June 9, 2016 / Author: Colin Gibson
From decorative glass with ornate steel to freshly stained wood that perfectly matches the colour of your bricks, a new entrance door system can be a beauty to behold. The benefits of added curb appeal extend beyond aesthetics: investing in a new door system has been shown to increase the value of your home by 4.2%. For a $2,500 door system installed in a house valued at $500,000, this works out to an ROI of $18,500.
But with colours, handle sets, and glass options to choose from, picking the right door for your home can be challenging. The best place to start is with the most important choice: material. Steel, fibreglass, and wood all have their benefits and drawbacks. Picking the one that is right for you is the first – and most important – step in choosing the entrance door system that is right for you.
Steel: A Plethora of Options and Security You Can Trust
The most popular by far, steel doors are a great choice for any home. They come in almost any colour you can think of and boast a dizzying array of glass insert options. A new steel door provides best-in-class security, allowing you to rest peacefully with the knowledge that your family is safe. When compared to fibreglass and wood, steel doors are the most economical, while retaining the same level of energy efficiency.
While a good steel door is relatively resistant to scratches and dents, they are more vulnerable to damage than fibreglass or wood doors. This can be particularly problematic for those with dogs who habitually scratch at the front door, or for families with children who may take a less-than-careful approach to hauling their hockey bags in and out of the house. However, the team at Edmunds has found that it takes quite a lot of force to damage our steel doors, making potential damage less of an issue that it is sometimes made out to be.
Choose a Fibreglass Door for Added Durability or an Authentic Woodgrain-Look
Fibreglass doors are another great choice for your new entranceway system. The “smooth” variety are almost indistinguishable from steel doors but have the added benefit of being dent- and scratch-proof. Fibreglass doors also come in a woodgrain finish that looks and feels very authentic. The woodgrain doors can be stained just like real wood, but typically cost 35% to 50% less, making them an attractive option for those who want the wood look, without the wood price tag.
A smooth, steel-like fibreglass door system costs roughly 5% more than an equivalent steel door, which is a small price to pay if you know that your front door will have to withstand scratches and dents. The woodgrain look costs between 25% to 35% more than a steel door, depending on the quality of the faux wood grain. While they are very good (come into our showroom and see for yourself!), for some people the look and feel of real wood just can’t be imitated.
When Only the Best Will Do, a Wood Door Is Your Go-To
The primary benefit of a wood door is authenticity. A wood door offers all of the features of steel and fibreglass with a high-end look that can’t be beat. From oak to mahogany, a wood front door immediately draws your eye and gives an impression of craftsmanship and taste.
The primary drawback of a wood door is cost: at twice the price of steel and at least 150% the cost of fibreglass, the price of a wood door is prohibitive to many. There’s also the time and financial cost of regular staining and finishing that’s required to keep your door from fading.
There are benefits to all of the front door systems listed. To learn more about the different options for front doors, contact Edmunds Home Improvements today.
