Exterior Door Buying Guide

Choosing the right exterior door for your home is a crucial decision that impacts both the aesthetic appeal and security of your property. Whether you're looking to make a bold statement with a grand front door, enhance security with a sturdy back door or add style and functionality to your patio entrance, understanding the best exterior doors available can help you make the best choice for your needs. This guide will explore a variety of exterior door options including materials, styles and features to help you find the perfect fit for your home’s design and your personal preferences.

There are two common types of exterior door types. Pre-hung doors include both the door and the frame that supports the door. Slab doors include just the door alone. Pre-hung doors are often easier to install than slab doors. Accurate measurement is key to the right fit.

Tip: If your slab door is more than 25 years old, use a pre-hung door to ensure a sealed frame.

Pre-hung doors are known for their smooth, easy installation and precise fit. The existing door and framing must be removed before a pre-hung unit can be installed. A pre-hung door comes already attached to hinges and door framing. Its frame includes thresholds and weather stripping.

A full unit includes a prepped door that's hinged and assembled to your specifications. Hardware items (door knobs, handles and door locks) are sold separately.

A slab door is only the door. There is no framing attached. A slab door simply replaces the old door on its hinges. This can be a simpler process, but older homes may require a custom size. Hardware items (door knobs, handles and door locks) are sold separately.

The most popular materials for an exterior door are wood, steel and fiberglass. Most homeowners don't mind the upfront investment for wood because of its traditional look and natural appeal. A metal or steel exterior door is the most budget friendly of the three. Fiberglass comes in a variety of styles and is very durable. Choose the material for your exterior door based on energy efficiency, security concerns and the style of your home.

Tip: To maximize security, add door chains or install an all-metal security door over your entry door.

Wood doors are a beautiful option for traditional homes, especially those with entryways sheltered from the elements. Wood doors are available in a range of woods, including premium hardwood and pine. Most wood doors are made using frame and panel construction. Wood doors are heavy and dent resistant, and they can be designed with or without glass insets. They do require regular maintenance, including repainting to preserve the look.

Tip: Using a wood door with a storm door can void its warranty.

Fiberglass doors are a versatile option best suited for high-traffic entrances.

• Wood grain texture molded into the door.
• Durable and weather resistant.
• Energy-efficient foam insulation and weather stripping help block heat and cold.
• Available in different wood grains and can have a smooth surface.
• Much more dent resistant than steel.
• Can be stained or painted to match your home’s exterior.

Tip: Some fiberglass exterior doors that are sold and pre-stained need additional finishing and coating before installation. This can vary by manufacturer, so read any product information and requirements before making your purchasing decision.

Steel doors are ideal for residences with heightened security concerns or severe weather.

• Energy efficient.
• Most steel doors have an internal foam core that serves as insulation.
• A coating that mimics the look of real wood.
• Stronger than wood or fiberglass doors.
• Fully weather-stripped, reducing chances of shrinking, swelling and warping.
• Most budget friendly.
• Secure, durable, affordable, low maintenance and weather resistant.
• Can be dented easily, so not a good choice for doors you use often.

Iron doors are a striking combination of beauty and durability. Many are designed to let in more light than average doors while still providing high security.

• Built to last, secure and durable.
• Can be ornate or minimal in design.
• Will not rot, warp or splinter.
• More durable and secure than wood doors.

When measuring your door, first familiarize yourself with some basic door terminology, particularly related to exterior door sizes. Most entry doors conform to the industry-wide standard exterior door sizes, but sizes different from these can be special ordered.

• Rough opening: The required dimensions to fit a pre-hung door (including frame and slab). Understanding the rough opening ensures you choose the right sizes.
• Jamb size: This should be the depth of the frame, not the width, covering the sheeting or siding and wall stud. Proper jamb size is essential for fitting accurately.
• Net frame dimension: The full width of the frame. Accurate net frame dimensions are crucial when selecting the right exterior doors for your home.
• Masonry opening: The space between the bricks on the front of your home as they surround the door (if applicable). Ensuring the masonry opening matches exterior door sizes is vital for a proper fit.

Standard entry door measurements:

• Height: 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches)
• Thickness: 1 3/4 inches
• Width: 36 inches standard (30 and 32inches also available)

Standard door frame dimensions and measurements available by special order:

• 7- and 8-foot-tall doors
• Double-entry doors
• Custom-made doors (made to your specifications; extra charge applies).

Options include tempered, impact-resistant glass, glass that limits UV rays and glass that helps muffle sound. Some glass has a low-emissivity (low-e) coating to help filter harmful UV rays. These rays can fade your upholstery or flooring.

• Decorative glass panels can be placed within a door to enhance its beauty, let in natural light and allow for a view.
• Sidelights (windows on both sides of the door) or transoms (windows set over the door) create a custom look.

Doors are available unfinished, primed, painted, stained or varnished. Seal and finish all six sides of your door (top, bottom, front, back and both sides) immediately after installation. Waiting to seal your door may void your product warranty.

All exterior doors should have a deadbolt lock to increase security. A good deadbolt lock extends at least one inch beyond the edge of the door.
For a coordinated look, choose the same finish for your doorknobs, hinges, threshold, handle set, mailbox and house numbers.

Storm doors, patio doors, security doors and screen doors are all designed to work with your entrance. There are many types and styles to choose from. For example, folding patio doors stack on the left, right or both sides and operate like an accordion. Each of these types of exterior doors comes in a variety of finishes to match your home.

Storm doors fit over your exterior entry doors and provide a glass panel of protection to help prolong the life of your door's outer surface. They also help insulate your home and provide an extra measure of security. Storm doors are available as full-view models with a large pane of glass or with screens to provide ventilation in warm weather.

Screen doors offer screens for ventilation and weather stripping to keep out wind, rain and dust.

They are available as gliding or hinged doors. On some models, auxiliary locks allow you to keep your patio door in a partially open position.

Security doors resist forced entry with welded steel construction and tamper-resistant features. They can have one-way, non-removable screws and welded steel butt hinges. Security doors also have corrosion-resistant, galvanized metal screens. They are available in varying degrees of strength and resistance to forced entry.

Patio doors are typically two side-by-side doors that open out onto your patio or porch. They are available as French doors or center-hinged doors that swing open to one side from center hinges or they can be sliding or gliding doors.

Dutch doors add unique character to the exterior of a home. They are horizontally divided doors that allow the top half to open while the bottom half remains closed. The split style allows in more light and fresh air than a standard door. They can be safer and more convenient when you are interacting with delivery personnel since pets and small children won't be able to get past the closed bottom door.