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You wouldn’t think that choosing a door for your home would be that big of a deal, but then you find yourself looking at door, after door, after door, more confused and unsure than when you started. We get it. We’ve been there.
A door can be a fun way to add some character and excitement to your home. You can either go classic and simple, or bring in some fun pizazz with something bright and colourful. The options are endless!
Still feeling a bit overwhelmed? It’s okay, we’ve got you. Check out these tips on choosing the perfect door for your home!
Choosing the Right Type
Okay, let’s start with choosing the right type of door. This includes whether the door will be an interior or exterior one and what material is best.
Interior vs Exterior
Interior doors serve as a barrier between rooms, helping to create privacy and reduce noise.
They are typically lighter and may have various styles that compliment your interior decor. You’ll want to consider the following:
- Privacy: Solid doors for bedrooms and bathrooms
- Openness: Glass-panelled doors for studies or living areas
Exterior doors, on the other hand, are the guardians of your home, providing security, insulation, and resistance to weather. You’ll need to prioritise things like:
- Security: Robust materials and locks
- Insulation: Energy-efficient cores and sealing
Material Matters
Now that you’ve chosen the right type, it’s time to look at the different types of materials available. Each one has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. You’ll want to make sure you find the type of material that aligns with your home’s specific needs.
- Wood: Classic and warm, with options ranging from pine to mahogany
- Steel: Highly secure and low-maintenance, excellent for exterior doors
- Fibreglass: Resilient, insulating, and can mimic the look of wood
Style and Design
The style and design of a door can dramatically affect your home’s character. Are you drawn to the elegant lines of traditional doors or the sleek, minimalistic look of modern designs? Your door should resonate with your personal taste and complement your home’s architecture.
Consider the following for striking balance:
- Colour: Neutral shades for a subtle look or bold hues to make a statement
- Hardware: Door handles and locks can serve as functional accents
- Windows: Choosing doors with or without windows impacts privacy and light
Remember, the perfect door is one that satisfies your practical needs while enhancing your home’s aesthetic.
Practical Considerations
When looking to find the perfect door for your home, you need to think practically. While you may love the look of one door, it may not withstand the weather conditions of where you live. You don’t want to end up replacing a door any sooner than necessary.
Size and Fitting
The first practical thing to consider is the size and fit. Unfortunately, one size does not fit all. Can you imagine the frustration of finding what you thought was the perfect door, only to discover that it doesn’t actually fit the frame? Probably want to take a few minutes to measure everything out.
- Width: Typically ranges from 30 to 36 inches.
- Height: Usually around 80 inches.
- Thickness: Often 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches.
Remember, you’re going to want to make sure there’s enough space for the door to open and close without obstruction.
Weather Resistance
What’s the weather like in your neck of the woods? Is it like the Sahara or closer to the Highlands? Does the wind sweep you off your feet? You’re going to want to think about that.
- Material: Want something that can withstand the worst that weather can throw at you? Yeah, you do. Check out fibreglass or steel.
- Insulation: Who wants to spend an excess on heating and cooling bills? Not you! Look at doors that have good energy efficiency ratings.
- Seal: Got drafts? Not in your house! A tight seal will keep you comfy and repel moisture.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Do you want a really needy door? Go with wood. Not time for that? Fibreglass and steel are probably right for you.
- Wood: Demand regular staining or painting to maintain their classic beauty but can really enhance your home’s look.
- Fiberglass and Steel: More forgiving, needing less care while standing strong against warping and denting.
- Hardware: Investing in durable locks and hinges not only extends the life of your door but also boosts your home’s security.
Conclusion
So, there you go! You now know exactly how to find the perfect door. Crazy that it has more to do with than just what it looks like, right? But you’ve got this. Take your time, do thorough research, and pick a door that will offer a warm welcome to your home for many years ahead!
