A new front door installation updates the look of your home and lets your style stand out. While modern materials and technology have given homeowners more options than ever before, it can be difficult to find the best choice for your property. Before you make your final decision, think about these factors to make sure you’re installing the right front door for your home, family, and lifestyle.

Front doors are commonly made of steel or wood, or a combination of these and glass. Solid wood doors can make a home look classic and can have intricate carvings and details that add to their luxurious aesthetic. However, they also need to be finished or painted periodically to keep them in good working condition and looking great. 

Steel designs are more versatile and weather resistant. They’re also available in a range of colors, coatings, and veneers, including styles that imitate other materials, like wood. In addition, they are lower maintenance, requiring only periodic cleaning with mild soap and water and annual hardware lubrication for locks and hinges.

Your front door separates the comfort of your home from the outdoors. As such, it's important to choose a model that will ensure your home and family stay safe and secure. For example, if you choose a style with a window, make sure the window is thick enough to withstand a break-in. 

It’s also important to think about what type of locking mechanism the door has. Deadbolts remain a go-to safety measure and are most effective when they go at least 1 inch into the doorjamb and have a metal strike plate. Modern locking systems, like keyless entry, further improve security by reducing the risk of leaving your home unlocked while you’re gone and eliminating the need to hide a key outside.