Are you considering a front door replacement? Donald and Britt are here to help! We just released a new video called Britt Buys a Door where we discuss the process and options for choosing a new front entry door. Many homeowners are surprised by the number of choices available. Don’t let this deter you! Just read on and watch our video. We have lots of pro tips to help you choose the right replacement front door from an experienced door replacement company like CVP Windows & Doors.
Pro Tip 1: Choose a Front Entry Door Unit in the Right Configuration
Start by choosing a replacement pre-hung door unit in the same configuration as your current front entry door. This helps ensure that your new door unit will fit in your existing opening without reframing. It also makes the installation process a lot more efficient.
Before you can choose a new front entry door, learn what parts comprise your current door unit. A basic replacement front entry door consists of a door slab, frame, and sill. However, many front entry doors also include a sidelight on one or both sides of the door slab and/or a transom above. We highly recommend choosing a pre-hung replacement door unit that includes all the same components as your current front door.
Pro Tip 2: Decide on a Texture and Finish for Your Replacement Door Unit
At CVP, we carry a full line of high-quality fiberglass replacement front entry doors. Our fiberglass front entry doors come in different surface textures, including smooth and wood grain. These doors come unfinished, which means they will need to be painted or stained. (A factory-finished door is available by request for an additional charge.) It’s up to you as the homeowner to decide whether you want to paint or stain the door unit.
Once you know what look you’re going for, you’ll be able to choose a texture and finish to achieve your goals.
Pro Tip 3: Consider the Design and Amount of Glass You Want in Your Replacement Door
The design options available for a replacement front entry door are mind-boggling. Start with the panel designs, add on a wide variety of glass options, and multiply your choices for hardware and accessories. In no time, you’re facing an exponential number of options!
One important decision is the amount of glass you want in your door slab and/or sidelights. Glass panels are available in clear-view, obscure privacy glass, or decorative patterns. The amount of glass in your replacement front entry door is also highly customizable ranging from ¼, ½, ¾ to a full panel length.
The hardware for your door represents another design option. In nearly every case, the handle set for a front entry door is sold separately. However, the hinge hardware on the door IS included and can be customized to different finishes, such as brushed nickel, stainless steel, or brass. You might want to select a handle set at the same time as your front entry door so that you can match the hardware finish.
Pro Tip 4: Consult with a Replacement Front Entry Door Company
We hope this information is helpful to you. If you’re still not sure what you want in a replacement front entry door, don’t worry! Finding design inspiration can be as easy as walking down your street and looking at other homes, or browsing websites like Pinterest or Houzz.
As Coastal Virginia’s Custom Window & Door Company, we’re your local front entry door replacement resource. We have our own in-house installation team and carry a full line of fiberglass front entry doors from Therma-Tru® and other national manufacturers.
