How to choose the right door

The front door is a relatively small element of a home’s façade, but it can play a decisive role in its identity. Choosing a door may seem straightforward at first glance, but there are many criteria to consider. Here’s what you need to consider to reconcile aesthetics and technical performance.  

“The door is the first contact with the house and the place where people are welcomed,” says Marilena Tricarico, host, speaker and content creator at EspaceProprio. “It’s an element with which you can be bold. You don’t have to respect the color of the siding or the windows: it’s an opportunity to personalize your home and stand out from the crowd. It’s important to make sure your choice is a conscious one, because you don’t change doors very often.”

The importance of having a good door

Increasing energy efficiency 

Before focusing on aesthetics, it’s important to choose a door that performs well in terms of insulation and soundproofing, insists Marilena Tricarico. These are not points you can skimp on. Well-insulated doors, generally made of steel or solid wood, reduce heat loss in winter and keep the air cool in summer. Sealed joints and well-sealed frames minimize draughts, which can reduce heating and air-conditioning costs. 

Photo : Shutterstock/Joseph Hendrickson

Enhance the appeal of your home

A well-designed, aesthetically pleasing door can enhance the building’s appearance and create a positive first impression. A variety of styles, colors and materials can reflect the character of the home and harmonize with the rest of the architecture. A welcoming front door can also add value to the property.

Reinforcing safety

Some doors are more secure than others. Steel or solid wood doors, with reinforcements and multi-point or electronic locking systems, generally offer better protection. Careful installation and the addition of accessories such as security bars also contribute to increasing your home’s security.

Elements to analyze

The threshold 

A well-designed house threshold contributes to thermal insulation and airtightness, preventing draughts and moisture from penetrating. It must also be sturdy to resist wear and weather. It improves a door’s durability and boosts your home’s energy efficiency. 

Solid or hollow core door

Solid-core doors are generally stronger. They offer better sound and heat insulation, as well as greater security. On the other hand, hollow-core models are lighter and often less expensive, but can be less durable and offer less protection against external noise. For reasons of safety and insulation, we recommend choosing a solid-core entrance door.

Photo : Shutterstock/Artography

The crosspiece

It plays an important role in the door’s strength and stability. A well-designed crossbar strengthens the structure, improves impact resistance and helps to insulate. By choosing a door with a quality transom, you guarantee greater durability and improved energy performance.

The price

The price of an exterior door can vary considerably depending on several factors, such as material, style and security options. In general, you can expect to pay between a few hundred and several thousand dollars. Steel and fiberglass doors offer excellent durability at competitive prices, while solid wood doors – often more aesthetically pleasing – can be more expensive. Don’t forget to add installation costs and any accessories for a complete and successful project.