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Entry Doors 101
Your Guide to Front Door Styles and Types
Whether you want contemporary front doors or something more traditional, here are the most common styles and types to consider.
Table of contents
Steel Doors
Steel entry doors offer real advantages over traditional wood. Once associated with commercial buildings, steel is now available in styles suited to any home.
Steel can replicate many of the design possibilities of wood, including arched frames, and can be finished in any colour. Steel also adds a meaningful level of front door security, making it a practical choice for any home.
Custom Front Entry Doors
Custom front doors are always an option. If you see elements from different styles you'd like to combine for your front, back, or side entrance, many manufacturers will work with you to create a design tailored to your home.
Custom entry doors can be based on existing styles, single doors, double doors, half doors, and more. The main limitations are the dimensions of the existing frame and the structural implications of altering it.
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Other Entry Doors on the Market
Fiberglass Doors
Fibreglass does not warp, crack, rot, or rust, making it a durable, low-maintenance option worth discussing with your contractor.
Fibreglass entry doors are competitively priced and offer a wide range of design choices to suit any home.
Clear Glass Doors
Clear glass doors offer a clean, simple aesthetic for front, back, or side entrances, and can be dressed up or left plain to suit your home.
Modern double and triple pane glass creates an effective barrier against heat and cold transference, making glass entry doors a practical and energy-efficient choice.
If you prefer more privacy, tinted clear glass allows you to see out while limiting the view in. Tinting can also reduce sun damage to carpets and interior surfaces.
Stained Glass Doors
Stained glass adds visual detail to a front door design and works well with a wide range of exterior colour schemes, including custom combinations.
Modern stained glass does not compromise energy efficiency. It provides solid protection from the elements and helps retain heated or cooled air throughout the year.
Internal Grill Doors
Internal grill doors add a layer of security to glass entry doors. Some designs mount the grill between two plates of double or triple pane glass, while others include a glass section in a wood door protected by an interior or exterior grill.
In all configurations, the grill does not interfere with the view or block natural light. These doors work well in both urban and rural settings.
Entry Doors with Internal Blinds
Front entry doors with built-in blinds are available in several configurations. Some have blinds encased between two glass plates, while others include internal blinds in the upper glass section of a wood, metal, or fibreglass door.
Doors with this feature may cost a little more than simpler designs, but they come in just as wide a range of sizes and add both function and privacy.
Executive Entry Doors
Executive doors are designed to enhance the look of an entry point through carefully chosen panels, materials, colours, and hardware.
They can be made from steel, wood, or fibreglass, in standard or custom sizes. Design elements such as etched, stained, or frosted glass can also be incorporated.
Executive doors typically cost more than standard options, reflecting the level of customisation and design detail involved.
Garden Steel Insulated Entry Doors
For side entrances that open onto a patio or garden, steel insulated doors are a practical choice. A combination of steel framing and tempered glass gives you a clear view of your outdoor space while maintaining insulation and security.
These doors are available in double configurations that open inward or outward, as well as sliding and recessing designs. Ask your contractor about this option for your side entrance.
Sliding Entry Doors
Sliding doors are a practical patio door replacement option, available with large panes or a series of smaller panes to bring in natural light and provide a clear outdoor view.
Sliding doors are not limited to clear glass. They can be customised to suit your style preferences. Adding a sliding screen door allows you to keep the main door open for ventilation while preventing insects from entering.
Dutch Entry Doors
Dutch doors, sometimes called half doors, have two separately lockable sections. The top half can be opened independently to let in light and air while the bottom remains closed, most commonly used for back doors.
The top section can include glass while the bottom is wood, metal, or fibreglass. These doors range from ornate to simple and can be tailored to suit your home's exterior design.
For the glass section, reinforced glass is recommended to resist cracking or breakage and maintain the security of the door.
Double Entry Doors
Double front doors make a strong impression at the main entrance and are also practical for moving larger objects, as they provide a wider opening than a single door.
Double doors can include panels, glass panes, or solid construction with minimal ornamentation. Take cues from your home's style to guide your design choices. Double doors are available in a wide range of widths and heights to suit most entry frames.
French Entry Doors
French front doors are a type of double door suited to side garden entrances or main entry points. They can be made with a range of frame materials and should use energy-efficient glass capable of withstanding impact. Grills can be added for additional security.
French doors are available in styles ranging from traditional to modern. A contractor can help you choose the right option for your home and provide guidance on installation details and costs.
Not sure which entry door is right for your home? Our team will help you find the right fit from our full range of styles and customizable designs. Book a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of entry door for a home?
Fiberglass and steel doors are the most practical options for most homes. They offer a good balance of durability, security, and energy efficiency, while also being low maintenance.
What is better: fiberglass or steel entry doors?
Fiberglass is better for low maintenance and weather resistance, while steel is better for security. Fiberglass won’t warp or rust, and steel provides extra strength and protection.
Do entry doors with glass lose heat?
No, modern glass entry doors are energy efficient. Double or triple-pane glass helps prevent heat loss and keeps your home insulated year-round.
Are double entry doors worth it?
Yes, double doors are worth it if you want more space and a stronger visual impact. They make moving large items easier and improve curb appeal.
What type of entry door is easiest to maintain?
Fiberglass doors are the easiest to maintain. They don’t crack, warp, rot, or rust, and usually only need occasional cleaning.
Do I need a custom entry door or a standard one?
Most homeowners choose standard doors, but custom doors are better for unique designs or sizes. Custom options allow you to combine styles, materials, and features to match your home.
Are entry doors with glass safe?
Yes, modern glass entry doors are designed to be safe. They use reinforced or tempered glass and can include additional features like internal grills for extra security.
Which entry door style is best for natural light?
Glass, French, or doors with inserts are best for natural light. They allow sunlight into your home while still maintaining insulation and privacy with modern glass options.