Your entry door is one of the most prominent features of your home, setting the tone for the rest of the space. If you are considering replacing your front door, it will help to know the potential advantages this would provide.
To ensure you make the right selection for your home, you will need to think about energy efficiency, hardware, security, door materials, colours, and more. In this article, we outline the pros and cons of a new entry door, along with everything you need to make an informed decision.
A new front door typically provides better thermal insulation than an older model. Modern doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind, especially if you opt for a composite material. Reducing the heat transfer in and out, a new door will help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature all year round and reduce energy consumption.
If your interior would benefit from more natural light, a new entry door is a great solution. By incorporating glass into the door panel, sidelights, or windows above the door, you can brighten your space dramatically.
A solid entry door is great if you want to increase privacy in your home, especially when your entranceway is right near the street. If you still want to maximise natural light, consider a front door with obscured glazing, tinted glazing, or windows above the door, limiting the view but still allowing natural light to filter through.
Replacing your front door is a great opportunity to improve your home’s security. For example, you may incorporate a digital lock or multi-point locking system, protecting your home against break-ins. A new door may also be stronger and reinforced with heavy framing.
Replacing your front door is a low-cost way to elevate your home’s street appeal and increase its resale value. With a variety of colours, finishes, and configurations, you can customise your entryway to suit your design tastes.
For example, our range of colours includes a large spectrum of tones, ranging from bold and bright to neutral and natural.
If your existing front door has a lot of character, you may be reluctant to replace it.
Fortunately, when your old door is deteriorating or draughty, a premium timber front door will provide a nod to the original character of your home, while also improving the thermal performance and security. For added character, consider a double-door configuration and vintage-inspired hardware.
A high-quality front door can be expensive, especially if it features enhanced security features. The installation costs can also add up, particularly with any modifications to the door frame. However, it is worth noting that this will be a high-impact improvement, increasing your home’s value and reducing energy costs over time.
Entrance doors generally come in two configurations — hinged or pivoted. A standard hinged door is hung on three to four hinges along one vertical edge, offering a simple and traditional feel. Pivot doors are mounted at the top and bottom, instead of on the side. They swivel in place, creating a contemporary point of interest.
Both hinged and pivot doors are designed to open inwards. It is also important to note that the pivot doors are not fully air-sealed, meaning they are only suitable for sheltered or protected entranceways. In exposed locations or entranceways where energy efficiency is important, a hinged door will be more suitable.
Do you want to incorporate sidelights, glass inserts, transoms, or double doors into your entryway? There are several door panel designs or configurations available, including flush, frameless, panelled, glazed, and more.
For a contemporary look, consider a flush frameless door with vertical lines. For a more traditional heritage style, a framed panel door creates timeless character.
Are there any specific materials you prefer for durability or aesthetic reasons? At DuCo, we have three options available — timber, composite, and aluminium front doors.
Aluminium provides stability and strength, offering the best level of security. Our Thermtek range is also thermally enhanced and provides a superior noise barrier.
Timber is a premium choice for entrance doors, adding character and warmth to your home. Depending on the architectural style of your home, it can be painted or stained.
Composite doors won’t rust, rot, twist, or dent. Generally, they also offer a better thermal rating than aluminium and timber.
The colour and texture of your entry door will not only influence its appearance but also its durability and maintenance requirements. For a high-wear area, our Aoenex powder coat provides 650 times more scratch resistance. For a more visually interesting detail, consider our Eurowood finish or Anodised coatings.
Or, for a bold and striking entryway, why not choose one of our bright colours? These energising primary colours will add personality to your space, making a great first impression. Top tip — remember to think about how this will work with the interior design of your entranceway too!
What hardware do you prefer? Popular options include lever handles, pull handles, door knobs, and digital locks. Your hardware will contribute to the aesthetic of your entryway but also optimise the security of your home.
While new front door costs vary, the most cost-effective entry door is a single-pane hinged door. In general, pivot doors cost approximately $3,000 to $5,000 more than hinged doors.
In terms of material, our most affordable entry doors are composite fibreglass but this will incur extra costs for painting or staining. Aluminium doors are usually the most cost-effective because they are pre-finished and low-maintenance. On the other hand, timber is usually the most expensive and requires more maintenance over time.
For more details, read our full article about new front door costs. For more design recommendations and considerations, read our article outlining the 8 functional considerations for windows and doors.
The Birchwood project features a Glass 1-Lite Pivot Entry Door, flanked with black timber cladding. We love how the door is perfectly positioned to frame the sculptural pendant light inside, creating a memorable first impression.
For more specifications, advice, and design inspiration, contact our team, or download our full brochure of First Entry Doors.