Types of Materials Available for Entry Doors
It’s important to make sure the door you choose is an exterior door, since they are thicker (1 3/4″ compared to 1 3/8″) and stronger than interior doors and use materials meant to hold up outdoors.
Exterior doors are available in the following materials:
- Wood: Attractive appearance, can be stained or painted. Built up finishes, such as paint and polyurethane varnish, may peel over time in areas exposed to the sun and elements. Wood may rot over time if not treated or made from a durable, rot resistant wood, like redwood or mahogany.
- Fiberglass: Durable and holds up well to the elements. Can be painted or stained. Painted fiberglass doors hold up better than wood in exposed areas.
- Steel: Fairly durable, though may rust over time. Can be painted but not stained.
Purchase an exterior door unit that fits the dimensions of your existing door and frame in the style desired.
We have a older home 1937 with a wooden entry round top door. Need to replace it, would like to do so with a square one, what are our options?
Ramona,
I’ve done a lot of research and I would recommend a fiberglass door that is made to look like wood. This way it would continue with the look of your home but provide better insulation for hot or cool weather.
I want to install a 36 inch prehung to a 35 inch opening. Can I remove the double stud framing or do you have a better idea?
Need to replace door sweep. door pins are spring loaded. found vidos to remove pin. Whats next, its a knuckle buster after the pins come out. found no futher info. Jeff.
I think I may need look more into refinishing and refurnishing. Though my door does have some issues, like wood deterioration, but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I think I’m just in the mood for change.
Great post!!!
Thanks for letting me know that wood beginning to rot is a sign you need to replace the door. My door has begun to have this issue, and I want our home to remain secure. Maybe it would be best to replace the door as soon as possible.
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My exterior door doesn’t have any damage but the frame and jamb or threshold(the bottom) are loose, can just those be replaced or do I have to buy the door and frame set?
Hi, Susan,
You shouldn’t need to buy a new door and frame set. Repairing a loose door frame and jamb could be a DIY job, or you could “hire it done.”
It just depends on the damage involved.
We recommend getting a professional to look at the situation and offer a quote based on his or her inspection.
Good luck!