|
|
home /
home
library /
interior projects / entry
doors
Entry Doors
It was once quoted that, �A man who does
not plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door.�
In similar ways, when deciding on a new entry door, a certain
amount of planning must be made. After all, your front door
is the focal point of the entire house and it creates a
statement. It is the first thing a person observes about
your home and you have the power of selecting the door that
compliments your home in the best way possible. The increased
value of your home depends on the material, design, and
hardware you select.
Back in the old days, most entry doors
were made from wood. Wood doors bring a warm, natural touch
to a home and are still very popular today. Sadly, wood
doors can't handle the harsh conditions of UV rays from
sunlight and moisture from rain, season after season. Quickly,
wood doors start to show their age as they begin to warp,
crack and expand. Also, with varying exposure to UV rays,
color variations will occur. Luckily, by simply maintaining
wood doors with a durable finish, you can preserve its beauty.
Wood may require a certain amount of maintenance,
but many agree that it will always be the beauty queen of
doors. It's innate warmth and demonstrative splendor welcomes
everyone to your front door step. You can choose between
several species of wood ranging from mahogany or maple,
to oak or pine. Other favorites include cherry wood and
fir. You also have the option of selecting the glazing configuration
for the species you choose. However, let it be known that
solid wood doors are the most expensive type, especially
when purchasing an entire entry door system.
Fortunately, doors have evolved over the
years so for those of you that are pleased with easy maintenance,
you can now select from a variety of materials including
fiberglass composites and steel! Fiberglass composite doors
are maintenance free and usually come with a long limited
warranty. If your heart is still set on wood, but you like
the sound of maintenance free, then look into fiberglass
composite doors that imitate the look of wood. They are
typically less expensive, but still offer the durability
found in wood.
Steel doors are your source of security
and stability. They are also less expensive then wood and
fiberglass, but you still have the option of giving steel
a wood-fiber coating. Certain steel doors can even be laminated
with real wood veneer. They do require some maintenance
which includes episodic repaints and special coatings to
protect against weather. Steel doors are not affected by
sunlight the way wood doors are, but they can be damaged
by dents.
|
