One of the fastest ways to fall in love with your home is to replace your home’s front door. When you love the entry door to your home, it can make a difference to you and your home’s curb appeal. But did you know that you can actually pick the wrong door.
Here is some useful information to take into consideration before you spend any money on front door replacement.
1. Front Door Exposure– Identify which one you have.
A.
A.A. Fully Protected Doorway – Usually covered by a large porch or overhang where no rain or moisture can reach the door. In this situation the door is completely protected, this type of door exposure offers the widest variety of options.
A.B. Partially Protected Doorway – In this case, usually mid-sized porches and overhangs partially protect the door. Since the bottom half is more susceptible to water and moisture as the sun can break down the finishing seal over time by baking the bottom half of the door. This type of exposure requires specially constructed doors to help withstand the elements.
A.C. Unprotected Doorway – Unprotected doorways offer no protection from the weather. There is no overhang at all to protect the door from wind, snow, rain, and sun exposure. Most homes at at least one unprotected doorway so it’s important to choose a tough door to provide maximum protection from the elements.
2. Privacy and Transitions

Privacy. Consider whether privacy is important to you. Privacy glass is a great way to maintain privacy while enjoying the beauty of designer glass.
Transitions. A full glass door is going to give you more light and less privacy than a solid door.

3. Sidelites and Transoms

Door Sidelites – These are generally narrow or vertical windows that sit to the side of an entry door. It can appear on one or both sides of a door, enhancing the overall aesthetics and allowing natural light into your home. Textured or decorative glass can be added for more privacy.
Door Transoms – A door transom is a horizontal structural or bar that separates a door from a window above it. It can be found in both interior and exterior doors. Transoms allow extra light to enter your home enhancing the entryway and creating a visually taller and wider impression. Door transoms can be rectangular, round top, or elliptical in shape. For added privacy, consider decorative or textured glass.

4. Swing and Handing

Inswing and Outswing – When you think about the daily use of your door, consider if your existing door “swing” works for you. Sometimes changing this, depending upon your exposure, can make a significant difference in how you use your door. Practice opening your door and ask yourself if it would be better to open the opposite direction.
Left or Right – Determine which side of your door is best suited for the handle and lock. Walk up to your front door and reach out, pay attention to the swing.

5. Color and Finish

PrismaGuard Stain: This finish features a nature-inspired color palette with rich tones that add dimension. It’s handcrafted and professionally applied in a controlled environment.
PrismaGuard Paint: If you prefer a pop of color, PrismaGuard paint allows you to tailor the look of your entry. It’s backed by a 10-year limited finish warranty.