Pros and Cons of Front Door Options
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A new front door can improve a home's curb appeal, but make sure you know what you're buying.
When a huge fire swept through Balstrop, Texas, a firefighter kicked in John Winn's front door to make sure no one was home. The fire ultimately missed the home, but the damaged door led Winn to do something he thinks will boost his home’s value: put in a new front door.
That seemingly simple — though sometimes pricey — change can have a big impact on a home’s curb appeal. In fact, depending on the type of front door, homeowners can get a decent return on their investment in a home’s boosted resale value.
That’s because real estate agents and appraisers say first impressions matter in home buying decisions.
“If you have a great entry door, it’s just welcoming you home,” says Dan Batkiewicz, owner of Hilliard, Ohio-based Palmer Builders.
To get the most knock, knock, bang for your buck, consider the pros and cons of different types of front doors.
Steel doors
A steel door is an affordable option that requires relatively little maintenance. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Daniel B. of Greensburg, Pennsylvania)
A 2016 report on popular remodels found those who put in a new steel front door spent an average of$1,335 and recouped 92 percent of their investment in the home’s resale value.
Additional benefits to a steel door include the ability to paint them, they're low maintenance, and they’re durable.
“Residential steel doors have been used ... on millions of homes and come in a large array of styles,” says David Musalo, co-owner of Musalo’s Door and Trim in Merritt Island, Florida.
However, the doors can rust, Musalo says, among other issues. They can dent, cold and heat can move around or through the door slab, and you can’t stain steel doors.
“A paint wood grain can be done, but it looks very fake,” says Dave Mathews, retail sales manager at McComb Window & Door in Indianapolis.
Expect to pay more for solid wood doors. (Photo by Summer Galyan)
Wood doors
Wood doors can be attractive with hundreds of options available.
“I have a mahogany door on my entry that has decorative glass and is stained and varnished,” Musalo says. The downside? “They swell ... rot and need a lot of maintenance.”
Direct sunlight can fade wood doors, which then require staining. Wood doors usually have shorter warranties than other types of front doors, but they can really make a statement, too.
Ranging from several hundred dollars to several thousand, solid wood doors typically cost more, especially for premium woods like mahogany or rustic walnut.
Winn says he paid First Rate Construction in Balstrop, Texas, $1,200 to remove his damaged front door, surrounding windows and transom, enlarge the opening and install a custom-made solid wood door system costing $6,800.
“The natural wood looks very rich and has some nice heft to it,” he says.
Fiberglass-composite doors
Fiberglass-composite entry doors can be made to look like wood. (Photo by Angie's List member Donna H. of Rowlett, Texas)
Priced similarly to steel doors, fiberglass-composite doors come insulated with a dense foam, and do not dent or rust. Homeowners can purchase fiberglass doors with smooth skin for paint only or a textured skin for paint or stain.
As with other types of doors, it’s possible to get different configurations,including with glass panels. In addition, you can purchase fiberglass doors with a wood grain.
Maintenance increases with composite doors that incorporate wood. Experts say many customers prefer the look and get it at a lower cost than solid wood.
Mathews says these doors can be cracked if hit hard enough by a sharp object. Though composite doors are relatively inexpensive, expect cost to rise with extras. For example, you could still spend thousands for that custom-made, glass-paneled door that looks like wood.
Aluminum doors
While you can order aluminum doors through home improvement stores or by going directly through manufacturers, contractors often focus on installing other types of doors that start in a lower price range.
“I am not sure I would personally want one for residential use,” Musalo says. “[They have] no insulating properties.”
Aluminum won’t rust, but it does pit and the powder coat finish can be damaged.
Expect to pay north of $500 at the very least for an aluminum door, which frequently runs multiple times that amount.
However, if you want a door with a long warranty that you can have custom-made for your entryway, this may prove an option for you. Commonly aluminum entry doors come with 10- or 20-year warranties, covering everything from insulated glass to surfaces and hardware.
Before you sell your home, consider installing a new front door, which will add to the curb appeal of the home. (Photo by Jessica Anderson)
Before you buy a new entry door
If at all possible, check out doors in person — such as in a showroom — so you can get a better sense of their look and feel before making a purchase.
Pay attention to the durability of any door system, including making sure to get a “rot free door jamb,” since that’s often where failures occur.
Because of the expertise required for front door installation, most experts advise hiring. Expect to pay anywhere from several hundred dollars to more than a thousand for installation alone depending on the scope and complexity of the project.
Though a single door won’t play a huge role in your home’s energy efficiency — particularly if it’s well-sealed when closed — you should ask about insulation when discussing options. Also ask about extras, like glass panels, that can lead to more cool or warm air escaping.
Finally, read the warranty terms so you know what’s covered and get any questions answered in advance before making a purchasing decision or hiring a contractor to install the door.
Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article originally posted on January 29, 2015.
Have you recently installed a new front door? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.
