Tools
- Getting Started On Your Exterior Door
- Choosing An Entry Door
- Other Exterior Doors
- Finish Your Entry Door
- Entry Door Measuring Guide
- Exterior Entry Door Planner
- Pre-Hung Door Installation
- Andersen Windows & Doors Virtual Showroom Tour
- Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Andersen Windows and Patio Doors
Exterior Doors make a statement about you and your home to the world. It is the first thing people notice when they enter your home and the last thing they see when they leave. A study by a leading door manufacturer determined that a new entry door system can add to the resale value of your home.
If your entranceway is looking a little worn, Curtis Lumber is the right place to start to put elegance back in your home’s exterior.
What do I need to know about Exterior Doors?
Exterior doors have some specific terms and phrases you need to understand to properly shop.
These terms include:
Inswing – An exterior door that opens into the home.
Outswing – An exterior door that opens into the yard.
Handing – The hinge and knob placement of the door plus the swing determines the handing of the door. Doors are either Left Hand or Right Hand, plus inswing or outswing. To easily determine handing:
1. Stand at the OUTSIDE of the door, for exterior doors, this is usually outside the home.
2. Locate the hinges from the OUTSIDE of the door, if the hinges are on the right, it’s a right-hand door.
3. Determine if it’s in-swing or out-swing. Will the door swing into the room (inswing) or pull towards you (outswing)?
Lite – A panel of glass in the door. You may hear this used like 9-Lite exterior door.
Divided Lite – Historically, each panel of glass was mounted using moldings and framing to create individual panes of glass. This allowed each pane to separate the light upon entrance to the room. Today’s door options have either true or simulated divided light.
Grille – A plastic, wooden, or metal door insert that simulates the appearance of true divided light and individual panes of glass.
Decorative Art Glass – An insert of stained glass that can be added to a door to create a special effect or add elegance to a home or room.
Transom – A small window that fits over the top of a door or window that primarily adds light and aesthetic value.
Sidelight – A single or set of glass panels adjacent to a door used as part of an entryway to allow additional light and increase its aesthetic value.
Entryway – A system of exterior door components used together to create a dramatic and aesthetically appealing entrance to the home.