SHUT the Front Door

Let’s talk front doors. I know it sounds boring, but stay with me…exterior front doors are truly amazing and here’s why. Your front door is where your home opens its proverbial heart to the outside world. It’s the protective gatekeeper and a warm welcome… all wrapped into one big, heavy rectangle. What a job! While front doors are mostly functional, they can be unbelievably beautiful when done correctly.

The key to curb appeal is your exterior front door. It also returns over 100% of its original investment. That said, it’s important to have a door that is well-designed, speaks to your personality and style, and sets the tone for the family inside.   – said Cassie McDowell, co-founder of brick&batten

Let’s break down your options:

Wooden Exterior Front Door

A wooden front door offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for homeowners. Though wood may need maintenance, their beauty makes wood the gold standard in doors.

Our thoughts on wood doors:

1. Beauty – Classy wood doors feel important. Their natural texture add warmth and texture while complementing all paint colors.
2. Customization – Wood is versatile. With various types of wood, colors/stains, and details a wooden door works with any home style.
3. Security – Wood is dense and strong. If security is on your mind, rest assured a wood door offers protection.
4. Eco-Friendly – Many door manufacturers use sustainable practices to ensure protection of the environment.
5. Home Value and Curb Appeal – Wooden doors are attractive to potential buyers because of the qualities mentioned.
6. Periodic Maintenance – With proper sealing and refinishing a wood door maintains their beauty for a long time.

Fiberglass Front Door

Fiberglass front doors are becoming increasingly popular as they’re both highly durable and energy efficient. The benefits make fiberglass front doors a practical and smart choice for homeowners.

Our thoughts on fiberglass front doors:

1. Durable – Fiberglass is strong and resistant to dents, warping, fading, and annoying scratches.
2. Weather Friendly – Fiberglass doors survive in various temperatures and weather conditions. From the salty coastlines to the mountainous snowy regions, they stand the test of time.
3. Energy Efficient – Most fiberglass doors have a foam core which provides excellent insulation. This is nice when you see a decreased energy bill!
4. Security – Fiberglass doors are lightweight; however, are incredible secure and strong. Many are reinforced with a steel core, adding extra protection to your home.

Craftsman Front Door

A beautiful craftsman door is hard to beat. The timeless craftsmanship and design work well with simple siding, brick, or stone, making it a versatile choice for all home styles. The clean lines and timeless appeal of these exterior front doors create a welcoming first impression, setting the tone for the rest of your home’s design.

Our thoughts on craftsman front doors:

1. Classic Appeal – A craftsman front door offer timeless appeal which never goes out of style.
2. Versatility – Found most often on bugalow type homes, craftsman doors are also found on Spanish, colonial revival, farmhouse, and even modern architecture.
3. Character and Details – Craftsman front doors add character to your home. They are often adorned in wood accents, ledges, and paneling. These characteristics create a warm and inviting feel.
4. Natural Light – Glass is usually found at the top of craftsman doors. Many times the lights are rectangular in length but with stained or leaded glass.

Steel Front Door

If your exterior front door replacement project requires maximum security, strength, and energy efficiency, then steel entry doors are a nice choice that will stand its ground for many years to come.

Our thoughts on steel front doors:

1. Security – Steel doors are one of the most secure options due to their solid construction.
2. Low Maintenance – Steel doors are usually coated with a protective finish the wears well in all types of weather and environments. They resist rust and they won’t swell or warp like some uncared for wooden doors.
3. Lower Upkeep Cost – While steel doors may cost more upfront, the upkeep and maintenance on a steel door is very low. Which means spending less on repairs and refinishing.
4. Fire Resistance – Now with the increase in wildfires, there is more of a demand for a steel door option. Many are even rated fire resistant, adding that extra layer of security

French Doors

This Hawaii home opted for double French Doors. The goal was to let in tons of natural light, while offering functionality and practicality. These doors are known for their elegant design and curb appeal.

Our thoughts on French front doors:

1. Beauty – French doors are a beautiful way to add symmetry and timeless elegance. They are simple but create a visual focal point that draws your eye.
2. Open Vibe – French doors provide an open and airy feeling to your entryway. They create an indoor outdoor flow which is great for enjoying the view.
3. Convenient – A double French door provides an extra wide doorway. This is nice for opening your space, as well as moving in appliances or large furniture.
4. Energy Efficient – It’s a myth to think that because of all the glass French doors aren’t energy efficient. With insulated glass, high quality French doors let in light but leave out the heat and cool temperatures.

Front Door with Sidelights

Natural light is key for opening an entryway and making it feel more spacious and inviting. Sidelights are the narrow windows on either side of a door. They increase curb appeal and visibility.

Our thoughts on front doors with sidelights:

1. Privacy – If you’re thinking a glass front door may be too much, sidelights are the perfect option. Glass height can vary in length or they can be covered with shutters to provide extra security and privacy.
2. Grand Entrance – Sidelights are an easy way to create a larger doorway area and more expansive feel. Doors with sidelights are considered to have a high quality appearance.
3. Customizable – Glass is sidelights is often customizable, including clear, decorative, waved, or frosted.

When in Doubt, Go Black

There is something effortless chic and sexy about a classic black door. It can amplify curb appeal instantly, making a bold statement without being overly trendy. The deep, rich tone creates a striking contrast against lighter siding or brick, drawing attention to the entryway in the best way possible.

Our thoughts on black front doors:

1. Elegant. Timeless. Classic – These are all words we use to describe a black front door. It symbolizes power, opportunity, and independence. It’s also attractive to buyers if you are looking to sell.
2. Versatile – Black works with all different textures, lighting options, and cladding. It pairs well with virtually any color home, making it easy to pair with a variety of trim and landscape.
3. Cleanliness – Black doors need to be wiped down to keep their clean look. While they may show dust and dirt more than a wood toned door, they can also be easily washed off to look brand new.

Door Muntins

Door muntins (grids on the glass) aren’t just small details. They can make a serious impact on curb appeal. Too many your home looks busy and unkept but the right amount, in the right places, muntins can go a long way in helping curb appeal. One rule of thumb: matching your door muntins with window muntins helps with consistency, balance, and harmony.

Our thoughts on door muntins:

1. Proportion of Muntins – While consistency and balance is important, so is the proportion of muntins. For example, if your window have small detailed muntins, then your door should follow suit.
2. Home Style – Different home styles require a different type of muntin style. The muntins above are perfect for a modern farmhouse, transitional, or classic design; however, they wouldn’t be as common on a prairie style home.
3. Visual Interest – Muntins add visual interest to your home, windows, and doors. If your home feels one dimensional and uninteresting, muntins are a way to jazz it up! This is a simple change for a big impact.
4. Personal Preference – Adding muntins are a matter of personal preference. If you choose muntins, the style of your home and your personal style are all that matters.

Be Bold – A Bold Front Door

Don’t be afraid to do something different with your front door design. Your exterior front door should speak to your home’s style but also your personality. Your exterior front door is the first thing people see, and it should offer your visitors a taste of what’s inside. Why not make it memorable?

Our thoughts on a bold front door:

1. Color – Go for a rich emerald green, deep navy, or even a pop of yellow. Cheerful pinks and deep bronze are also popular choices this year.
2. Cultural Significance – In many cultures, a bold front door color has symbolism. For example, a green door symbolizes wealth and health, while a blue door means peace and safety. Check the meaning and go for it!
3. Happy First Impression – Certain colors create emotion. If it makes you happy, a colorful door may uplift your visitors as well.
4. Cost Effective – There is no better and easier way to make a big impact on a budget than painting your door. It’s an affordable way to update the look, is a DIY project, and can be easily accomplished in a weekend.

Let’s Design the Perfect First Impression Together

Dutch Door

Dutch doors are making a huge comeback! These charming exterior front doors offer protection but also fresh air and light without fully opening your home to the outside.

Our thoughts on Dutch doors:

1. Ventilation  – Many Dutch doors can be custom made for your home and function, opening at different heights and made of different materials. This allows for airflow through your house, while keeping your pets and children safely inside.
2. Fun Element – Dutch doors are making a comeback for good reason. They are always a talking point and add a fun charm to your home’s exterior.
3. Versatility – As shown above, Dutch doors can be used on a variety of home styles. They used to be seen only in coastal cottage type homes, but now that styles are changing, you also see them more often on modern homes.

Pivot Door

Pivot doors rotate on a hinge and provide a dramatic look on the right architecture. A larger opening is required so your front door becomes a major focal point, as it should.

Our thoughts on a pivot door:

1. Yes, please. – We did a quick office poll and there wasn’t one designer that didn’t love a pivot door on the correct home.
2. Larger Opening – Similar to French doors, a pivot door needs a larger opening. This is nice for people with mobility challenges, as well as moving larger items inside your home.
3. Cost – Pivot doors are generally more expensive than regular front doors. Because they are larger and require a different mechanism to open, usually the door and installation are pricy. Definitely need to think about your budget!
4. Home Style – Pivot doors aren’t made for just any home style. They are most commonly found on modern and contemporary styles, while occasionally making an appearance on a rustic farmhouse.

In conclusion, there’s lots to think about when choosing the perfect front door. From your personal preference, to the architecture of your home, selecting the correct door can make or break curb appeal! As mentioned, your front door is where your home opens its proverbial heart to the outside world. Create a warm welcome and make a lasting first impression.

Choose with confidence. And if you need a little help…

Contact brick&batten today to visualize before you commit!

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