Door Buying Guide That Helps You Choose the Right One

Buying a new door isn’t just about picking something that looks nice. It’s about getting the right fit – functionally, structurally, and aesthetically. The wrong choice can lead to poor insulation, reduced security, and even damage to your home. This guide will walk you through exactly what to look for when buying doors, especially if you’re focused on long-term value, style, and performance.

Let’s break it all down – no fluff, no pressure – just the stuff you actually need to know.

What to Consider Before Buying a New Door

Before you start comparing finishes or picking out handles, you need to look at the big picture. Where is the door going? What kind of wear will it face? What does your home need – and what makes sense long-term?

Understanding Your Home’s Needs

Start with purpose. Are you replacing an old door? Building an addition? Upgrading curb appeal? The reason you’re buying a new door will shape every other decision. A front door takes more of a beating than a bedroom door. It deals with temperature changes, weather, and wear from constant use. That means durability and energy efficiency matter more than, say, the door to your laundry room.

Also, think about the overall look of your home. A modern glass door can clash with a colonial-style entryway. If your house has wood trim, aluminum might look off. Details like these matter.

Entry vs. Interior Doors – What’s the Difference

Entry doors are exterior-grade, meaning they’re made to handle rain, sun, wind, and forced entry. They usually come insulated and reinforced with steel or fiberglass. Interior doors don’t need that level of protection. They’re lighter, often hollow-core, and built more for sound control than insulation.

When buying doors for inside your home, the biggest priorities are privacy, appearance, and how well the door fits your floor plan. For exterior doors, you’ll want to weigh weather resistance, security, and insulation first.

Why the Right Door Material Matters

Material affects cost, appearance, performance, and maintenance. Wood is classic and beautiful, but it needs upkeep. Fiberglass resists warping and mimics the look of wood – great for those who want low maintenance with style. Steel is the toughest, best for high-security situations or severe climates.

Before buying a new front door, ask yourself what you’re willing to maintain. Some doors need repainting or resealing every few years. Others can go a decade without a touch-up.

Key Measurements You Need Before Ordering Doors

Even the best door won’t perform right if the fit is off. Getting the right measurements – the first time – saves you time, money, and headaches.

How to Measure for a Front Door Properly

Before you start shopping or ordering doors, measure everything – twice. You’ll need the height and width of the existing frame, the thickness of the wall, and the rough opening dimensions if you’re doing a full-frame replacement. Don’t guess. Use a tape measure and write down each measurement to the nearest 1/16th of an inch.

If you’re keeping your old frame, you’ll just need the slab dimensions. But for most homeowners, replacing the frame is a better long-term fix – especially if there’s any rot, warping, or air leakage involved.

Single, Double, or Custom – Know What Fits

Most homes are built for a standard single door. But if you have a wider opening, double doors or a single door with sidelights might make more sense. These give you more natural light and a grander entrance. Be warned, though – larger doors are heavier, more expensive, and require better hinges and framing.

If your home has unusual measurements or you’re going for a specific architectural look, custom doors might be worth the cost. Just be prepared for longer lead times and higher pricing.

Common Mistakes When Measuring for New Doors

Don’t forget to account for flooring, trim, and swing direction. If you measure only the slab but ignore the frame or threshold height, your new door might not open or close properly. Avoid measuring over old trim or weatherstripping – remove it first for an accurate reading. When in doubt, bring in a professional.

Popular Door Materials and How to Decide Between Them

Not all doors are created equal. The material you choose will affect performance, price, look, and how much time you’ll spend maintaining it.

Fiberglass Doors Pros and Cons

Fiberglass is one of the most popular materials for today’s exterior doors. It holds up well against moisture, resists denting, and can be textured to look like real wood. It’s also more energy efficient than steel in many cases.

The downside? It’s more expensive than hollow-core wood or steel. And while it’s durable, heavy impact (like a flying branch during a storm) can still crack it. For most homes, though, fiberglass offers the best mix of performance, style, and maintenance.

If you’re buying a door that you want to install and forget for 20 years, this might be your best bet.

Wood Doors When Beauty Comes First

Wood is timeless. Mahogany, oak, cherry, pine – there’s something about natural grain and richness you just can’t fake. That’s why so many premium homes still use solid wood doors at the front entrance.

But beauty comes at a cost. Wood doors are prone to warping, especially in humid areas. They need sealing, staining, or painting – and that means upkeep. If you’re ordering doors for a place exposed to full sun or heavy rain, think twice. Or look into engineered wood or wood-clad options that offer the look without the risk.

Steel Doors for Maximum Strength and Insulation

Steel doors are all about security and resilience. If your top priority is protection, this is where you start. They’re typically made with a steel outer shell and a foam core for insulation. They resist shrinking, warping, and cracking better than wood, and many are surprisingly energy-efficient.

Steel is a great choice for homeowners who want peace of mind without breaking the bank. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly options when it comes to buying doors for exterior use. The tradeoff? They can dent. And if that paint chips, you’ll need to fix it fast – otherwise rust can creep in.

So, if you’re buying a new front door in a high-traffic area or a place where security matters most, steel might be the answer.

Glass and Composite Options for Modern Homes

If you’re leaning toward something more modern, composite, and full or partial glass doors are worth a look. Composite doors are made from a mix of materials – wood fibers, resins, sometimes fiberglass – and they’re designed for durability and energy performance. They can be smooth or textured and come in a range of colors or finishes.

Glass doors, like full-lite or half-lite models, let in tons of natural light. They’re ideal for patio entrances or for brightening up entryways. Just keep in mind the tradeoffs: less privacy and slightly higher energy costs unless you choose well-insulated glass.

Ordering doors with custom glass inserts or decorative sidelights is a popular upgrade. Just be sure you’re working with a supplier that offers impact-resistant or low-E options if efficiency matters to you.

Types of Doors and How to Choose the Right One for Each Room

Doors aren’t one-size-fits-all – and we’re not just talking about dimensions. Every space in your home has different demands. Let’s break down the main types so you can order the right fit the first time.

Entry Doors Built for Security and Curb Appeal

These are your heavy hitters. The door that greets guests, protects your family, and faces the outside world. Entry doors need to be tough, well-sealed, and attractive. Materials like fiberglass, steel, or hardwood are common here. If you’re buying a new front door, pay attention to energy efficiency ratings and security features like reinforced frames and multi-point locks.

Also consider how your entry door looks from the street. It plays a huge role in your home’s curb appeal. Whether you go classic or bold, the right design makes a strong first impression.

Interior Doors That Make Space Feel Complete

Interior doors define how rooms connect – and how people move through your home. They also help with privacy and soundproofing. Hollow-core models are lightweight and budget-friendly, while solid-core versions give you better sound control and a more premium feel.

When ordering doors for inside the house, think about swing direction, handle placement, and whether a standard hinged door works best – or if you want something different, like a pocket or barn door, in tighter spaces.

Patio Doors to Bring the Outdoors In

If your home opens out onto a deck, backyard, or patio, the door connecting those spaces needs to handle weather while still providing a view. Sliding glass doors and French doors are the two most common styles here.

Patio doors are great when space is tight. They don’t swing out, and many models now come with multiple locking points and insulated glass. French doors offer a more traditional, elegant look, but need more clearance to open fully.

Whether you’re buying a new door for the back of your home or upgrading your patio access, make sure you choose a model with proper weather sealing and UV protection.

Storm and Screen Doors for Extra Protection and Airflow

Storm doors are installed in front of your main entry door to add a layer of protection against wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. They also help improve energy efficiency and security.

Screen doors, on the other hand, are more about airflow and bug control. They’re lighter and more basic – usually used in spring and summer to let in fresh air without leaving your main door wide open.

These aren’t usually top-of-mind when people are buying doors, but they’re practical additions – especially in older homes or high-weather areas.

Sliding and Pocket Doors for Tight or Modern Spaces

Sliding doors are great space-savers. In bedrooms, closets, or bathrooms where swing clearance is an issue, they can be a smart upgrade. They also work well in more modern, open-concept homes where flow and minimalism are part of the design.

Pocket doors disappear into the wall – perfect when you want a cleaner, less intrusive look. Keep in mind, they require precise framing and more labor to install. If you’re ordering doors for a remodel, it’s best to plan for pocket doors early.

How to Choose a New Front Door That Works and Looks Great

Your front door is more than an entry point – it’s a focal feature of your home. Here’s how to make sure it checks all the boxes, from looks to performance.

Matching Style with Your Home’s Architecture

Your front door is one of the first things people notice. That means the style should feel like it belongs. A sleek black door with clean lines fits a modern home. A Craftsman-style home might look best with a door that includes rich wood tones and stained-glass accents. Farmhouse? Think simple, natural wood or white-painted panels with crossbars.

Buying a new front door isn’t just a design move. It’s a statement about your home. Take the time to look at other homes like yours and notice what works – and what doesn’t.

Security and Energy Efficiency Matter More Than You Think

Looks aren’t everything. Your front door is also your first line of defense. A solid-core door with strong deadbolt reinforcement is a must. If you live in a colder climate, insulation becomes a big deal too. Drafty doors can drive up your energy bills, especially in winter and summer months.

Look for ENERGY STAR-rated models if saving on heating and cooling is a priority. Foam-filled cores, tight seals, and proper installation all play a role here. And if you’re ordering doors with glass inserts, double- or triple-pane options will make a big difference.

Maintenance and Durability by Material Type

Every door material has its pros and cons. The trick is knowing what to expect before you commit. Think about exposure to elements, how often the door will be used, and whether you want low maintenance or don’t mind some seasonal upkeep.

Buying a new door isn’t just a line item in a renovation budget – it’s a smart investment in your home’s function, comfort, and value. Whether you’re replacing a single interior door or ordering doors for an entire remodel, the same rule applies: get the right product for the right space.

Take your time. Measure carefully. Ask the right questions. And always buy from suppliers who stand behind their products.

If you’re in New Jersey or Pennsylvania and need expert help choosing, measuring, or installing your doors, the team at American Quality Remodeling has your back. We know what works, what lasts, and what’s worth your money.