Choosing front doors
Anamika Talwaria looks at the key considerations when specifying the entrance for your home
Ensure maximum kerb appeal with Anamika Talwaria’s guide to specifying the best entrance for your property
When it comes to making a good first impression, a standout front door is vital. Selecting one that will work in harmony with the rest of your house will enhance its kerb appeal. But with so many style, colour and material options, how do you know it’s the right door for you? And what will work with your budget? This handy guide will help you select the best product for your property.
Design options
There are myriad styles to choose from when it comes to your front door. You could pick a traditional heritage look or something ultra-modern, but you must consider how the entrance will suit your whole house. “Choose a style that complements your property rather than clashes with its architectural integrity,” says Chris Wood, director of Lomax + Wood. For example, a contemporary unit may look out of place on a country cottage, just as a timber barn-style door wouldn’t fit in with a Victorian terrace.
Colour is a huge part of the look of your door; and this could be where you decide to add contrast. You’ll find that most units come in a range of finishes, from classic timber to contemporary hues or textured surfaces. “Opting for timber with a natural stain is a timeless look, but bright doors are gaining popularity, especially for contemporary designs,” says Matt Higgs, director at Kloeber. You also need to think about how your door choice might work with your windows. It’s likely that you’ll have some sort of contrast when you opt for a bright entrance, but it can still look seamless. “Matching the colour of the door frame to the windows, with a different hue for the actual door leaf, can work well, for example,” says Matt.
If you’re faced with a dark hallway, adding glass to your door is a great way to let in more natural light. You can choose to have these embedded in the leaf or add extra panels above or to the sides. “Thinking practically
is important,” says Chris. “So, remember things like privacy when you’re specifying glazing.” You’ll need to ensure that safety glass is specified to comply with Building Regulations so discuss this with your supplier.
“Oversized doors are a huge statement and produce great wow factor,” says Elizabeth Assaf, co-founder and designer at Urban Front. “A single large unit will work better than double doors and will usually sit well in architectural glazing.” With that in mind, you could also consider a pivot door, which tends to be a larger design that hinges partway through the leaf – this unusual opening style is a real wow-factor feature.
Choosing the material
Selecting the material your door will be made from will depend on your budget, the durability level you’re looking for and the aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve. “Your front door creates a focal point on your home’s facade, so it’s important to go for quality on this product,” says Matt from Kloeber. There are four main options to consider.
PVCU
This is generally a low-cost option. “It’s great for those looking for an affordable door that looks like wood but doesn’t have the hassle of needing regular maintenance,” says Ryan Schofield, managing director at the Thames
Valley Window Company. PVCU units are available in a range of traditional and contemporary designs, as well as various colours, so you’re not limited by style. They aren’t particularly durable, though, and are subject to movement and deterioration when the weather changes.
Composite
Combining a solid timber core encased in a glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) skin, these units are the best of both worlds, with the strength and thermal efficiency of timber and the low-maintenance of PVCU. They also have excellent weathertight credentials. You can select a colour from a range of styles and even choose a grained finish for an authentic wooden look, so no compromising on the look of your house. They do tend to be more expensive than simple plastic doors, though.
Timber
These days, most timber front doors are solid-core engineered versions with high-quality real-wood veneers. “Aside from bringing a traditional aesthetic, timber units are secure, have outstanding insulating properties and eco-friendly,” says Ryan. Make sure you check with your chosen supplier about where they source their wood, though, to ensure that the door you’ve chosen has the right credentials for sustainability. Factory-finished units carry lengthy guarantees on the paint or stain, but over time there will be some upkeep associated with this material.
Aluminium
Most typically found in contemporary designs, doors made from this material are incredibly strong and have excellent thermal efficiency. They require no maintenance, can be painted a wide range of colours and can even come in exciting textured finishes. “Aluminium doors add a touch of distinctive elegance,” says Ryan. They’re also regarded as
an eco friendly option, as the metal is 100% recyclable at end of life. Their premium quality does usually mean that this is the most expensive material option for front doors.
Adding accessories
It’s important to look for high-quality ironmongery that will be durable and easy to operate. “Whatever you choose should be in keeping with the style of the door,” says Matt from Kloeber. “For instance, don’t pair a traditional cottagestyle door with a stainless-steel bar handle, and a modern aluminium unit will not suit brass fittings or a knocker.”
Choose a material that will be able withstand the constant use that your entrance gets, as well as looking great. And give some thought to exactly where the ironmongery should be positioned. For example, if you’re looking to create an accessible home, it’s important to make sure the handle and doorbell are easy to reach.
Installation & costs
Some companies will offer a supply and fit service, so that they take on the responsibility for the whole door, from measuring up your space, through to sending their trusted installers to site. You can also opt for supply-only, where you choose your door and have your general builder hang it. This can be a more cost-effective route as installation might sometimes be charged as extra from a door supplier. “However, you run the risk of entering into a blame game between the supplier and installer should anything go wrong,” says Chris at Lomax + Wood.
Entrance door costs vary quite considerably, as there are so many variables. A basic PVCU door with little design detailing can be as little as £400. On the other end of the spectrum, a high-spec contemporary aluminium door can cost up to £5,000. “It’s an investment, but you should spend as much as is practical to create a first impression of style, elegance and quality,” says Matt from Kloeber. On average, £2,000 is typical for a stylish aluminium entrance.