The Homeowner’s Complete Guide to Exterior Door Types

Selecting the right exterior doors for your home is crucial. In Seattle’s challenging climate, your doors play a crucial role in your home’s security and energy efficiency, with materials like vinyl, fiberglass, and insulated steel top choices due to their durability and ability to withstand moisture.

Whether upgrading or choosing door materials for new construction, the correct type of exterior door can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency.

Entrance Doors

Selecting from different front door styles is crucial for functionality and aesthetic appeal. Different types of exterior entry doors, such as single doors, French doors, Dutch doors, and arched doors, offer distinct benefits. These styles can enhance a home’s curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, and provide excellent security. Each door style brings a unique charm and practical advantages, making it easier for many homeowners to find the perfect fit for their home’s exterior.

Arched Doors

Arched doors feature a curved top, adding a distinctive architectural element to a home’s entrance. This style is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal and ability to make a statement. Arched doors can be enhanced with glass to improve their appearance further and provide additional natural light to the entryway. They are a popular choice for craftsman style and traditional homes, adding an element of elegance and grandeur. Arched doors not only improve the curb appeal of a house but also offer a unique look that sets the home apart. This style is perfect for many homeowners looking to enhance the aesthetic of their home’s exterior and add a touch of natural beauty.

Dutch Doors

Dutch doors are unique because they split horizontally, allowing the top half to open while the bottom half remains closed. This functionality is excellent for ventilation and maximum light while maintaining security and containing pets or small children. Dutch doors add a charming, rustic touch to any home. They are particularly useful for many homeowners who want to keep their homes safe while enjoying fresh air. Dutch doors can be fitted with glass panels to enhance their visual appeal and contribute to the home’s overall curb appeal. This style is also practical for the home’s exterior as it combines functionality with aesthetically pleasing charm.

Best Materials for Entry Doors

Fiberglass is the best choice for entry doors in Seattle due to its excellent weather resistance and low maintenance. It won’t warp or rot like wood, and it doesn’t dent or rust like steel. Additionally, fiberglass provides good insulation, which is crucial for energy efficiency in your home.

Price Range for Replacement Entry Doors

• Vinyl entry doors: Vinyl entry doors are a budget-friendly option, typically costing between $500 and $2,500. They have excellent insulation properties, which help reduce energy costs and require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective choice.

• Fiberglass entry doors: Cost anywhere from $3,500 to $9,000, including installation. This price reflects their durability and insulating value. Fiberglass doors are a higher upfront investment, but are an excellent choice for Seattle homeowners. These doors won’t warp or rot like wood, won’t dent or rust like steel, and you can expect to recoup around 90% of your total cost. .

• Steel entry doors: A secure yet cost-effective choice, priced between $1,000 and $4,000, steel entry doors may require additional features, such as triple-panel insulating glass, which can increase the overall cost but improve performance in Seattle’s cooler climates.

• Wood entry doors: Prices typically range from $800 to over $5,000, depending on the quality of the wood and the complexity of the design. While wooden doors offer aesthetic appeal and a smooth surface, they require more maintenance and are less durable than other materials.

Patio Doors

Choosing the right patio door style is essential for enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home. Various styles, such as sliding patio doors, French patio doors, bi-fold patio doors, and multi-slide patio doors, each offer distinct features that can improve natural light, ventilation, and easy access to outdoor spaces.

French Patio Doors

French patio doors add elegance and sophistication to any home. These doors typically consist of two hinged doors that open outward, providing a wide entryway to your patio, deck, or garden. Features include:

• Provides ample natural light and ventilation

• Classic design enhances the home’s exterior

• Ideal for creating a wide entryway

• Adds a touch of elegance and sophistication

 
Stacking Glass Patio Doors

Stacking glass patio doors feature multiple panels that slide along a track, either stacking behind one another or disappearing into a pocket within the wall. Features include:

• Blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living

• Provides maximum light and ventilation

• Versatile and contemporary design

• Enhances energy efficiency and curb appeal

Best Material for Patio Doors

Vinyl is an ideal choice for patio doors due to its durability and energy efficiency. It resists moisture and condensation, making it perfect for Seattle’s rainy environment. Vinyl doors are also excellent at retaining heat, keeping your indoor space comfortable without hiking up energy costs.

Price Range for Replacement Patio Doors

• Sliding doors: Prices range from $1,200 to $4,000. Factors such as frame material and the type of glass (e.g., energy-efficient, tempered) can impact the final price.
• French doors: These hinged patio doors typically start at around $1,200 but can cost as much as $5,000 or more, especially for custom-built designs that utilize premium materials.
• Bi-fold doors: Typically, the most expensive patio door, these can cost between $3,500 and $20,000, driven by the complexity of installation, size, level of customization, and the use of high-quality materials.
• Stacking glass walls: Among the most premium options for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, stacking glass walls typically cost between $7,000 and $24,000, depending on door size, configuration, and materials. Costs are driven by factors such as the number of panels, the use of high-performance glass, thermally broken aluminum frames, and the complexity of installation.

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Storm Doors

Storm doors are a practical and stylish way to enhance the functionality and appearance of your home’s exterior, offering an extra layer of security and improved energy efficiency. These doors are crafted from modern materials and protect your main entry door from the elements while adding aesthetic appeal with options like decorative glass.

Additional Security and Energy Efficiency

Storm doors offer an additional layer of security and significantly enhance a home’s energy efficiency. They serve as a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions, helping to maintain indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs. By acting as security doors, storm doors enhance the overall safety of your home. They also help to protect the main entry door from wear and tear caused by the elements, extending the lifespan of your primary door. Storm doors are particularly effective in reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.

Modern Materials and Designs

Modern storm doors are available in a variety of materials and designs to ensure they complement the existing style of your home. Made from fiberglass, steel, and aluminum, these durable doors are designed to withstand harsh and cold weather conditions. Many storm doors feature decorative glass elements that add to their aesthetic appeal. They come in a range of painted or stained finishes to match the look of your home and are low maintenance. You can customize storm doors to match front doors and wood doors, making them a versatile choice for enhancing security and style.

Best Material for Storm Doors

Aluminum is the top material for storm doors because it’s lightweight yet strong and resistant to corrosion. This makes it perfect for protecting against Seattle’s frequent rains and occasional harsh weather while being easy to handle and maintain.

Price Range for Storm Doors

Storm doors can cost from $250 to $1,200, depending on material strength, energy efficiency features, and aesthetic details like custom colors or hardware.

Considerations Before Buying Exterior Doors For Your Home

Aside from door types and prices, here are some additional considerations before making a final decision.

Curb Appeal

Your exterior doors should complement your home’s design and enhance its overall look. Consider how the style, color, and material of the door complement your home’s architecture and exterior finishes.

Security

Consider the material’s strength and the quality of the deadbolt lock mechanisms. Features like reinforced frames, deadbolts, and even additional sidelights can provide security while adding to the door’s aesthetic value.

Weather Resistance

Essential for withstanding local climate conditions, look for doors with effective weatherstripping to prevent drafts and energy-efficient cores to help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Materials that can handle moisture, frequent rain, and temperature changes are particularly important for doors in climates like Seattle.

Functionality

Reflect on how you will use the door. High-traffic areas may require more durable materials. If the door is exposed to harsh weather, consider more resilient materials and designs that minimize maintenance and enhance longevity.

Budget

Understand the initial costs and long-term value of different door types. More durable, energy-efficient doors might cost more upfront but can save money in the long term through reduced maintenance and energy bills. Custom features and premium materials can also affect the overall cost.

Partner With Experts You Can Trust for Your Exterior Door Needs

Selecting the right exterior door involves considering various factors such as style, material, and precise measurements. Entry doors, patio doors, and storm doors each offer unique benefits, and understanding these can help in making an informed decision.

Professional consultation and installation are essential for achieving the best results. Working with experts ensures that your new doors are installed correctly, providing improved energy efficiency, enhanced security, and increased curb appeal. Trust the experienced team at Lake Washington Windows and Doors to guide you through the process and provide top-quality products and services for all your exterior door needs.

For any questions or to begin your exterior door project, contact Lake Washington Windows and Doors today. Our team is ready to assist you with all your exterior door needs, from consultation to installation.