Choosing an Exterior Door
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Choosing an Exterior Door

Are you thinking of replacing an exterior door?  There are so many designs and styles to choose from these days, but the first deciding factor must start with the material!  Based on what part of the country you live in, will be a huge impact on what materials would be good to choose from, such as steel, fiberglass or wood.  For example, I live in MInnesota.  Here we use all three types.  If you choose wood there are major prefinishing instructions.  If you are going to paint you should use several coats of oil base primer due to the fact of the concept, "water and oil do not mix." 

Now let's consider steel or fiberglass doors for an older home?  REALLY?  Well, it depends how much you care about retaining the architectural value and look of the home.  Wood is a no brainer to use in an older home.  I found and sold many Simpson Exterior Doors.  They are a great product.  For sure built to last.  I own a 1920's bungalow.  There is no way I would ever put a steel door as my front door.  If you are building new or remodeling a 20-30 year old home, steel and fiberglass actually flow well.  The touch, the feel, the imposter look of the panels and glass.  No way.  You need to have wood.  This flows with the house and all the original stained woodwork.  Fiberglass has come a long way, but not enough for a 100 year old house is my eyes. 

Finally the style.  Well, you need to choose a material, because steel and fiberglass are quite limited to what is available when matching architectural character.  Arts & Crafts home should have a third amount of glass at the top of the door.  You can even add a dentil to add character.  A contemporary/modern home should have straight lines, lots of glass, or plain with a cool handleset.  Depending on the type of Victorian may have a door with an oval beveled glass, or many panels.  My point is matching up the door with the house style.  This is extremely important to the curb appeal.  Remember,  you exterior doors add class, style and most of all value to a home!

2 Comments to Choosing an Exterior Door:

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Jeff on Friday, January 13, 2012 10:58 AM
Home Resource Web, you have great input about doors. There are a lot of uneducated consumers out there that know about exterior doors. The only thing I can add is if you choose a wood door to put a good storm door over it. This should also be helpful for Minnesota Contractors to have this handy information. Keep up the good work Home Resource Web.
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Home Improvement and Remodeling on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 4:02 PM
I love the wood door, simply because it looks classy.
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