Shawn Bradley 
It is every homeowner’s dream to have the best front door. The positioning of the front entry is critical and plays a significant role in the first impression your guests get when they visit your home. A good entry door not only provides good curb appeal but also impacts your home’s security and energy efficiency.
Homeowners should understand their needs and requirements before choosing the door to install. If you need help with what features to look for, you can always get professional assistance. Below is a guide to help homeowners make the best choice for the front door.
1. Wood Doors
Wood front doors are an ideal option for homeowners who want to embrace nature. They are also a good option if you have a traditional home. If your home’s entryway is not exposed to weather elements, wood doors can also be a good choice.
These doors come in various types of wood, such as hardwood, pine, and premium wood. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can have your wood door designed with glass inserts or without.
If you decide to install wood entry doors, you must embrace the fact that you will need regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. To maintain the fresh look, you will need to repaint after a certain period.
Consider adding a storm door to your wood door to void your warranty. This way, you have confidence that you’ll be compensated if the door needs repair within a given period.
2. Fiberglass Doors
This is currently a trendy choice among most homeowners. It is suitable for entry along traffic ways and for people seeking the wood feel without committing to the demanding maintenance requirements of the wood material.
Fiberglass doors are very durable and can withstand extreme weather, unlike their wood counterparts. They have proper insulation that helps control cold and heat, hence their admirable energy efficiency.
Compared to steel, fiberglass doors are more dent-resistant. You can also paint them with your preferred color or furnish the doors to match the exterior design of your home.
3. Steel Doors
Steel doors are famous for their strength. They also have foam core insulation, which provides fantastic insulation. If you love the natural wood look, you can coat your steel doors to mimic natural wood.
Steel is a readily available material, which explains why it is affordable and common in most homes. These doors require very minimal maintenance where you only need to clean with regularly for basic hygiene purposes.
You can have fun exploring different colors for your entry door, as steel allows you to repaint as many times as you need. If you are working on a very tight budget, steel doors are the best choice you have out there.
4. Slab Doors
A slab door is an entry that is only the door unit without the framing. If you go to the manufacturer and request a slab door, you will only get the door without the framing. The door is installed into the existing old hinges.
This is a good option if you are working on a super tight budget. It may, however, not be the ideal choice if your old framing is old and not in good functioning condition.
Slab doors are a good choice if you want a quick temporary fix or you just don’t like the existing slab and are looking for a change. Consider working with a qualified professional because installing the slab door is a bit demanding.
5. Pre-Hung Doors
These doors are popular because you can fit them smoothly, and they are always an accurate fit. You have to get rid of the existing door frame in order to accommodate the pre-hung front door replacement.
The main advantage is that the door is already fitted with hinges, which means less work is needed during the installation process. The unit also comes with existing weather stripping.
The pre-hung doors may be expensive compared to the slab doors, but the benefits are worth the price. Always check the warranty offered and verify to make sure you will get compensation if anything fails or the door does not meet your durability needs.
