External front doors are a person's first insight into who you are, the first thing they’ll remember and the last thing they’ll see, so it’s important to give visitors a good first impression of your home.
Buying a new door may seem like an easy task in the beginning, but when it comes down to knowing which wood to choose, the finish of the paint, the colour or even the additional design elements that you can get on a door design it can begin to feel like a minefield.
It is important to remember all of the different elements that go into purchasing a new front door as a proper timber door has an average lifespan of 56-65 years if cared for properly.
This means that you are likely only ever needed to buy a new front door once in your life, making it one of the most long-lasting purchases you will ever make on your home and highlighting the importance of making sure your entry door is the right one for you and the exterior of your property.
What Do I Need to Think About When Purchasing a New Front Door UK?
1. What door style/ period of door do you want?
When thinking of what kind of door you want, it is important to first consider which style will match the existing property as you want them to complement each other equally. If you have a house from the 1930s, you will want a more traditional style and not choose something that is ultra-modern as it will stand out too much and vice versa.
2. Choose hardware that is durable and suits your style
Choosing the right hardware can change the look of your door entirely and can make it look more expensive, of a certain style and can match the exterior of the rest of your property.
There are also other elements to consider such as the functionality of the handle, the level of security it provides to your home and the material it is made from, and how long-lasting is this hardware going to be.
3. Take your time choosing a knocker
The knocker is something that needs to be heard throughout your entire home, it needs to be something that will match the style of your house - choosing whether you want a traditional teardrop knocker, a letter plate or even a grand knocker that makes your door feel grand and of certain status.
Your door knocker should ideally fit in the centre of the door at roughly head height and be coloured differently from the rest of the door. If you live in a historic building, you should pick a door knocker that looks like it belongs there.
4. How energy efficient will your door be?
Ineffective doors can let in draughts as well as let out the warmth of your home, this can be extremely frustrating and detrimental to your energy bills and just your enjoyment of being at home. Along with the cost of living increasing exponentially, it is more important than ever to make sure that you are doing as much as you can at home.
The strongest front doors available are made of fibreglass. Additionally, they are among the most energy-efficient. Fibreglass is an energy-efficient material on its own since it conducts heat poorly, but when insulation is added, it becomes even more competitive.
5. Choose the right window glazing for your door
If the new door you have chosen for your house has glass in it, then you have the freedom to choose a beautiful glaze to accompany it. Depending on the design you chose can completely change the whole look and feel of your entrance.
Verify that your new front door complies with the most recent minimum British Standards with regard to all areas of glass, such as security, thermal capacity, and safety attributes like the characteristics of the force needed to break the glass and the manner in which it does so.
Other things to consider when buying a new front door
There are many things to take into consideration when you are looking for a new front door. From the design and finish of the door to the knocker, locking systems and glazing, it is important to consider all your options before making a purchase in order to make sure you get the best product suited for your entryway. Think about energy efficiency, if the door is high-quality, security features and whether it complies with British Standards before you make a purchase.
