When you are choosing an entrance door for your home or your commercial building there are several things that you need to keep in mind. Remember that your home or building’s exterior is the first impression that your guests will see, so you want your door to send the right message while meeting your specific needs.
While it may be tempting to buy a pre-fabricated door because they are easy to find, low priced and generally good quality, there is a real benefit to choosing a quality wood door. These doors are stylish, beautiful and long lasting and they also can be fully customized, something that isn’t possible with pre-constructed doors available at your local building supply outlet.
Shape
Choosing a door shape will create the look you want, and make your door look like part of the home, even if it is a replacement door. For example, if you have arched garage doors and an arched front window it makes sense to have an arched door as well. The degree of the arch and the addition of a transom or sidelights will be up to you.
Proportion
You want the door to be in proportion to the size of your entrance, incorporating the interior and exterior of the home. For large entrances, double doors add a touch of magnificence and style, while for smaller areas a single door with sidelights and a transom can create the open look.
Even if you have a very small entrance, a well-designed door with lovely styled glass will be welcoming. The door can be designed with the size of the existing opening in mind, or you can choose to expand.
Security Needs
The more security that you need, the more solid the door should appear. This will be an effective deterrent. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have windows and glass around the door, but you will need to consider the type and amount of glass.
In addition, look for an entrance door that features a 3 point lock that provides the greatest security with style and elegance for any door design.
Style
Last, but certainly not least, you need to consider the style. You may choose to fully customize a door or you can choose an existing wooden entrance door and select your own finish, glass and sidelights, and transom for a unique look.
