How to Choose an Entry Door
Choose an entry door that fits the conditions of your home. Sometimes you will be lucky enough to switch out one door for another. In most cases, you have to remove the whole door frame--due to rotting and out-of-square framing members. Prehung doors solve the problem of rotting wood because they hang on hinges within a frame.
Stand in your doorway to determine if you have a left or right swing door. Right doors feature locksets on the right and vice-versa.
Measure the door to find out what size replacement you need. Standard doors range from 32 to 36 inches wide and 80 inches tall. Doors that measure up to 42 inches wide and 106 inches tall are not a standard size and require special orders.
Shop around before you order the entry door. Go to your home center to look at floor models and pick up product brochures. Visit manufacturer's websites for construction, materials and finish information. Order catalogues to see doors not on display at stores.
Choose the surface material for your entry door. Doors consist of a variety of materials, including fiberglass, medium density fiberboard (MDF), steel or wood. Consider the longevity and care requirements. Wood doors provide character and warmth but require more maintenance than fiberglass doors. Steel doors offer more strength and security than wood doors, but their finish peels after a few years.
Select hardware and window options for the door. Most manufacturers make a selection of brass, bronze and tarnish-free metal finishes for handles, locks and kick plates. Window options include transoms and sidelites with beveled, frosted and patterned glass for privacy.
Check if all the door unit components come from the same manufacturer. Some units are comprised of parts made by different companies that do not always align or fit properly. For example, make sure the weather-stripping fits the size of the door and seals properly.
Prepare a budget. A 36 by 106 inch door may cost $150 for a single without hardware or installation. A prehung unit costs from $1500 to $4000 for a door, frame, hinges, lock and weather-stripping.