your entryway because they offer flexibility when it comes to the style, shape and window placement. Wood also gives you the ability to build to fit peculiar or odd shaped doorways, making wood doors the perfect choice for arches and extra-large entries. If there is one problem with wood, it is that it's not as durable as fiberglass or steel and can become damaged from abuse and weather. Despite these disadvantages, wood doors remain a popular material for front doors.FiberglassThe most common exterior door used by homeowners, fiberglass doors come in a variety of styles and sizes. Sturdy and durable, they feature an insulated core that offers energy efficiency while also providing the classic look of wood without the risk of denting, pitting or other damage.SteelThe safest and most durable of the basic exterior door materials, steel offers the most security but dents easily.Go for Style Once you've chosen the material for your front door, it's time to look at styles. The one you choose will dictate the look and feel of your entire home. So what's most popular?CraftsmanStyle.jpgCraftsmanThis is the classic one-window, three-panel look door that's both simple and elegant, depending on the size, frame, hardware and color chosen. A good choice for almost any home, the Craftsman style door can be altered to fit both the Victorian home as well as the modern one.ModernFeaturing straight sleek lines, the modern entry door is big and bright. It may have one large window or none at all. In most cases, this style dictates a bright, popular color that emits energy and a uniqueness.RusticWhen it comes to the rustic look, think big and thick. Working well for homes that feature wood, stone or brick exteriors, rustic doors often use oversized hardware to give it a hardier, thicker look. They are most often made of wood.ArchedOffering a distinctive eye-catching architectural feature, arched doorways are the best choice for homeowners wanting a very sophisticated and rich custom look.Add a Splash of Color Use color to make a real statement at your front door. Whether you want a classic black door or a rustic red, color can change the entire look and feel of the home. Here are some color choices to consider:Turquoise: This is a wonderful choice for both the shabby chic and rustic look.Yellow: Give your home a lighter, more whimsical feel with a bright yellow exterior door.Indigo blue: This bold color draws the eye (and the attention) right to your door.Lime or orange: Used on more modern abodes, these brighter, more offbeat colors add a modern flair to the exterior.When it comes to making your home stand out, nothing works better than the right front door. Simply altering the color and style of the front door can dramatically change the entire look and feel of your home.Maurcia H. is a seasoned writer with 20-plus years of publishing experience which includes 10 traditional print books, three book collaborations; more than 100 ghostwritten books. Specializing in both how-to pieces as well as industry oriented articles, Maurcia has written press releases, blog posts and articles for a variety of construction companies.
