There are many reasons for deciding to change an external door. It may need repairing or repainting, it might be draughty and old fashioned, or it could simply no longer suit your taste or the style of your property. So to help you select the right door for your home, we’ve highlighted the most important points to consider when choosing an exterior door.
Types Of External Doors
Front
The main threshold to your home can create that all-important first impression, making it a great way to make a statement and increase curb appeal. The wood can be treated for a rustic look or painted to suit the colour scheme of your home.
Back
Rear entrances can be customised to coordinate with both the inside and outside of your home. Glazing can also open up rooms to the back garden, as well as flooding spaces with plenty of natural light. Bifold doors can also be a great way to bring the outside in and brighten a dark space
External Fire Rated
External fire safety plays a crucial role in creating an easy escape route in the event of an emergency. When finished with the right parts and signage they are a vital part of commercial or public buildings.
Considerations
The Door Frame
The first thing you need to decide is whether you’re going to replace the door or the whole door frame. If you are going to replace both the door and frame, you may need to check if this will affect whether you require permissions.
Style
A front door is a statement about who you are so this is your chance to select a style that works for you and complements your decor and your personality. Trends come and go, but there are classic standard external door styles that stand the test of time, such as oak doors which are a popular material and can be matched up to patio doors and windows.
Material
Exterior doors are generally split into two broad categories, engineered timber and composite. Timber looks authentic and, when combined with premium oak veneers, these exterior doors offer that much sought after kerb appeal. The most popular composite doors are made from glass reinforced plastic (GRP), which have a woodgrain effect and come in a wide range of colour choices. The composition of these doors makes them extremely robust and hard wearing.
Weather Performance
It is essential to select a good quality door with good performance ratings and a decent guarantee. Don’t forget, a wooden door will have to be painted or stained to ensure it stays protected, so if decorating is not your thing, you might want to consider a composite door.
Security
When it comes to security, a good locking system is crucial. For added peace of mind you might want to consider buying an exterior door set that is accredited and offers additional security features.
Building Regulations
There is strict legislation governing the replacement of external doors, so it is always worth checking the current regulations before making a purchase. You may also need planning permission, depending on the type of project you are undertaking and whether your preferred door has glazed panels.
Finish
One of the advantages of wood is that you can alter its appearance when you feel like a change, a coat of paint or stain can considerably alter the look and make it look brand new. But if decorating isn’t your thing, you might want to consider a composite door. They come in a wide range of colours and need no painting or staining.
What Type Of Door Is Best For An Exterior Door
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting an external door is the material that it’s made from. There are many different materials available, here are a few of the most popular ones:
Solid Wood
A solid wood front door is made of a few solid pieces of wood, which run through the entire door. They’re covered in a finishing layer of paint or polish in order to withstand the elements while preserving their shape. People are drawn to solid wood doors because of their aesthetic appeal. They are definitely one of the more expensive types of doors.
Pros:
- Customisable
- Extremely secure
Cons:
- Maintenance
- Heavy
- Possible warping
Composite
Composite doors are built from a number of different materials. The main reason for this approach is cost and it’s a common option. You might see many front doors that look like solid wood, when in fact the core of the door, by contrast, is built from a combination of cheaper chipboard, metal and plastic. As well as being an economical option, a quality composite door will also provide excellent thermal and sound-proofing performance, as heat and sound will need to flow through several different materials to move from one side of the door to the other.
Pros:
- The best for security
- Durable
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Price
- Creaking in hot weather
uPVC
uPVC is a variety of plastic material that’s popular across the country. uPVC doors tend to be the cheapest option. They don’t require any maintenance over the course of their lifespan – except for the occasional replacement draught-excluder, which are cheaply obtained and easily installed.
uPVC is invulnerable to warping, although it can expand a little in hot weather. These doors also generally come with all of the locking mechanisms ready-installed, so you won’t need to worry about modifications. If you’re looking to minimise your expenditure, and you can put up with their plain-white looks, then they’re a great option.
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Cheap
- Durable
Cons:
- Non-sustainable
- Unoriginal and not unique
Fibreglass
Fibreglass doors are often employed as replacements for wooden ones – they can be given a convincing wooden appearance, but they’re far less vulnerable to warping and rotting. Best of all, they require very little maintenance whilst offering great insulation. Of course, all of this extra functionality doesn’t come cheap – fibreglass doors cost several times the price of the other doors mentioned above.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Energy efficient
- Easily maintained
Cons:
- Expense
- Less secure
- Less resale value
Should I Get A Glazed Or Unglazed Door?
Glazed external doors will let light stream into your interior, helping to brighten up your home. It can also help to improve the look of a door from the outside. However, they do tend to cost a little bit more, as they’re more difficult to design and craft. If you’re looking for privacy, too, then they might not be the best option – unless you select a door with obscured glass.
Your choice will probably be heavily influenced by where on your property you plan to install the door. If you’re going to put it at the front of your home, a little bit of glazing might be suitable. If you’re looking for a patio door, then a lot of glass will let you see out into the garden, providing an amazing sense of space.We hope this guide has helped you when deciding which external door is right for you. Inspired? Shop our external doors.