Choosing a front door is an important decision that can significantly impact your home's curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency.
At doors.com, you'll find a curated selection of premium exterior doors designed to meet diverse aesthetic and functional needs. This guide will help you navigate the key considerations when selecting the perfect entryway.
7 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Front Door
When choosing a front door, it's important to balance aesthetics, functionality, and performance. The front door sets the tone for your home and plays a key role in energy efficiency and security.
Below are seven essential factors to help guide your decision:
1. Material Matters
At doors.com, you'll find high-quality exterior doors made from:
Wood
Perfect for homeowners seeking a warm, classic look. Wood doors—especially in mahogany, knotty alder, and fir—bring a natural richness that can be stained or painted to match your aesthetic. Many are hand-crafted and ideal for traditional, rustic, or Craftsman-style homes.
Fiberglass
These doors offer the best of both worlds—beauty and durability. They resist warping, denting, and rot, making them great for all climates. Fiberglass doors on doors.com are available in woodgrain finishes (like Oak and Cherry) that closely mimic real wood.
Iron
For a striking and secure entrance, iron doors provide unmatched strength and elegance. They often feature decorative scrollwork, glass inserts, and heavy-duty construction—perfect for Mediterranean, modern, or custom estates.
2. Size and Measurements
Before selecting a door, measure carefully. Standard widths range from 30 to 42 inches, with heights typically between 80 and 96 inches. Many options on doors.com come in oversized or double-door configurations for wider entryways.
If you're building new or remodeling, consider adding sidelights or a transom window for additional light and visual impact. Many door models are configurable to fit these features.
3. Handing and Swing Direction
A door’s swing direction affects how it operates within your entry space. At doors.com, most product pages allow you to select:
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Left-hand or right-hand swing
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In-swing or out-swing
This helps ensure smooth operation and compatibility with porches, screens, and interior layouts. It’s a critical step in choosing a front door that actually fits your daily routine.
4. Style and Design
From bold modern to timeless traditional, your front door should reflect your home's overall design. Doors.com offers curated categories to match specific styles:
Contemporary & Modern
Sleek lines, flush panels, and metal accents. Many include narrow glass inserts for a minimalist look.
Craftsman & Mission
Simple profiles with vertical lines, small windows, and warm wood tones—ideal for bungalow-style homes.
Rustic & Mediterranean
Heavy woods, arched tops, decorative ironwork, and textured finishes—perfect for villas and countryside properties.
Traditional & Colonial
Paneled doors with symmetrical layouts and decorative glasswork bring a stately charm to classic homes.
5. Security Features
A beautiful door means nothing if it can’t protect your home. At doors.com, many exterior doors are equipped with:
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Solid core construction
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Heavy-duty hinges and strike plates
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Multi-point locking systems for added resistance to forced entry
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Impact-rated glass for storm protection
Iron doors in particular excel in this category, but even wood and fiberglass models can be upgraded with premium locksets and reinforced hardware.
6. Energy Efficiency and Insulation
Your front door plays a big role in keeping your energy bills down. Doors.com offers many Energy Star-rated models with:
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Foam-injected cores (especially in fiberglass options)
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Double- or triple-pane insulated glass
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Weatherstripping and thermal breaks
These features help regulate indoor temperature year-round, keeping cold air out in winter and cool air in during summer, which is especially important for climate-sensitive regions.
7. Door Hardware
Don’t forget the finishing touches! The right hardware elevates your entryway’s style while ensuring durability and security. Doors.com features a range of:
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Handlesets and levers in finishes like matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and satin nickel
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Smart locks and keyless entry systems
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Hinges, kickplates, and deadbolts for a fully coordinated look
Most door models are compatible with standard U.S. hardware configurations, and many listings let you bundle your door with hardware kits for convenience.
Different Types of Front Doors for Homes
When choosing a front door, it's about more than just curb appeal—it’s a balance of material, style, function, and energy efficiency.
At doors.com, you’ll find a wide range of high-quality exterior doors designed to suit every architectural style and practical need. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of front doors available, with direct links to explore each category.
1. Wood Front Doors
Wood doors are timeless. Crafted from solid species like mahogany, knotty alder, and fir, they offer warmth, richness, and a sense of tradition. These doors are highly customizable—you can choose from various panel layouts, glass inserts, and decorative accents. They’re especially ideal for Craftsman, Colonial, and rustic homes.
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Best for : Classic aesthetics, custom stains, and finishes
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Key benefit : Natural insulation and visual warmth
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Care tip : Periodic sealing or painting is recommended to protect from moisture
2. Fiberglass Front Doors
If you love the look of wood but want lower maintenance, fiberglass is the best alternative. These doors are resistant to warping, cracking, or rotting and often come prefinished in stains that replicate real woodgrain. Many are Energy Star-rated, making them ideal for homeowners focused on thermal performance.
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Best for : Durability with the look of wood
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Key benefit : Superior insulation and low upkeep
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Popular look : Textured fiberglass in oak or mahogany finishes
3. Iron Front Doors
For bold security and visual impact, iron doors are a premium choice. These doors feature hand-forged scrollwork, arched tops, and decorative glass panels. Despite their heavy-duty appearance, they often include thermal breaks and insulated cores to improve energy efficiency.
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Best for : Statement entrances, Mediterranean or Tuscan designs
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Key benefit : Unmatched strength and custom iron detailing
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Note : Many come pre-hung with matching hardware and sidelights
4. Single Front Doors
The most common type of entry, single doors, are straightforward, stylish, and suitable for most standard entryways. At doors.com, they’re available in all materials and styles—modern flush panels, classic 6-panel wood, arched tops, and more.
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Best for : Most homes with standard-sized entryways
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Key benefit : Easy installation and great design variety
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Style flexibility : Can be paired with sidelights or transoms
5. Double Front Doors
For a dramatic entry and added accessibility, double doors are ideal. Whether you’re moving furniture or making a visual statement, this configuration adds elegance. Designs range from grand iron doors to minimalist modern panels.
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Best for : Large entryways, grand exteriors
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Key benefit : Wide opening and symmetry
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Pro tip : Add transom windows above for even more impact
6. Pivot Front Doors
These ultra-modern doors pivot on a central hinge, rather than swinging on side hinges. The result is a high-end architectural feel. Pivot doors at doors.com are often oversized, making them ideal for contemporary homes.
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Best for : Luxury builds, modern or industrial designs
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Key benefit : Sleek mechanics and unique operation
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Watch for : Weight—pivot doors are usually heavier than traditional doors
7. French Front Doors
French doors are all about charm and natural light. With glass panels stretching the height of the door, they’re perfect for bright, inviting entries. Often used in pairs, French doors suit both traditional and transitional homes.
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Best for : Letting in light, patios, and elegant entries
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Key benefit : Glass allows visibility and openness
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Tip : Choose low-E glass for better insulation
8. Dutch Front Doors
Dutch doors are split horizontally so you can open the top half independently. They’re functional and cozy—great for cottage-style homes, especially if you have pets or kids you want to keep safely inside while letting air in.
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Best for : Farmhouses, cottages, and playfully rustic homes
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Key benefit : Ventilation and versatility
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Fun fact : Originally used in barns to keep animals in and debris out
Different Styles of Front Doors
When choosing a front door, it’s important to consider more than just the material or size; style is what sets the tone for your home’s entire exterior.
At doors.com , you’ll find a curated selection of exterior doors that reflect a wide variety of architectural styles—from sleek and modern to timeless and rustic. Below is your style-by-style guide to help you confidently select the right look for your home.
1. Modern Front Doors
Clean. Sleek. Sophisticated. Modern front doors are all about simplicity and impact. With flush panels, geometric glass inserts, and bold lines, these doors make a statement without being ornate. You’ll often see them in finishes like black, charcoal, or natural woodgrain, sometimes paired with sidelights or transoms for added light.
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Best For : Contemporary architecture, mid-century modern homes, minimalist spaces
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Design Notes : Think asymmetry, narrow vertical windows, and pivot mechanisms
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Pro Tip : Pair with matte black hardware for a refined, cohesive look
2. Craftsman Front Doors
Craftsman front doors are inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, focusing on handcrafted beauty and function. These doors often feature rectangular glass panes in the top third, simple vertical or recessed panels, and occasionally a small shelf or ledge below the glass.
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Best For : Bungalows, Craftsman homes, and transitional styles
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Design Notes : Warm wood tones like mahogany and fir; clear or decorative glass
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Pro Tip : Opt for dentil shelves or sidelights to boost that classic bungalow look
3. Rustic Front Doors
Warm, weathered, and welcoming—Rustic doors embrace natural textures and earthy tones. Often made of wood species like knotty alder or distressed fir, they feature plank-style construction, arched tops, and wrought-iron accents.
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Best For : Farmhouses, cabins, lodges, and mountain homes
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Design Notes : Visible knots, vertical grooves, and forged iron hardware
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Pro Tip : A rustic pivot door can elevate this look to a modern-rustic hybrid
4. Traditional Front Doors
Traditional doors never go out of style. Featuring symmetrical panel layouts, raised moldings, and classic rectangular shapes, they’re designed to complement historic and conservative architecture without overwhelming it.
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Best For : Colonial, Georgian, Federal, and Victorian homes
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Design Notes : 6-panel designs, rich wood tones, sidelights, and transoms
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Pro Tip : Add brass or oil-rubbed bronze hardware to complete the formal look
Explore Traditional Front Doors
5. Contemporary Front Doors
Contemporary doors differ from modern ones in that they often blend old and new materials and are more fluid in form. You’ll find doors here that incorporate unconventional textures, unique glass designs, and bold color options.
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Best For : Eclectic homes, renovated urban homes, and unique builds
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Design Notes : Mixed materials, bold colors, and creative asymmetry
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Pro Tip : Use frosted or patterned glass for privacy without sacrificing style
Explore Contemporary Front Doors
6. Mediterranean Front Doors
Mediterranean-style doors bring a sense of old-world charm with elaborate carvings, wrought-iron details, and deep wood finishes. Often seen in arched shapes, these doors draw influence from Spanish, Italian, and Moorish architecture.
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Best For : Spanish villas, Mediterranean homes, and Tuscan-inspired designs
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Design Notes : Dark-stained wood, arched tops, and iron grills or speakeasies
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Pro Tip : Add matching iron sidelights or scrollwork for extra drama
Explore Mediterranean Front Doors
7. Farmhouse Front Doors
Farmhouse-style doors are a cozy blend of function and charm. They tend to feature vertical panels, crossbuck designs, or simple shaker-style layouts, often in painted finishes like white, sage green, or slate blue.
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Best For : Country cottages, rural homes, and modern farmhouse builds
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Design Notes : Simple panels, soft neutral colors, matte black hardware
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Pro Tip : Choose a Dutch door option to complete the farmhouse aesthetic
8. Arched Front Doors
Arched doors are a beautiful architectural detail that brings a sense of sophistication and old-world charm to any home. At doors.com, they’re available in styles ranging from Rustic to Iron and Mediterranean, giving you versatility in finish and form.
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Best For : High-end homes, European styles, or making a grand statement
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Design Notes : Arched top rail, oversized framing, stone or stucco surroundings
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Pro Tip : Use wrought iron or decorative glass for added elegance
Front Door Sizes Explained: How to Pick the Perfect Fit
When choosing a front door, size is paramount. A door that's too small or too large can compromise security, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. Here's what you need to know:
1. Measure the Rough Opening Accurately
Begin by measuring the width and height of your door's rough opening. Measure at multiple points (top, middle, bottom for width; left and right for height) and use the smallest measurements to ensure a snug fit.
2. Account for the Door Frame
Remember that the door frame adds to the overall dimensions. Typically, you'll want your door slab to be about ½ to ¾ inch smaller in both width and height than the rough opening to accommodate the frame and allow for adjustments.
3. Consider Jamb Depth
Measure the depth of your wall to determine the appropriate jamb size. Standard jamb depths are 4-9/16 inches for 2x4 walls and 6-9/16 inches for 2x6 walls.
Common Exterior Door Sizes
Understanding standard door sizes can help streamline your selection process:
| Door Type | Widths (inches) | Heights (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Door | 30, 32, 36, 42 | 80, 96 |
| Double Door | 60, 64, 72 | 80, 96 |
| Doors with Sidelights | Varies | 80, 96 |
How to Pick the Best Front Door Materials
Material choice affects durability, maintenance, insulation, and appearance. Here's a breakdown:
1. Wood
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Natural beauty and classic appeal.
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Can be customized with various stains and finishes.
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Requires regular maintenance to prevent warping or rot.
2. Fiberglass
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Mimics the appearance of wood with less maintenance.
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Excellent insulation properties.
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Resistant to dents and scratches.
3. Iron
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Offers superior security.
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Cost-effective option.
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Can be prone to dents and may require touch-ups to prevent rust.
How to Order Exterior Doors at doors.com
Ordering your dream exterior door is simple at doors.com . You can follow these steps:
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Browse our exterior door collection.
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Select the door type, style, and material that suits your project.
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Enter your precise measurements (width, height, thickness, handing).
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Choose hardware and finish options.
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Review your order details and add to cart.
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Complete your secure checkout.
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Your door will be delivered directly to your home and will be ready for installation.
How to Buy a Front Door That Meets All Your Needs: Key Takeaways
When buying a front door for your home that matches all your requirements, you’ll need to bear in mind a few considerations:
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Measure accurately before choosing your interior door.
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Pick the right type and swing for the room.
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Match the material and style to your home design.
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Factor in insulation, durability, and budget.
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Use our product filters and buying guides to simplify your search.