Curb appeal and utilitarian function aside, nothing can be more welcoming for guests and family than a charming and inviting front entry door. If yours is old and warped, lets in drafts, or just plain isn’t saying what you’d like to say about your home and its residents, maybe it’s time to consider a new door that’s more energy-efficient, requires lower maintenance, and provides more appeal for your entry.
How do you choose the right door? First consider the material you’d like. Nothing matches the charm of real wood, but wood doors shouldn’t be used in areas that get a lot of direct sunlight, such as a southern exposure. And remember that wood will require more maintenance than other types of doors due to the need for periodic refinishing. There are other options to choose from – fiberglass, steel, vinyl clad, foam core, etc.
The next step is to determine the style of door. The best rule of thumb is a door that is in keeping with the overall architectural feel of your home. If you have an older, historic home then obviously a contemporary flat door is not the answer. But within architectural styles there is a wide variety to choose from.
And then there is color. Perhaps you like warm appeal of real wood – a stained finish is what you’ll want. If you like the look of wood but prefer a no-maintenance door, there are options available with wood-grain finish. But the front door is a great way to add a splash of color to your home. While some people prefer a door color that coordinates with the trim, the trend is towards providing a pop of color with the front entry door being a contrast to the rest of the home.
Not sure what you like? Take your camera and drive around your neighborhood, taking pictures of doors that appeal to you. Or considering strolling around a home improvement store such as Menards or Home Depot and check out the display doors. You can also schedule a no-obligation appointment at our showroom where we have a variety of doors on display.
Don’t Just Stop at the Door
Finding the right door for your house is the first step, but don’t stop there. Consider adding additional interest with trim, mouldings, custom lock sets, sconces, and that all-important door mat. There’s a reason they call it a “welcome mat,” so think in terms of more than just a place to wipe your feet.
Besides the basic door style, consider such additional options as side lights or transoms – they add architectural interest as well as providing additional light in the interior of your entry.
The right entry door and its surroundings do a lot more than give you access to your home. Make a statement about who lives inside with your front entry area. If we can help you choose a door that reflects your taste and your life-style, please call us.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
