INFOGRAPHIC - What’s In a Door? Everything You Need to Know to Pick the Right One

Doors can add style and sophistication to your home, but how do you choose the right one? With so many choices available, the perfect door for you is out there.

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Keys to Selecting the Right Type of Door

Doors can add style and sophistication to your home, but how do you choose the right one? With so many choices available, the perfect door for you is out there.

Popular Types of Doors

• Panel doors: The most common type of door seen in homes today, often designed with a classic pattern of square panels.
• Sliding: Door slides along a track, saving space. Made of wood, glass, or lined with mirrors.
• French: Framed around transparent or fogged glass, French doors add style to a room entrance and maximize light.
• Folding doors: Vary popular in San Diego due to the indoor outdoor space trend.

Material Matters

What your door is made of is an important decision. Each material has its own unique characteristics.

• Steel: Typically filled with high-density foam insulation with baked-on polyester finish, these doors can have a slick, modern look and feel.
  • Pros
    • Lower maintenance
    • Less expensive
    • Energy efficient
    • Good insulation
  • Cons
    • Susceptible to rust
    • Conducts temperature: hot or cold
    • Dents easily

• Wood: With a wide variety of wood species, the choices of stains and paints are seemingly endless.
  • Pros
    • Wide aesthetic options
    • Scratches can easily be repaired
  • Cons
    • Can be expensive
    • Requires regular maintenance
    • May fade, distort and warp over time
    • Absorbs moisture

• Fiberglass: Mimicking the look and feel of wooden doors, fiberglass material requires virtually no maintenance and has 5x the insulation value of wood.
  • Pros
    • Lowest maintenance
    • Resistant to dents and scratches
    • Good insulation
    • Can be painted or stained
  • Cons
    • Can be costly

Customization Options

• Knocker
• Lock
• Peep hole
• The knob
• Windows
• Framing and Trim
• Color and Stain

Open the Door of Possibilities: Some Tips

• Make an impact: The standard entry door is 3’ by 6’8”. Is your entrance larger? Consider a size upgrade for maximum impact.
• Understand colors: Wood stain can provide an elegant look, but choosing the color wisely will make a lasting impression on your home’s curb appeal. Consider your home’s overall color scheme, including any landscaping elements.
• Be mindful of your home’s style and personality: a modern home with bright colors may not mix well with a rustic, old-style door. Keep your options open, but take visual cues from the rest of your house to find the door that’s right for you.