CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK – The front door, while often viewed as a simple object, actually sets the tone for visitors on what the rest of the home will be like.

When it comes to replacing your front door, it is not a task that should be taken lightly; you can’t just pop in the first door you come across and expect people to give you compliments. Entry doors must be able to withstand wind, rain, scorching sun and possible intruders, yet appealing enough to make a good first impression.

Buying a new front door is like buying a new car, in that you want to ensure your new front door matches your home, your tastes and your budget. Important factors to take into consideration are design, materials, security, energy efficiency and whether you can do the work yourself or if you will need to hire someone to install your Cheektowaga interior doors.

Materials
There are typically three types of alternative materials that exterior doors are made of – wood, metal (usually steel) and fiberglass, the Cuba MO hardwood provider says. Front doors are the one place homeowners should spend a little extra on to ensure it is durable and nice looking.

Wood is usually made from a thin piece of plywood or laminate on either side with a thicker piece of hardboard backer behind it. The core of this door is made from energy-efficient polyurethane designed to insulate.

The second type of wood door you can purchase is one that is solid wood. It is 100 percent wood through and through and is by far the heaviest, most secure and beautiful door money can buy.

Steel doors should be at the top of your list if security and durability are high priorities. They are among the strongest materials available and will not crack or warp. Steel doors also cost the least and are generally filled with a high-density foam insulation, which also makes them energy-efficient. The finish of steel doors can range from smooth painted steel to an embossed wood-grain pattern.

Fiberglass doors are tough, maintenance-free and are a great choice for people who live in harsh or humid climates. These doors also provide several times more protection than wood doors, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Fiberglass doors come in a variety of finishes and colors and some high-quality fiberglass doors can be made to look exactly like wood.

Design
There is a plethora of door designs available today. A front door is not just a slab with a handle on it, it can be arched, widened, doubled or have added height. Add some curb appeal to your home by selecting a door that makes a statement and adds character to your home.

Brighten your foyer with a glass door panel, transom or sidelights. These glass inserts can range from frosted, beveled and patterned, to private or unobstructed.

Security
Compliment your door’s style with heavy-duty solid brass or bronze handle sets and locks. A quality lock set should support a well-built and well-installed front door. Homeowners can also add security chains and spy holes. For added security of glass doors, some manufactures offer glazing designed to resist break-ins.

DIY or Contractor
If you have carpentry knowledge, then you may be able to tackle the door installation yourself, though you need to be sure you know what you’re doing. While a contractor may not be in your initial budget, neither is buying a new door or paying to have your wood, metal or glass door repaired because of your error.

Hiring a contractor will ensure the door is fitted correctly and that maximum security and energy-efficiency benefits are activated. The contractor can also perform an energy audit on your door before and after installation to detect drafts and ensure efficient weather stripping is added to prevent air loss.

Prices vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and according to style, size, material and options, as the owner of Tulsas largest landscaping company says. Solid wood doors can be upward of $3,000, depending on the type of wood, construction, finish and glazing. Fiberglass starts around $600 and steel at about $200.

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