How to Choose a New Front Door

Part Two - Location

In the second part of this front door buying guide, I'm going to talk about the importance of considering the location of your door.
The location of your door includes several important factors:

• Appearance - does your new front door suit the style of your home? Does it fit in with your other doors and windows? Is there a colour scheme to consider?


• Climate - is your door exposed to strong daylight for most of the day? Is it near the coast? Does it bear the brunt of all weather conditions?


• Security - is your entrance hidden away or your home in a secluded area, where it may be easier for burglars to work on it unnoticed? Is your home in a high crime area?

From this list, you can see that the location of your front door plays several important roles in choosing the right door for your situation.

Front Door Appearance

If you have a period property, you don't want to install a modern uPVC front door. Not only would it look unattractive and out-of-place, but no doubt it would reduce the overall value of your home. If your budget does not allow for a real wooden door, why not consider a door with a wood grain appearance, such as a composite door? Composite doors have a smart appearance that is not tacky like uPVC, but not expensive like wood.

For modern homes with uPVC windows, you can easily buy a uPVC door for cheap to match. uPVC doors may not suit your every need though, in which case you can buy composite doors with uPVC door frames, so that the door does not look out of place in your property.

Front Door Climate

Harsh climates really limit your options when it comes to buying a new front door. Entrances that are exposed to strong sunlight, heavy rain or blowing winds require a front door which can take the weather and last. You do not want to buy a door and find that five years of weathering has taken its toll and you need to replace the door again. Especially in coastal areas, where the usual weathering is mixed in with the abrasive sea salt, you should avoid wooden doors. Unless you wish to sand and paint your door on a regular basis and don't mind rot setting in much earlier than it should. Although the surface of uPVC doors may fair better than wood, the flimsy construction can allow draughts and leaks in easily.

For the best protection against harsh elements, composite doors are incredibly tough and durable - the skin will not require maintenance or lose its shine and the door will not allow draughts and leaks into your home.

Front Door Security

Living in a secluded area, or having an entrance which is not in view of the world can make you feel vulnerable. It allows burglars the cover to work on your front door without being spotted. Installing security lights can help to protect you when you are home, alerting you of potential intruders, but what about when you're out? Security lights would only provide more light for the potential attacker to work with.
Even if your home and entrance is in full view of the street, your entrance remains a vulnerability. Some doors, such as uPVC doors, have obvious weaknesses which can be seen by attackers with experience. These weaknesses can be taken advantage of very quickly by those who know how.

With both of these situations in mind, you really should choose a high security front door. If you're in the UK, buying a Secured by Design door gives you the assurance that your door has the best security possible.

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How to Choose a New Front Door | Part One - Why Plan Your New Front Door?

How to Choose a New Front Door

Part One - Why Plan Your New Front Door?

There are so many factors to consider when you are buying a new front door, it can seem very daunting. That is, unless you do not realise the importance of choosing the right front door for your home.

This blog post is the first in a series of guides to help you make the right choice for you and your home when buying a new front door.

Lets start with why it is important to put some thought into the task of buying a new front door, rather than just buying the first front door that fits your door frame and your budget.

Lets consider the role of your front door.
It is:

• The first thing visitors see when they call on you.


• What protects you and your home from the outside world.


• Used on a daily basis.

It may not seem important to list the fact that your door is the first impression to visitors as the top priority. However, not all visitors are good visitors. If you consider a potential attacker checking your home for weaknesses and vulnerabilities, suddenly first impressions seem very important. Experienced burglars know exactly what to look for in a door. Certain features provide them with easy access if they use the right force - a kick or a crowbar in the right place. Do you know the weaknesses of your own front door?
Of course, to some first impressions to good visitors is also a high priority. Especially if you are planning on selling your property, you do not want the first thing viewers see to be a poor quality front door.

Next, your front door protects you and your home from the outside world. Again, this could be potential attackers as I just discussed, or it could just be protection from the elements. Heat escaping and draughts coming in through gaps can cause an increase of your energy bills. A well-insulated front door can keep your home cosy.
It is also important to consider how well your door will fair while it is protecting you. It might provide good protection from attackers or the weather, but will the door still be good afterwards? Weathering can often cause fading, warping and rotting in some doors. Attacks may result in a door that is dented or cracked, even if it manages to resist the attacker getting in.

Lastly, your door is used on a daily basis. Each member of the household coming and going, answering the door to callers, it's all wear and tear on the door. You don't want a front door that sticks and prevents your from opening it easily. It is important to have a door that will continue to function well throughout its lifespan.

Next post: How to Choose a New Front Door Part Two: Location

New Front Door Cost

A question that gets asked on a regular basis is "how much do new front doors cost?"

This question really depends on the factors involved. What kind of front door do you want? What front door furniture do you want? Do you need the front door fitted?
Despite the many factors involved, it is important to know what price range you should be paying for a new door so that you are not ripped off.

Often companies that knock on doors or call you will offer a much higher quote. They will then gauge your reaction and act accordingly. If you react positively to the quote they may highlight the benefits - leaving the price as it is. If you react negatively they may start applying 'special discounts' to entice you, as well as emphasising the benefits.
Of course, if you buy a front door online through a system with an instant live quote, you don't need to worry about inflated quotes. You know that you are getting the price everyone else gets, and you can easily compare it to other companies.

uPVC doors are known to be the cheapest. At present you can get a uPVC door for between £200 and £400. On top of that is installation - this really depends on the company offering installation. You shouldn't be paying more than £1,000 for both a standard uPVC door and installation.

Wooden doors are much more expensive. There are a number of factors when buying a wood door, which cause the price to vary greatly. Lower quality wooden doors could cost as little as £275, whereas higher quality, custom made or more intricate designs could cost you thousands.

Composite doors are in the middle of uPVC and Wooden doors. You can get a composite door from between £360 and £800.