Angie's LIST Guide to
Doors

A home’s front door is the first exterior door that visitors and residents see, and it is the most commonly used exterior door in most houses. That means that aesthetic concerns must be taken into account along with sturdiness and durability. Homeowners should choose a door that makes an excellent first impression without sacrificing any safety features. A front door that looks great but cannot deter intruders or resist the wind is not a good investment.

Today, many different materials are used to manufacture front doors. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. These are the major options:

Wood — Wood remains one of the most popular materials used to build doors. Solid wood doors are the most expensive in this category, and a single door can cost upwards of $500 or more. Solid wood doors are also sturdier than stock wood doors, and they are available in oak, maple, pine, cherry, walnut and other beautiful woods. Solid wood doors can have intricate carvings that enhance their beauty without sacrificing their durability. Unfortunately, they may also warp, but staining or painting their edges can prevent this problem.

A stock wood door that consists of a core of engineered wood covered by a furniture grade veneer is also a popular choice. These doors are less prone to warping, and they are less expensive than solid wood doors. The veneer can damage easily, however. Some manufacturers make similar doors but with insulated cores that make them more efficient at keeping a home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Composite — Many homeowners in humid regions or in areas where unforgiving weather is common choose a fiberglass-composite front door. Such doors are highly resistant to warping and wear. Fiberglass-composite doors are inexpensive, about $200 or so, and they last a long time. Many manufacturers will even guarantee a fiberglass-composite door for as long as a homeowner owns the home. As their name indicates, fiberglass-composite doors are made of a combination of wood, fiberglass and other materials.

Aluminum — Aluminum doors must be custom built, which makes them cost more than their steel door cousins. Homeowners will spend at least $600 on a good aluminum door, but they should also realize that many aluminum door manufacturers offer warranties of up to twenty years on their doors. Aluminum doors have an enamel finish that does not rust or need repainting, and they consist of an inner core covered by an aluminum skin.

Steel — Steel doors are a homeowner’s best bet for security, as they are stronger than any other front door option. Steel doors always contain cores made of wood or steel within a steel frame and skin. These doors usually need to be repainted frequently, but they are the least expensive of all the common front door options. Homeowners can get a basic steel front door for less than $200.

No matter the type of material used to construct the front door, a well-made exterior door on the front of a house should last a lifetime if it is properly shielded from the elements via a porch roof or overhang. Homeowners should also buy the door, frame and other system components from the same manufacturer when they want to install a complete entry system.

Due to the fact that exterior doors also double as security features, homeowners tend to give a lot of thought and consideration when selecting them. Interior doors are important too, and it pays to take your time when shopping for them. There's a dizzying array of options out there for interior doors. To get a handle on what's available, take a look at the following information.

Interior doors vs. exterior doors

For many practical reasons, the construction of interior doors differs a great deal from that of exterior doors. One very notable difference is that interior doors are typically a lot less expensive than their exterior counterparts. Additional differences include:

• Exterior doors have to be weatherproofed. They must be strong enough to keep out cold air, moisture and other elements. This isn't an issue with interior doors, which don't have to be as strong.
• Interior doors tend to have lighter constructions than exterior doors.
• Heavy-duty finishes are par for the course with exterior doors. Many times, strong stains and weatherproof paints are used. Interior doors aren't exposed to the elements, so a lighter touch can be used.
• Strong locks are mandatory for exterior doors. Interior doors typically don't have locks. When they do, they are simple.
• Things to Consider when Buying New Interior Doors

There are many options in terms of price, design and quality when it comes to interior doors, which is why shopping for them can be so confusing. To get an idea about how much you can expect to pay for various styles, and to learn more about the available options, these points can help:

• You can get a basic, hollow, engineered wood door for less than $50. A hollow door made out of real wood will cost around $115, while a solid, real wood door will cost around $225.
• Bi-fold doors, which are commonly used in closets and pantries, cost between $50 and $100 on average.
• The average price for a set of sliding doors is $200, but that amount can be a lot higher or lower depending on the material and style of the doors.
• Double pre-hung doors, which are convenient and versatile, cost between $300 and $400.
• Lightweight louvered doors typically cost around $75 to $100.
• In terms of hardware, prices vary a lot depending on material. Popular options include satin nickel, bronze, brass and chrome.
• You can switch up the appearance of a door by using different types of handles. Knobs are popular, but levers are nice options too. Dummy levers can be used for doors that push or pull open and closed