Choosing the Best Exterior Doors for Your Home

An exterior door is more than just a way to enter your home; it’s a key feature that combines function and style. Whether you’re focused on security, energy efficiency, or curb appeal, the right door can transform your home while significantly adding to its market value, aesthetics and comfort.

Today, we will break down the best exterior doors and analyze their styles, features, and materials to help you decide on your next home renovation project.

Breaking Down All Popular Exterior Doors Types

Choosing the right exterior door starts with understanding the materials available. Each option offers unique benefits, significantly impacting your energy-efficiency potential, maintenance, costs and aesthetics. Below is a breakdown of the most popular doors among homeowners:

Steel Entry Doors

• Features: Renowned for their strength, steel doors are a top choice for security and durability. They are often insulated with foam cores, making them energy-efficient.
• Best Uses: Ideal for modern homes or areas with harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or strong winds.
• Popular Configurations: Single doors, single doors with 1 sidelight
• Pros: Low maintenance, resistant to warping, excellent for security.
• Cons: Susceptible to dents and may require repainting over time.

Fibreglass Entry Doors

• Features: These doors mimic the look of wood without the high maintenance. They are durable, resistant to dents, and highly energy-efficient due to their insulated cores.
• Best Uses: Perfect for homeowners seeking a stylish and low-maintenance option. Fibreglass doors are best for energy efficiency and constantly occupy the top-ranking spots for go-to home renovation projects to increase thermal performance.
• Popular Configurations: Single doors, single doors with 1 sidelight
• Pros: Energy-efficient, durable, available in various styles.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost compared to steel.

Wood Entry Doors

• Features: Known for their timeless appeal, wood exterior doors offer unmatched customizability. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent warping and cracking.
• Best Uses: Ideal for traditional or high-end homes focusing on aesthetics or grand entrances where homeowners want double doors.
• Popular Configurations: Double doors, double doors with transom
• Pros: Traditional look, customizable, many available colour schemes
• Cons: Expensive, requires regular upkeep. Less energy efficient than fibreglass doors.

Glass Entry Doors

• Features: These doors enhance natural light and offer a sleek, modern design. Modern models come with energy-efficient glass (triple pane + LoE) options to maximize thermal performance.
• Best Uses: Homes that prioritize aesthetics and curb appeal. Highly compatible with modern vinyl window styles to create a seamless look.
• Popular Configurations: Single doors with 1 or 2 sidelights
• Pros: Enhances natural light and adds sophistication.
• Cons: Higher cost, less privacy without additional treatments.

What Impacts the Front Door Prices?

Buying a new exterior door is a long-term investment and you definitely want it to pay off, cutting down your energy bills and enhancing comfort. While shopping for new doors you will notice the price varying significantly. But what factors affect a door replacement cost?

• Material: As already stated, door material is the top factor for differences in cost, with wood doors being the most expensive and steel doors being the most affordable
• Design Complexity: Custom designs or decorative elements can increase costs by 30–50%. Double doors, doors with sidelights and other configurations all impact the project’s cost.
• Energy Efficiency: Features like insulated cores or energy-efficient glass add to the initial price but can reduce energy bills over time.
• Installation: Professional installation costs vary based on the door’s complexity and regional labour rates.

Choosing the Perfect Exterior Door for Your Home

Selecting the right exterior door is about balancing style, functionality, and budget. The ideal door should enhance your home’s curb appeal while meeting practical needs like security and energy efficiency. Here’s how to make the best choice:

• Assess Your Priorities: If security is key, steel doors are a reliable option. For style and versatility, fiberglass doors are excellent. Wood doors offer timeless elegance but require maintenance.
• Consider Energy Efficiency: Fibgrelass entry doors are best for energy efficiency, but this does not necessarily mean you needn’t review other styles. You may choose cheaper options that provide the needed balance and performance based on your region and weather conditions. But ensure you only buy and install the Energy Star-rated doors with a good energy rating (minimum 34).
• Match Your Home’s Style: Contemporary homes often benefit from glass entry doors, while traditional homes benefit from wood’s classic charm.
• Plan for the Future: Choose durable materials with warranties to ensure long-term value.
• Deal with a professional installer: Installation is key if you want to maximize the energy efficiency of your front entrance. Hire a pro to deal with your project and install the door correctly, complying with the CSA guidelines and local building codes.

Investing in the right door isn’t just about today’s needs—it’s about creating a stylish, secure, and energy-efficient entryway for years to come.