Your front door sets the tone for your home. It’s the first thing people see when they come over, and it goes through quite a lot in terms of dealing with harsh weather conditions. Whether you’re interested in a brand new door installation in NYC or finally getting around to replacing a door you’ve got that you aren’t too keen on, you’re in the right place.
You’ll find plenty of online guides telling you how to choose the perfect front door, but this guide is like no other. We’ll get down to the nitty-gritty to help you really find out how to make the right call.
Tip 1: Figure Out What You Care About Most
Our first tip is what we tell homeowners all the time. Think about what’s driving the decision to get a front door installation in the first place.
- Are you mostly focused on how it looks?
- Is energy efficiency your big concern this winter?
- Do you care most about security?
- Are you working on a budget?
- How much maintenance are you willing to deal with?
All these are very important questions, and you could be leaning into all of them. It’s important, however, to start with 1 or 2 and go from there.
Tip 2: Know What You’re Actually Replacing
Is this the most exciting part about a residential door installation? No. Is it an important part of your decision? Absolutely.
Sometimes you’re just replacing the door itself, which is usually referred to as the slab. Your frame is fine; you just want a new door. That’s the easiest scenario.
Sometimes you need to replace everything: the door, the frame, the threshold, all of it. That’s more work and more money, but it also gives you more options.
Other times, you think you’re just replacing the door, but when a professional actually looks at it, they find your frame has rotted over the years. Then you don’t really have a choice; you need a full replacement.
For a front door installation project, it’s worth having someone who knows what they’re doing take a look before you commit to buying anything.
Tip 3: Study Your Material Choices
The material you choose affects everything. From how your door looks, how long it lasts, what it costs, how much work it is, and how well it keeps your house comfortable. You’ve got plenty of choices to choose from!
1. Wood
Wood doors are beautiful. You can stain it, paint it, or refinish it. The grain patterns are beautiful, and it feels high-quality. If your wood door ever gets damaged, a quick sanding down and it’ll be back to new!
The downside, however, is that it’s expensive. It requires work, which means you’ll be sanding and refinishing it every few years if you want it to stay nice. Wood can warp, crack, or rot if you don’t take care of it. And in humid or rainy climates, you’re fighting an uphill battle keeping it in good shape.
If you love the look and you’re okay with the maintenance, wood can be worth it. But go in knowing what you’re signing up for.
Also Read: Signs Your Wood Door Needs Refinishing Instead of Replacing
2. Fiberglass
Fiberglass has gained quite a lot of popularity in recent years, and it’s hard not to see why. Modern fiberglass can look pretty convincingly like wood. But unlike wood, you don’t have to do anything to it. It won’t warp, crack, or rot. It’s well-insulated. You can paint or stain it if you want to change the look, and it handles dents better than other materials.
The price is reasonable, especially for a door that’ll last you about 2 to 3 decades.
The downsides, however, are that it doesn’t feel quite like real wood when you’re up close, and cheap fiberglass can crack if it gets really cold or takes a hard hit.
3. Steel
Steel is probably the safest choice if you’re not willing to put too much thought into your front door. Steel is strong, great for security, and it’s a lot more affordable compared to wood or fiberglass. Steel offers great insulation, doesn’t warp or crack and lasts several decades if you know how to care for it.
That’s not to say steel doors are all sunshine. They can dent, which can’t be sanded out, and rust if the paint or finish gets damaged and moisture gets in. Steel also isn’t exactly the sort of material you’d choose if you’re going for the contemporary home look.
4. Glass
Glass doors can make your home look straight out of The Spruce. There’s something about how natural light can flood your entryway and make the entire space feel open and look well-lit.
The tradeoff is privacy, which can be an issue depending on where you live. It’s not as insulating as a solid door. It’s more expensive, and security-wise, you want impact-resistant glass, which adds to the cost.
Tip 4: Budget Realistically
When you’re planning a door installation in NYC, things can get expensive pretty quickly. Depending on the material and style, you’re looking at a cost of $200 to $4,000+ for just the door. Installations, including frame and labor, can run from $1,500 to $8,000 for most homes, and if you’ve got a custom door, you’re looking at a hefty bill.
A residential door installation isn’t cheap, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be smart with where to put your money. For example, it makes perfect sense to splurge a little on energy efficiency, quality hardware, and professional installation. All these factors pay off long-term.
Getting It Done Right
If you’re ready to upgrade your front door, working with professionals who know what they’re doing makes the whole process easier.
Door Master New York handles front door installation and residential door installation throughout NYC. With us, you get:
- Expert guidance on choosing the right material and style
- Professional installation
- Experience with NYC’s building requirements and multi-unit building rules
- Quality doors from reputable manufacturers
- Follow-up service if you need adjustments or have questions
Your front door is one of those home improvements that you interact with multiple times every day. It’s worth getting it right.
Contact us to talk about your options!
