There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when they need to make an important decision about their entry door. Whether your door’s drafty, damaged, ugly, or all three, you’ve got important decisions make regarding a new door installation in NYC.
The only catch, however, is that choosing one isn’t always that straightforward. In retrospect, one single decision is going to last you about two decades; might as well get it right?
Here’s what you need to know about choosing and installing one properly so it doesn’t become an expensive problem months later.
What Material Will You Choose?
This simple yet mighty decision lays the foundation for everything else. What your door is made of determines how it looks, what it costs, how much maintenance it needs, how long it lasts, and how well it insulates.
There’s quite a lot on the line.
1. Wood
Your first option is wood, and this is our personal favorite. Nothing quite comes close to the warmth and character that real wood brings, especially mahogany and walnut. The best part is you’ve got plenty of creative freedom. You can pick any paint color, panels, and glass inserts to customize it your way.
The catch is maintenance. Wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Without regular maintenance, such as sanding and re-staining or repainting every 2-3 years, wood doors warp, crack, and rot.
If you love the look of wood and you’re willing to put in the work and money, wood doors can last you a solid 30 years.
2. Fiberglass
Fiberglass doors have gained quite the traction lately, and it’s because they solve wood’s biggest problems while looking almost identical.
Fiberglass can mimic wood grain so well that you have to get close to tell the difference. You get oak, mahogany, fir, or smooth finishes. You can paint or stain them, and they come with insulating foam that makes them energy-efficient.
The best part? Zero maintenance, and that’s a blessing for homeowners who’re always on the run and never seem to find the time for home maintenance tasks. Fiberglass doors typically last 20-30 years, and over that time, the lack of maintenance makes them cheaper than wood, even though you’ll pay a steep price for them at first.
3. Steel
Steel probably isn’t the first material you think of when you think about your entry door, but it’s actually not that bad. Steel doors are great if you’re worried about security, because they are your strongest option.
They’re also fire-resistant, which is a useful feature to have if you live in attached homes or buildings, for example. With steel, you’re looking at 20-30 years of not making a decision about a new door installation in NYC.
The only downside of steel is that it dents, and you could have to deal with rust if the finishing gets damaged. Steel also conducts heat, so you’re probably going to have to wear a mitten just to open your door in the summer.
Also Read: Is Professional Door Installation in NYC Worth It?
How to Install an Entry Door the Right Way?
For readers who’re new to all things door, this probably sounds strange. Is it even possible to install an entry door the wrong way? Yes, absolutely.
Prehung vs. Door Slab Only
Prehung doors come with the door already mounted in a frame. The jamb, threshold, and weatherstripping are all included. This is the easier installation option and what most people choose. The whole assembly gets installed as a unit.
The door slab is just the door itself. You’re reusing your existing frame. This only works if your frame is in perfect condition and properly sized. It’s less common for entry doors.
For new door installation in NYC, prehung is almost always the right choice unless you’re doing a very specific restoration project.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
Entry door installation can technically be a DIY project if you’re experienced with carpentry, have the right tools, and have help.
But that’s a lot of ifs. If you’re like most homeowners, you’re better off with professional installation because:
- Doors must be perfectly level and plumb, or they won’t close properly
- Improper shimming leads to gaps that leak air
- Incorrect weatherstripping installation defeats the whole point
- Warranty coverage often requires professional installation
- A badly installed door costs way more to fix than it would’ve cost to have it done right
What Good Installation Looks Like?
Whether you hire someone or do it yourself, the process should include:
- Removing the old door and frame completely
- Checking and preparing the rough opening for level, plumb, and square
- Installing the prehung door with careful shimming to make sure it’s perfectly level
- Sealing gaps between the frame and the opening with expanding foam insulation
- Installing casing on the interior
- Testing the operation before finishing
Professional Installation in NYC is a Call Away
If you’re ready for new door installation in NYC, Door Master New York handles residential entry door installation with proper permits, code compliance, and installation that lasts. We work with all door types and materials and handle the full process from removal to final trim.
A new entry door is an investment, so make sure you get it right the first time! Give us a shout, and we’ll help you choose and install the best entry door for your home!
