Articles | How to Customize Your New Door

Whether you are building your dream home or updating the house you have lived in for years, home doors are the perfect way to make a statement about your preferred decor. It seems like a simple task to pick out a new door, but the options are endless.

What should you consider when picking a door? Read on to find out how you can use these choices to customize your new door.

Material

Exterior and interior doors can be made from several different materials, and it is important to think about the function of your door before deciding which material you prefer. For exterior doors, fiberglass and steel are both cost effective and great for insulating your home. If you prefer classic home decor and have a little more room in your budget, you might want to consider going for a wooden door.

Insulation

Make sure your door is a fully functional unit by researching how to use it to insulate your house. Steel and fiberglass usually come with foam or some other kind of insulation, and you should research what type of weatherstripping you would like your door to have. If you are purchasing a wood door, make sure the fit is snug enough to prevent outside air from disrupting your home s cooling or heating.

Hardware

To take your customization a step further, consider several different types of hardware for your door before putting it together. Standard door knobs are a classic choice for any home, but if you want to stick with a traditional style, try something like a brass-plated mortise lock. For homeowners who want the very latest and best in technology, there are keyless entry systems with both a key slot and a keypad, which enable you to unlock the door with a key or a code.

All the Trimmings

The decisions don t end there. Once you have decided on material and hardware for your door, head to your local home retailer to see what they have to offer in glass insets or windows. Remember to look for insulated glass so that you can make sure your home is properly insulated.

Next, decide if you want to add a layer of protection against unwanted intruders with a screen door. And you can really impress the neighbors with side lights or new exterior light fixtures. Light up your door at night with state-of-the-art light bulbs and the best of outdoor lighting.

Once you shed light on your brand new door, pick out all the extras, like a door mat, garden lights for the front yard or even a small water feature to add a peaceful ambiance.