EXTERIOR DOOR MATERIALS

There are a number of materials and style to choose from for exterior doors. Installing a new door is relatively simple for experienced do it yourself owners. Those who have no prior experience in this matter should consider contacting a professional contractor. A professional may also be required, if the home is older. It may be necessary to have the exterior doors custom design for proper fitting. It may cost a tad more at the onset; however, it can save a great deal of money and hassle in the long run.

Wooden exterior doors are quite elegant and offer numerous beautiful designs and finishes. This type of material is great for older homes as they are easier to custom fit. It is very important to purchase wooden exterior doors which have been properly finished. If they are not finished or maintained correctly, wood doors deteriorate rather quickly as this material is vulnerable to harsh weather. Finishing and maintainencing these exterior doors provides protection from swelling, rotting, and warping.   

Exterior doors made form fiber glass are becoming a popular option and generally withstand harsh weather elements a bit better than wooden exterior doors do. Most fiber glass doors are insulated with polyurethane foam making them somewhat more cost efficient than certain types of wood doors. There is a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from including the wood grain look such as oak, mahogany, and cherry, but fiberglass will not swell, split, or crack. It is important to purchase fiber glass door that are professionally finished or else they may end up resembling cheap plastic. 

Steel exterior doors are another alternative and can also be very cost effective. These types of doors usually include foam polyurethane cores which can dramatically cut energy bills. Steel exterior doors are beautiful accents for any home and require very little maintenance. They may be purchased in satin and paint finishes as well as panel embossed or wood grain patterns. Be sure to purchase steel doors which have been properly finished in order to prevent them from rusting.

There are several considerations to carefully weigh before purchasing exterior doors for your home. The first is the home renovation budget which will help ensure purchasing the most energy efficient doors. It is a good idea to do a little window shopping as well to determine which style suits the home best. A professional contractor can assist in choosing both the most beautiful and cost effective for the set budget.