Choosing the Right External Door for Your Home

Choosing the Right External Door for Your Home

Planning a renovation or new build and not sure what external door to select? Choosing the right external door for your home is a decision that impacts not only the front facade but the home’s security too. Before you choose an external door, here’s a few things to consider.

Function

When selecting an external door, function is key. Ensure you pick a door that is right for the situation.

Entrance door: The entrance door is usually the focal point of the front façade and ties together the exterior and the interior design. The right entrance door will create a statement entry to the home. Entrance doors are constructed with a solid core, providing extra security and is often the most expensive door in the home.

Laundry door: A laundry door has multiple functions. It acts as easy access from the laundry to the outdoor clothesline and it provides light and airflow to the home. This external door often is a half-lite or a French door to allow light into the laundry.

Garage entrance door: Garage entrance doors are located at the rear of a garage or between the garage and the home. They can be a decorative door or a glass door, however, most opt for a flush panel, cost-effective door.

Understanding the function of your external door will help you narrow down your options and focus on your specific needs.

Material and Finish

Exploring the pros and cons of different door materials ensures you make the right choice when it comes to durability. Each material offers benefits and drawbacks in terms of maintenance and appearance.

Timber Doors: Solid timber or timber veneer doors are popular choices for entrances due to their ability to complement various architectural styles. However, depending on the orientation and location, they require regular maintenance. They are also more expensive than other door finishes.

Bowens offers a variety of timber finishes, such as merbau, American oak and cedar, which can be customised using stains.

Primed Doors: Most doors are available in a primed or timber veneer finish. Unlike timber, primed doors provide a low maintenance and cost-effective finish. They also allow you to paint the door in any colour to update the look of your home or to perfectly match existing colours. Primed external doors are available in a flush finish, a wide range of decorative routing and with or without glazing.

Aluminium Doors: Aluminium doors are known for their durability and low maintenance. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for coastal areas. Aluminium doors also offer a modern aesthetic and are available in various powder-coated finishes from Bowens, ensuring long-lasting colour and protection.

Glazed Doors: Glass panels provide a sleek and contemporary look however, they do require frequent cleaning to maintain their appearance and prevent fingerprints and streaks. Bowens offers options with obscured glazing types or laminated glass for added privacy and security.

Design and Style Considerations

The design and style of your external door should complement your home’s appearance.

Face material: Choose a door style that matches the overall design of your home. Traditional homes might benefit from ornate timber doors with detailed carvings, while modern homes can opt for sleek, minimalist designs.

Glazing Options: Glazed doors can brighten entryways and rooms by allowing more light to enter. However, consider the privacy and security implications of adding glass panels. Translucent or textured glass panels can provide light while still maintaining privacy.

Colour: If selecting a primed door, choose a colour that enhances your home’s street appeal. The beauty of painted doors is that they can be updated easily to suit renovations or add a splash of colour.

Choosing the right external door for your home involves careful consideration of a range of factors, including material, design, security and future maintenance. For more information on external door products, visit the Bowens website and explore our extensive range of over 8,000 doors to choose from.