Exterior Door Buying Guide

A front door serves as a home’s focal architectural feature; its unique identity, one that most likely bears your address and mailbox or mail slot.

First and foremost, a front door must shut and lock securely to create an effective barrier between you and the outside world, animals, and the rest. This exterior opening must also be insulated to prevent cold drafts from filtering into your home in order to preserve heat. Also, soundproofing is another important feature as it keeps noise pollution out and ensures privacy and discretion. Also, last but not least, a door's decorative purpose can add a certain flair to your house.

It’s where people will knock to summon you and where you will, in turn, greet your guests. It’s entirely up to you to choose a door that welcomes and encloses your most precious moments, all the while taking into account the environment in which you live.

What Is the Average Price of a Door?

What Factors Impact the Cost of a New Exterior Door?

Materials

As you’ll come to understand, the most influential factor when it comes to front-door pricing is material. While some, such as PVC, are typically more affordable, others, such as aluminum doors, can be much more expensive. 

Design

Custom-made entry door costs are mainly impacted by the complexity of the design. Depending on the door model in question, those built with more material, such as double doors, typically incur steeper costs.

Moreover, features, such as a transom and glass inserts, also contribute to additional expenses. Generally speaking, the more customised the design, the higher the price tag on the entry door. 

Installation

Unless a family member or friend is ready and willing to install your front door at a lower cost or, if you’re lucky, free of charge, you will have to hire to professional contractor to do so. Installation costs vary based on the type of exterior door to be installed, where you live, the state of the door frame, etc. 

Choosing a Material that Suits Your Budget

Steel Front Door

Source: Canva

Upsides of a Steel Front Door:

• Budget-friendly with an airtight seal that meets Energy Star’s energy-efficiency standards.

• Double-layer weatherstrip at the bottom of the door provides an air- and watertight seal. 

• Made of galvanised sheet metal on the outside, robust sheet metal (22 to 28 gauge), and dent-resistant.

• A rust-proof coating is applied during the manufacturing process and features two-component acrylic polyurethane paint.

• Minimum 10-year warranty and maintenance-wise, clean with soapy water (low maintenance).

• After a light sanding, it can be painted over using a paint suitable for the surface in question.

Downsides of a Steel Door:

• Its wood core can warp over time.

• Cheaper models are made with a Styrofoam core instead of polyurethane, providing less insulation.

Price: $200 - $2,000

Aluminum Front Door

Source: Canva

Upsides of an Aluminum Front Door:

• Aluminum front doors are cost-effective and lightweight.

• Highly recommended option for individuals living in coastal regions, as it’s rust-proof. 

• It has a metal and glass combo, making for a sought-after option in terms of design, suiting a variety of styles. 

• Aluminum only requires seasonal maintenance. (Avoid using any harsh cleaners to prevent scratching the surface. Rinse with clean water and wipe with an absorbent towel.)

Downsides of Aluminum:

• Provides less insulation and isn’t as robust.

• Not as reliable.

• Scratches easily.

Price: $1,200 - $2,500

PVC Front Door

Source: Canva

Upsides of a PVC Door:

• A PVC front door is reliable as designed with an inner steel frame, making it highly resilient against break-ins. 

• Like a steel door, it’s energy efficient and doesn’t need a layer of paint. 

• In terms of maintenance, wash with mild soap and rinse thoroughly when needed.

Downsides of PVC:

• The drawback with such entry doors is that they can’t be paired with a magnetic weatherstrip, resulting in a more complex sealing procedure. 

• They dent easily.

Price: $450 - $3,000

Fibreglass Front Door

Source: Canva

Upsides of a Fibreglass Door:

• Fibreglass entry doors are impact- and scratch-resistant. 

• Compliant with Energy Star standards for home energy efficiency.

• The wood veneer lining creates an authentic wood finish, without the hassle of touch-ups. Albeit you can still paint or stain it to your liking. 

• Similarly to steel and PVC doors, such doors are low-maintenance.  

Downsides of Fibreglass:

• Aside from its numerous benefits, note that manufacturing this type of door is energy-intensive. This fact alone could prove to be a huge deterrent to eco-friendly buyers.

Price: $900 - $3,000

Wooden Front Door

Source: Canva

Upside of a Wood Front Door:

• Wood front doors are one for the books, giving off a certain timeless aesthetic to any home. 

• Whether made of hardwood or veneer, this type of door is available in a variety of species, looks, and finishes. 

Prioritise wood species bearing the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) approval seal, indicative of wood sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Downsides of Wood Doors:

• Wood doors tend to warp over time, impairing the home’s airtight seal and requiring more maintenance compared to other door types.

• Although most wood doors are treated with insecticides, fungicides, and water repellents, yearly maintenance is still recommended; check for air and water leaks. 

Note that painting the woodwork in a lighter hue may help prevent the wood frame from expanding.

Price: $300 - $5,000

What Additional Costs Should You Expect?

Source: Canva

Lock and Security System

Your front door is, bar none, the most important door in your house. Beyond providing efficient insulation and improving your home’s aesthetic appeal, it’s your primary defence against break-ins and burglaries. Luckily, there are numerous locking mechanisms, retailing for a range of prices but, based on your selected safety level, good locks are definitely an additional cost to consider. 

Hardware

The cost of a new front door can soar based on your hardware choice and its complexity. High-quality handles and hinges, as well as decorative elements, such as knockers and mailboxes/mail slots, can incur steeper costs. Furthermore, specialised finishes or custom-made hardware are also likely to increase costs.