Types of Exterior Doors: Complete Guide for Homeowners

Your exterior doors are the portals to your property, creating a lasting first impression to guests and an inviting point of entry to come home to.

The best exterior door will play a practical role too. It provides the security to keep your home safe and offers energy efficiency by keeping draughts out and regulating the interior temperature of your home.

That’s why it’s so important to consider the types of front doors available, so you choose the right one for your home. Whether you’re refreshing your existing house, renovating an older property or building a home from scratch, knowledge of front door types is a must.

In this, our latest article, we take you through the different types of front doors, explaining what is an exterior door and why your choice matters. We’ll also guide you to choose the best type of exterior doors to suit your home’s style and your own personal taste.

Keep reading to learn all about types of front doors for home.

Why your choice of exterior door matters

There are many styles of entry doors but no matter which one you plump for, every type will serve a similar purpose.

Your exterior door plays a wide variety of roles, as follows:

• Keeps your home secure. A strong, durable and professionally installed door keeps your property safe and secure.
• Contributes to your home’s energy efficiency. The best types of entry doors seal your home against the elements, maintaining a regulated temperature inside and reducing heating and cooling costs.
• Adds curb appeal. Your front door is the main focus of your home and will significantly affect the aesthetic of your property.
• Offers functionality. The exterior door plays a very practical role in providing the entry and exit point to your home.

Choosing the wrong door can lead to a host of issues, including increased maintenance costs, higher energy bills and even compromised safety. That’s why it’s good to know what your options are in terms of exterior door types.

Types of exterior doors explained

Once you start looking for door installation services, you’ll find many types of exterior doors. Let’s investigate the most popular types of front door available on the market:

• Wood
• Steel
• Fiberglass
• Glass and patio doors
• Composite and modern materials

The different types of exterior doors all have their own unique properties, so let’s take a close-up look one-by-one.

Wooden exterior doors

Wooden doors are one of the most traditional types of exterior doors, which suit almost every property. You can find them in many varieties of door types exterior, including oak, cherry, pine and mahogany.

Pros:

• Look good on classic and rustic homes
• Can be personalized with individual touches
• May be also be painted or stained according to your taste

Cons:

• Wood is prone to warping in wet climate zones
• It requires regular maintenance, such as painting
• Can be more expensive than other exterior door types

Best for: Traditional style or older properties.

Steel exterior doors

This is one of the most secure types of entry doors and also represents an affordable, low-maintenance option.

Pros:

• Offers a high level of security and resists damage well
• Steel is a more affordable material than wood or fiberglass
• It’s also resistant to warping and cracking

Cons:

• Steel doors may rust if left untreated
• You won’t get as many design options compared to other exterior door examples like wood
• You might need to insulate your steel door to make them more energy efficient

Best for: A great option for anyone looking for high security doors.

Fiberglass exterior doors

Fiberglass doors look like real wood while offering increased durability and insulation. These types of doors exterior to a house are a versatile and customizable option.

Pros:

• Withstand knocks, dents and moisture damage
• Offer superior insulation properties
• Low maintenance and durable
• Available in textured finished to mimic wood

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than other options
• Not as aesthetically pleasing as real wood

Best for: Homeowners who appreciate a long-lasting option that looks good too.

Glass and patio doors

Glass doors, including sliding, French, and bi-fold doors, are often used for patios and backyards. They give a light and airy feel to the interior of your property too.

Pros:

• Create a link between indoor and outdoor space
• Let natural light flood your home
• Available in toughened glass option to withstand impacts

Cons:

• Don’t provide as much security or privacy as solid doors
• Need frequent cleaning to eliminate smears
• May be a more costly than other types of front doors

Best for: Rear entry points, patios, and properties with great views to make the most of.

Composite and other modern options

These door types exterior are made from a blend of materials which can include PVC, wood and foam. They represent the best of both worlds, combining style with functionality.

Pros:

• Great weather-resistance and durability
• Excellent energy-saving properties
• Available in a variety of finishes and styles

Cons:

• May work out as more expensive than other materials
• Not as characterful as real wood

Best for: Composite doors are perfect for modern-style homes and places with extreme weather conditions.

If it feels overwhelming when it comes to understanding different types of front doors, give the friendly team at Plum ProExteriors a call. We can offer expert advice on the type of door that suits your home and guide you to the perfect match for your property!

Types of front doors vs other exterior doors

It’s worth getting to know exterior door styles names so you can understand the difference between front doors and other types of exterior doors. This knowledge will help you choose the right door for every location around your property.

Front doors

These serve the purpose of being the main entrance of your home, creating a focal point. Choose a front door that looks good and provides high levels of security and insulation. Steel, fiberglass and wood are the best choices for front doors.

Side and back doors

This type of door is your secondary access point and can often be hidden away from the main view of the house. Security is key, so choose a tough material like steel or fiberglass.

Patio doors

These provide a link between the inside and outside of your home. The most common type of patio doors is made from glass, allowing natural light to enhance your home’s interior.

Choosing the best exterior door for your home

What type of exterior door is best for your home? To answer this question, you’ll need to consider a few factors:

• Climate. If you live in an area that can be wet or humid, avoid wood, which can warp. Instead, choose fiberglass or composite for longevity. For sunny areas, choose doors with UV-resistant finishes.
• Security. Safety is a top priority for most homeowners. For maximum security, choose a door with features such as multi-point locking systems and reinforced glass.
• Style. Choose a door that matches your home’s aesthetic. Wood is a great choice for traditional homes, while steel or fiberglass suits more contemporary homes.
• Maintenance. For low-maintenance options, consider steel, fiberglass or composite doors.

Plum ProExteriors are here to help!

Exterior doors set the tone for your property and offer a host of practical benefits too. That’s why it’s essential to understand the different types of front doors so you can choose the best match for your home.

Maybe you’re upgrading your front door or switching up all the doors around your property. However big or small your project, know that you can rely on the professionals at Plum ProExteriors — we’re here to help, so give us a call today!