Getting Started

The front door is the “welcome” factor of the home and provides curb appeal. But it also must function for security and for keeping out weather’s elements. Entry doors are constructed from a variety of materials, and are created in a vast range of designs. Standard design for an entry doors is a six panel, stile (vertical component) and rail (horizontal component) construction.  Many different configurations can be ordered to create an individualized ambiance. To enhance the look of the front door, homeowners may consider a variety of features.

Materials

Steel doors account for about 50 percent of the market.  With foam core insulation they are energy efficient. Manufactured with a smooth or woodgrain surface, steel doors are delivered primed, or with a finish paint or stain. Steel doors resist shrinking, swelling and warping, but will scratch and rust if not quickly finished after being damaged.

Fiberglass doors also are energy-efficient with a foam core and are manufactured with a smooth but most frequently a woodgrain finish. More expensive than steel, fiberglass doors are less expensive than wood and are low maintenance when compared to wood. Finished in a variety of textures, fiberglass doors may be painted or stained to mimic solid wood. Fiberglass may crack under extreme pressure.

Solid Wood doors provide an expensive and substantial look to a home. Constructed from a variety of hardwoods — mahogany to oak— wood doors are 1-3/4” thick offering energy efficiency and security to the building. More expensive than other materials, wood doors must be maintained to eliminate warping, swelling and shrinking. A traditional choice for older and historic homes, wood doors can be stained or painted, and even hand-carved to variety of designs.

Features to Consider

Glass Inserts for front doors are offered in many colors, patterns and textures. An insert will increase the cost of the door, and can have an impact on the energy efficiency of the door.  Designs of glass inserts provide an individualized feature to the entry door and are offered by most door manufacturers.

Sidelites and transoms can be factored into the opening of the front door, adding curb appeal and increased sunlight. Sidelites may be created on each side of the door or just one side. Transoms are inserted over the entry door.

Iron grills are being used as ornamental and security features on front doors. The grills over the lites in the door panel, project a heavy, safe, and decorative aspect to the entry.

Entry doors can swing in, or out, which depends upon the hinge location. Consider the structure’s front entry when deciding which is appropriate.

Price Considerations

Wood doors, especially exotic woods, are the most expensive. Add glass inserts and sidelites, grills, and carved panels and these can cost into the thousands of dollars, depending upon the height and width. Also, the maintenance of wood doors should be factored into the lifetime cost of the door.

Fiberglass doors are less expensive, but add glass inserts, sidelites, grills, and the price can escalate. Maintenance should be minimal on fiberglass.

Steel doors are the least expensive, but may need maintenance if the door receives hits or scratches, such as front doors on porches. Again, factor in glass inserts, etc. Steel may be low cost, but it does not offer the look of fiberglass and wood.

What to Consider

Architectural Style: The front door handles, knockers, locksets should complement the architectural style of the home and the front door. Manufacturers often provide a “family” of hardware in styles that project the desired image.

Usage: Who will be using the handsets? Provided in thumb turn, knobs and levers, understand knobs may be more difficult to turn for younger or older hands; levers offer easier usage.

Door Size: The thickness of the door stile and placement of the predrilled holes will have an impact on the type of hardware. Having a template of the pre-existing holes will make it easier to choose the appropriate hardware. The height and weight of the door also will determine the number and sizes of the hinges required to operate the door effectively.

Amount of Hardware:  A handle or knob is the minimum hardware needed. But homeowners may consider additional options. The doorbell or knocker for guests to announce their arrival; a peephole for solid wood doors without windows for privacy; locksets for security; and kickplates for the door bottom should coordinate with the handle set.

Maintenance: If the front door is protected, the metal may not tarnish as easily as metals exposed to sun, wind and rain. Finishes that tarnish may be desirable on older homes while shiny finishes may need cleaning and polishing.

Hardware

Handle sets are available in a variety of styles, sizes, metals and designs.  The exterior handle goes through the door to an interior handle, which may be different from the coordinating handle outside.

Knobs may stand alone with a key lock inside the knob, or may integrate a faceplate with a key lock in the faceplate. Usually, a knob outside will turn a knob inside.

Levers also may contain a key lock integrated into the lever, with another lever used inside. Levers are ADA compliant and are easier to use for older and younger hands.

Thumb turn handles are larger for a hand to grasp and use the thumb to disconnect the latch. These handles usually are designed as an arch and may contain a faceplate to protect the door from the grasp and provide an aesthetic. The key lock may be in the faceplate system or set apart as a deadbolt.

Dummy handles are aesthetic only and do not contain a latch or lock. Used on interior doors and exterior doors, they appear to be performing, but are not.

Security

Security for the home is available from several systems. Keyed locks may be integrated into the handle sets, or may be separate. Locks often are tested and graded by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association.

    •  Door viewers can be installed into a solid door for inspecting visitors at an entry door with no windows.

    •  Door handle locks function by key or turning a button in the handle. They stop the knob or lever handle from turning. This is the least effective lock for security.

    •  Deadbolts consist of a cylinder installed through the door that activates a bolt from the door through the doorjamb. A key on the outside and a key or knob on the inside activate the locking system.

    •  Mortise locks require a box containing a locking system to be cut into the door. This is the most secure system and is most frequently used on commercial buildings.

    •  Keyless locks use a combination keypad to activate a deadbolt lock, which may be programmable from a smartphone or other wireless technology. This adds another layer of security.

    •  Chain door locks run a chain from a plate on the door to an access plate on the doorframe or wall. This permits the door to open for a few inches but maintains a little security.

A Strike Plate will be needed on the doorframe to accept the lock bolt. Strike plates are created in several configurations so check the shape of the bolt. Also available in several types of metal to match or complement the lock and handle set.

Swing Bar Door Guards are installed on the interior of an entry door yet permits the door to be cracked open about two inches for viewing while maintaining security.

Door Bells and Knockers

Doorbells announce the presence of someone seeking access to the structure. Several types and sounding systems are available. Also, today’s electronics offer doorbell systems with motion detectors that turn on the front lights when someone approaches, or even sends an image to a computer or smartphone of the homeowner for added security. One system may be used in the home at the front door and another access, such as the back, or patio door. The sounds can be different to alert the residents as to which door has visitors.

    •  Wired bells run an electric wire from an exterior button to an interior box that produces pre-designed sounds. From a simple bell to chimes to favorite music may be programmed into the doorbell.  Wireless bells send a signal from the button installed outside to a receiver inside that “rings” or provides music.

    •  Battery operated boxes can be installed near the entry door, making them easy to install.

    •  Plug-in boxes require an electrical outlet. These operate as long as the electricity is on.

Knockers may be installed on an entry door to announce visitors. Mostly used on homes with an architectural style conducive to this design. Created in a variety of metals and designs, knockers make a statement about the homeowners.

Hinges and Kickplates

Hinges hold the door to the frame. When purchasing a new front or entry door, most frequently, the door is attached to the frame and is installed as a system. Three hinges are standard, with additional hinges used on taller, heavier doors.  A hinge may need replacing, or updating when new handle sets are installed.

    •  Hinge Anatomy: Leaf is the name of the two flat portions with screw holes that are attached to the door and the frame. Constructed of a variety of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, iron, etc., and a variety of thicknesses to support a range of door materials. The size of the leaf used is determined by the door thickness and height.  Barrel is the circular, hollow, end of the leaf, which rotates on the pin. Pin is the solid rod that runs through the barrels of the two leaves to allow the barrels to rotate for opening and closing the door.

    •  Residential hinges are lightweight, standard size hinges used on basic construction.

    •  Architectural hinges are an upgrade, with standard leaf sizing and larger sizes for supporting larger, heavier doors. Manufactured in a wider variety of metals, Architectural hinge leaves also are thicker to hold the weight of larger doors so doors and jambs may need additional mortise space to accommodate.

    •  Ball Bearing hinges include a ball bearing between the barrels of the leaves to reduce friction on heavy traffic doors.

Kickplates protect the front door and provide an attractive balance to the hardware. Available in a variety of metals and finishes from polished to satin, oil rubbed or brushed and even weathered, the kickplate should be two inches shorter than the door width so it does not interfere with the opening and closing of the door.

Cost Considerations

Material: The type of metal used to create the hardware will have an effect upon the cost. The amount of material will increase the cost, so size does matter. Add faceplates, and the cost goes up.

Electronics: Wireless doorbells, security systems, etc. will cost more due to the complexity of the system and technology involved.

Sets: While a set may seem to be expensive, purchasing all the pieces together may save money in the long run. Each manufacturer provides sets of handles, interior and exterior, deadbolts, faceplates, etc. for ease of complementing the aesthetic.

Installation: Add installation to the cost. Wired doorbells will require additional expense

Getting Started

While they are called patio doors, they are designed to provide access to the outside living areas of a home, not just a patio. The doors may open to the deck or lawn of the home, a pool or spa area and are most frequently glass systems that offer a clear view to the outdoors.

What to Consider

Building Codes of the area will have an impact on the patio door. Always check with the building department when choosing a door or window.

Activities and lifestyle may be a factor when making a decision on the door. The amount of space inside and outside of the door opening is important, especially if choosing a hinged door instead of a sliding door.  If a large opening is desired, a multi-slide or bi-fold option may be appropriate. Water infiltration could be a problem if a spa or pool is located close to the door.

Energy-efficiency of the door can save money in the long run. Since patio doors are mostly glass, consider the type of glass to be used. The R-value reports the energy-efficiency of the glass; the higher the number the more efficient. The U-factor is the energy-efficiency of the whole door, including the frame and the lower the number the more efficient.

If security is a consideration, choose a multi-point locking system to deter intruders.

Privacy may be a concern. Since patio doors contain large glass areas, blinds between the glass, or privacy glass, may be an option.

Sound transference can be decreased by choosing glass options that offer a noise reduction. 

The architectural style of the home may have an impact on the patio door style. Depending upon the visual impact of the door on curb appeal, the patio door may demand grills, or wood to maintain the value of the home.

Types

Sliding doors open along a top and bottom rail. One of the doors will be stationary while the second door will slide open.  Opens either right hand or left hand.

Swing (French) doors are hinged and will swing in or swing out. In regular swing doors, one of the doors may be stationary with a left hand or right hand swing. French doors open at the center and swing out, providing a larger opening but requiring more space outside to accommodate the size of the doors.

Bi-fold doors are multi-unit doors that travel along a track to expand the opening to the outside. Bi-folds operate accordion-style and fold outside or inside, depending upon the space provided and the need of the homeowner.

Multi-slide doors open for an unobstructed view. Full door panels will remain stationary until lifted into the sliding track and stacked or fitted into a wall pocket.

Features

Glass makes up the largest portion of a patio door.

To reduce solar heat gain and block ultra-violet rays use Low -E glass. The sun’s rays provide increased heat and light that may fade materials. By including Low-E glass in the window system, heat and cold outside are reflected back into the environment and heat and cold inside are reflected back into the structure.

Impact-resistant glass will be required in some areas along the coastlines and storm-prone areas. Know the Building Codes for the area in which the home is located.

Double and triple pane glass provide insulation and noise attenuation.

Grills can be added to the patio door, and will enhance a French door due to styling. The grills mimic divided lites for architectural accuracy. Depending upon the manufacturer, grills may be placed on the inside glass panel or between the panes of glass.

Shades and Blinds may be installed between the panes of glass for privacy and to block outside sunlight.

Screens are available in a variety of designs, depending upon the design of the door and manufacturer. Sliding screens, side retractable screens and top-hung rolling screens block intrusion from for bugs and even sunlight.

Frame Materials

Wood: The traditional material for frames, wood provides a thermally efficient frame that is durable. Using wood construction offers the ability to change colors and when well maintained, a long life for the unit. Available in a variety of species, the homeowners can match the wood to the trim of the home or complement the outdoors.

Wood Clad: The frame is constructed of wood with a metal or vinyl cladding on the exterior to protect the unit from weather conditions. The interior part of the door frame retains the wood for purposes of aesthetics. Cladding requires less maintenance and is available in an array of colors.

Vinyl: Polyvinyl chloride is extruded into frames that are constructed with hollow spaces to slow temperature transfer for energy efficiency. Low maintenance, vinyl is available in an array of colors for aesthetic purposes. Colors are integral to the vinyl so scratching the exterior will not show as the color is throughout the material.

Steel: While metal will conduct heat/cooling more quickly than other materials, thermal breaking in the construction of steel patio door frames can make them as energy efficient as other materials.

Fiberglass and composites: Fiberglass frames are strong, making them useful for large door panels, and are energy efficient. “Pultruded with or without resins and about 60 percent or more glass, they are considered “green.”  Frames can look like wood with graining or smooth surfaced, and can be painted.

Cost Considerations

Size of the opening is a great impact on the cost of the patio door.  Taller and wider doors will cost more than a standard size patio door due to the materials needed to construct the unit. Custom sizes will have a major impact on the budget.

The material used for the frame is a major consideration. Wood doors, especially hardwoods such as Mahogany, are more expensive than other materials. Steel is the least expensive, followed by vinyl and fiberglass increasing the cost.

Glass that is Low-E or double and triple pane will increase the cost. Impact-resistant glass also costs more since additional film applied to an internal pane is one of the means of blocking storm-driven debris from entering the home.

The type of patio door is another major factor, with sliding doors the least expensive, hinged doors increasing the cost. Bi-fold patio doors and multi-slide doors cost the most as these will be larger, more complicated to construct and install.

Installation by a professional will increase the cost but the more complicated systems may require the employment of an expert to fulfill warranties.

Getting Started

Storm Doors offer an extra layer of insulation and security to the home. While a Storm Door will cover the front of the home’s main entry, it will protect the front door from inclement weather. If inserted with a screen, a storm door can provide fresh air when opened.

Styles

Full View storm doors are constructed with a full pane of glass, which offers a full view of the entry door and maximum daylight, and when fitted with a screen, a sizeable area for fresh air exchange. Screens may be full view, requiring the glass to be removed and stored, or retractable with self-storing space for the glass.

Split View storm doors contain a glass panel on top and bottom with the ability to slide the upper glass into the lower section, or to be removed and stored. A screen on top offers ventilation. The screen may be retractable into an upper chamber, or fitted into the upper portion.

Mid View storm doors have glass panes about three-quarters of the way down the door with a kick plate area at the bottom. A screen may be fixed into the upper portion with the glass panel removed or slid into the lower panel area.

High View storm doors have a glass panel in the upper portion and a solid lower panel. The glass panel may be interchangeable with a screen or have the ability to slide into the lower panel to provide ventilation.

Security Door — Several points of locking, as well as a sturdy aluminum or steel panels with steel mesh screen to deter unwanted entry.

Panel Screen — Removable or permanent screen inserted into the frame for full, split, mid or high view ventilation.

Retractable Screen — Screen rolls down to provide ventilation, and rolls back up into a pocket of the frame.

Materials

Wood — The door’s frame and panels are constructed of wood with an exterior cladding of vinyl or aluminum to protect the unit from the weather and to extend the lifetime of the door. Wood is a natural insulator and is strong for maintaining the structure in holding the glass panels. The cladding is rust free and requires little or no maintenance.

Vinyl — The least expensive option, vinyl does not show scratches as the color is throughout the extrusion, can be energy efficient with insulation in the extrusion chambers, and comes in a variety of colors.

Aluminum — Hollow core or foam filled chambered aluminum requires little or no maintenance, won’t rust and is structurally strong. Long lasting, the doors can meet Energy Star requirements when insulation is included and energy-efficient glass used in the panels.

Steel — Heavy gauge steel panels on a solid core or aluminum frame are maintenance free, won’t rust and have a long life.

Price Considerations

Material: Aluminum storm doors are the most expensive. Steel insulated storm security doors may be comparable in price with wood clad and vinyl the lower cost options.

Glazing: Options such as decorative glass inserts, beveled glass or tinted, Low-E glass will increase the price but may satisfy the desires of the homeowner. Full view glazing adds to the cost when compared to Mid-View or High-View glazing.

Screens: Steel security screens are more expensive, but may provide added security to warrant the price. Retractable screen doors also have a higher price than doors with panel screens.

Hardware: The number of hinges, the style of hardware and locking systems will have an impact on the cost of the door.

What to Consider

Architectural Style of the home will impact the style of the hardware. Manufacturers produce sets that coordinate with each other and with the home.

Age of Occupants will have an effect upon the types of handles that offer ease of use.  Levers are easier to grip for older and younger hands.

Weight and Height of the door will suggest the number of hinges and thickness of the hinges to effectively hold the door in the frame for accurate opening and closing.

Direction of Opening/Closing is important to understand, especially if using levers. The direction of the lever handle and the side of the door it will be installed on will have an impact upon functionality.

Security for interior rooms may be an issue for families with special requirements, such as home offices, expensive collections, wine rooms, etc. The use of the room requiring security will have an impact upon the type of security required.

Hardware

Handles are the means of opening and closing most interior doors. Handles may include decorate trims, such as faceplates, to make a statement about the décor, or to cover pre-existing holes in the door panel.

Knobs turn a cylinder that slips a latch into a strike plate attached to the doorjamb. Knobs may be manufactured of metal, such as polished or oil rubbed brass, nickel, chrome, etc., crystal, enamel or a variety of materials

Levers turn the cylinder that pushes a latch into a strike plate attached to the doorjamb. Most frequently manufactured in a range of metals, the lever is the easiest to use and is ADA compliant. Usually produced in a metal for strength.

Dummy handles — whether knobs or levers or arch handles — provide access on a door that is not latching, such as a closet door. Dummy handles on barn doors make it easier to roll the door on the railing, or on non-functioning French doors, will be decorative. These handles may be simple or decorative to enhance the design of the room.

Privacy handles include a turn or push lock in the knob or lever. Used for areas such as bathrooms or bedrooms, the knob or lever will not turn, providing privacy. Security is not the issue; privacy will be maintained.

Pocket doors are operated by latches that are installed into the door and operate by a finger pull on the handle.

Security

Security/Privacy Locks may be required inside for bathrooms, home offices, specialty rooms, such as wine or collections rooms.

    •  Door handle locks function by turning a button in the handle, which stops the knob or lever handle from turning. Use on bathrooms or bedrooms for privacy.

    •  Deadbolts consist of a cylinder installed through the door that activates a bolt from the door through the doorjamb. Recommended for wine rooms or collection rooms in which entry is reserved.

    •  Mortise locks require a box containing a locking system to be cut into the door. This is the most secure system and is most frequently used on commercial buildings, or for rooms containing expensive collections or firearms.

    •  Keyless locks use a combination keypad to activate a deadbolt lock, which may be programmable from a smartphone or other wireless technology. This adds another layer of security.

A Strike Plate will be needed on the doorframe to accept the lock bolt. Strike plates are created in several configurations so check the shape of the bolt. Also available in several types of metal to match or complement the lock and handle set.

Door Bumpers and Stops

Door Bumpers and Stops may be necessary if the door opens wide enough for the handle to hit a wall. 

    •  Rigid or Spring stops are installed on the baseboard and stop the door or handle from striking the wall.

    •  Hinge Pin Stops are mounted on the hinge and can be adjusted for the opening size.

    •  Decorative Floor Stops provide a wedge or statue with a rubber bumper to hold doors open so breezes do not blow a door closed.

Hinges

Hinges hold the door to the frame. When purchasing a new door, most frequently, the door is attached by hinges to the frame and is installed as a system. Three hinges are standard, with additional hinges used on taller, heavier doors.  A hinge may need replacing, or updating when new handle sets are installed.

    Hinge Anatomy:  Leaf is the name of the two flat portions with screw holes that are attached to the door and the frame. Constructed of a variety of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, iron, etc., and a variety of thicknesses to support a range of door materials. The size of the leaf used is determined by the door thickness and height.  Barrel is the circular, hollow, end of the leaf, which rotates on the pin. Pin is the solid rod that runs through the barrels of the two leaves to allow the barrels to rotate for opening and closing the door.

Residential hinges are lightweight, standard size hinges used on basic construction.

Architectural hinges are an upgrade, with standard leaf sizing and larger sizes for supporting larger, heavier doors. Manufactured in a wider variety of metals, Architectural hinge leaves also are thicker to hold the weight of larger doors so doors and jambs may need additional mortise space to accommodate.

Ball Bearing hinges include a ball bearing between the barrels of the leaves to reduce friction on heavy traffic doors.

Cost Considerations

Material: The type of metal used to create the hardware will have an effect upon the cost. The amount of material will increase the cost, so size does matter. Add faceplates, and the cost goes up.

Sets: While a set may seem to be expensive, purchasing all the pieces together may save money in the long run. Each manufacturer provides sets of handles, interior and exterior, deadbolts, faceplates, etc. for ease of complementing the aesthetic.

Installation: Add installation to the cost.