A Comprehensive Guide To Choosing A Front Door
The front door of your home is not only functional, enabling you to get in and out, but it also contributes significantly to your property’s overall aesthetic appeal and how secure it is. From kerb appeal to peace of mind, choosing the right front door can make a huge difference to your day-to-day life. But how do you know what to look for?
Let’s explore what factors to consider when choosing a front door.
Choosing a new front door: Where to start?
Before delving into the exciting aspects of selecting a new front door, it's crucial to start with the basics. The first step is to measure the doorframe accurately. After all, there’s no point in finding a beautiful front door if it doesn’t fit! Take precise measurements of the width, height, and thickness of your existing door frame. This will ensure that your new front door fits perfectly and avoids any installation complications.
Removing an old door
Next up, if you're replacing an existing front door, you'll need to remove it carefully. Start by removing the hinge pins or unscrewing the hinges from the frame. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to avoid any accidents or strain. Once the door is removed, inspect the frame for any damages or issues that may need attention before installing your new front door.
What to do with an old door
When you remove your old door, what should you do with it? Well, you have a few options. Is the door is still in good condition? If so, you might want to consider donating it to a local charity or repurpose it for another use within your home. Upcycling old doors can be a creative way to add unique elements to your interior design. If the door is beyond repair or has no further use, contact your local waste management service to arrange proper disposal.
Will you need a new front door frame too?
While replacing the entire door frame is not always necessary, it is important to assess its condition before installing a new front door. Inspect the frame for any signs of rot, warping, or damage. If the frame is in poor condition, it’s best to replace it along with the door to ensure proper fit and functionality. Consult with a professional if you are uncertain about the condition of your door frame.
What types of front doors are available?
When it comes to front doors, there are various materials to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and considerations.
Wood
Wood doors are timeless and offer a classic, warm aesthetic. They can be stained or painted to match your desired style. However, it’s important to know that wood doors may require regular maintenance to protect against weathering and may be prone to warping or expanding in extreme conditions.
But if you’re a fan of the wood grain look, composite front doors can be made to look just like a wood door. So you can get all the pros of a wood aesthetic, alongside the durability of a composite front door.
uPVC
uPVC (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) made from a strong and rigid plastic material that is resistant to rotting, warping, and fading. These doors are highly durable and can withstand various weather conditions without deteriorating.
uPVC doors also offer excellent thermal insulation, helping to reduce energy loss and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. As a bonus, they’re very low maintenance. You can keep them looking fresh with a bit of soap and water.
Composite
Composite front doors consist of a combination of materials — usually a mixture of wood, uPVC, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), and insulating foam. This combination of materials makes composite doors exceptionally strong, secure, and long-lasting.
Composite front doors are highly resistant to weathering, fading, and scratching, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Like uPVC doors, composite front doors feature great insulation properties, helping to keep chilly draughts out and your energy costs low.
How to choose the best front door for your home
When there are so many options available for your new front door, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose in terms of front door maintenance, material, style, and appearance. Every home is different — and fortunately there are plenty of front door design options to choose from.
Style and aesthetics
The style of your new front door should complement the architectural design of your home. Whether you prefer traditional, contemporary, or something in between, there is a wide range of door styles to choose from. Consider factors such as panel design, glass inserts, and decorative accents that align with your personal taste and the overall character of your property.
Property type
The type of property you have should also influence your front door selection. For instance, a Victorian-style house may call for an ornate, grand entrance door, while a modern townhouse may benefit from a sleek, minimalist design. Take into account the existing elements of your property and choose a new front door that harmonises with the overall theme. Of course, you can always contrast styles, too. Why not give your period property a modern twist with a sleek, contemporary front door? On the other hand, add some rustic charm to a new-build property with a more traditional door style.
Kerb appeal
A well-chosen front door significantly enhances the kerb appeal of your home. It creates a welcoming atmosphere and leaves a lasting impression on visitors and passersby. Consider the colour, finish, and overall visual impact of the door when viewed from the street. A bold and striking front door can make a statement and add instant visual appeal to your property.
Are you thinking of selling your property in the near future? A new front door can be a great selling point and may attract more offers.
Security
Security is a paramount concern when selecting a front door. Look for doors that are constructed with sturdy materials and have reliable locking mechanisms. Consider additional security features such as multi-point locking systems, reinforced frames, and impact-resistant glass for added peace of mind.
Do you want windows?
Windows in a front door can enhance natural light and add an inviting touch to your entrance. However, they also compromise privacy and may require extra maintenance. Decide whether having windows in your front door aligns with your preferences and the level of privacy you desire.
How much does it cost to replace a front door?
The cost of replacing a new front door can vary depending on several factors, including the material, design complexity, and additional features. On average, a basic front door replacement can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. Before you invest in your new front door, it’s important to do your research.
At Flying Doors, we pride ourselves on supplying quality doors that you can rely on, which is why we offer a 10-year guarantee within the price of all our door products. In the unlikely event that you’ll need to return or replace your new front door from us, you can rest knowing that your doors are protected should your new front door become damaged, for example.
Our prices start at £599 for a single uPVC front door, with prices increasing for composite styles, or larger, multi-functional styles such as bifold or sliding doors. For example, our Anthracite Grey uPVC Sliding Patio Doors start from £1,049.99. It’s important to remember that different colours, finishes, and sizes will incur different costs due to their individual materials.
Find high-quality uPVC and composite front doors at Flying Doors
When it comes to purchasing your new front door, it is essential to choose a reputable supplier that offers high-quality products.
Flying Doors is a trusted provider of uPVC and composite front doors, offering a wide range of styles, colours, and customisation options for every household. Our doors are crafted with precision and attention to detail, providing excellent security, energy efficiency, and durability for your home, and all for affordable trade prices.
As we manufacture everything, our delivery is in-house - meaning that we can offer a bespoke delivery service that nobody else can. As well as a 10-year guarantee, we’ll provide you with an estimated delivery date before you even purchase your order.
Ready to refresh your home? Feel free to get in touch with our friendly Flying Doors team on 01246 914 914 and get a quote for your new front door today.