Entry Doors Make a Difference

A home’s entry doors make a huge design statement and improve curb appeal more than one might imagine. Homeowners might underestimate how important their front door is in terms of appearance, placement, quality, materials, color, functionality and seasonal impact. This entrance into a home is of utmost importance. It is wise to make a careful selection about this component of one’s abode. Here are some things to think about:

- Appearance: An attractive front door will be an eye catcher from the curb. It is also seen up close and even touched by all that enter and exit the dwelling. Even strangers who may knock on it will get a big impression of who lives there. A well maintained and lovely one will make a design statement about the inhabitants. The statement will be that the owners care about their house and that all of the people and furnishings inside are well tended. A worn out one will say just the opposite. It will give the impression that the place is unkempt and not maintained like it should be. Potential buyers would wonder what other deterioration was occurring in the structure.

- Placement: Where this entrance is located is important as well. Hidden behind bushes or around the corner of the building may be a bad idea. Visitors may have a hard time locating it and it gives off an “unwelcome” mat feeling.

- Quality and price range: There is a wide range of qualities as well as price ranges. Top of the line items may be gorgeous but a simpler style may work better for a simply designed dwelling. Cheap and tacky entrances appear to be just that, however. This is a building component worthy of spending a bit of cash on.

- Materials: Wood, metal or composites are available and there are pros and cons to each. Wood appears rich and classic but will need more maintenance than the other materials. There are some composites that look like timber but don’t require the same amount of maintenance. Some doors are made of a solid surface while others have windows inset.

- Color: Some cultures believe that the color of a door will have an effect on the inhabitants and their prosperity. Red is often seen as a color offering good luck. Brightly painted entry doors of blue, green and other hues make a huge design statement for very little money. Stains for lumber can range from light and natural to dark.

- Functionality: Front doors should function quite well. They should open and close easily and be tightly sealed with weather-stripping. A good set of locks and deadbolts should be in place, as well. A security door will add another dimension of safety.

- Seasonal considerations: Storm and screen door options are great for the seasonal changes. The storm variety will add one more layer of insulation against the elements and the screens will allow the mild temperatures in.

There are lots of considerations to ponder when in the market for entry doors. Taking a look at a large variety as well as some architectural design magazines will help a homeowner make a good decision.