Need a new front door but planning to put your home on the market among these Bowling Green homes for sale? You'll want to consider several factors before you make your final selection. There are so many choices—such great materials and styles. You don't want to make a mistake. There are three things to consider: materials, security, and style. Here is some advice from our real estate agents for choosing a front door.

Front Door Materials

The main materials homeowners are using these days are wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum. All have positive and less attractive points regarding security, energy efficiency, durability, etc. 

• Wood
  Wood is a traditional material for front doors, and it's always popular. However, it is seldom made the way wooden doors were in the past—with solid wood planks. Wood, after all, tends to warp and needs considerable maintenance. Nowadays, wooden doors are usually made with veneer skins over a wood core. These doors are better able to resist swelling and warping than solid wood doors. 
  
  Are wooden doors secure? They can be, especially if the door's core is made of steel and is covered with wood. Why choose wood? It's warm and inviting, it's beautiful, and buyers love the look.
  
  
• Steel
  For those who value durability and security above all, steel is a great choice. Steel doors are not solid; they are usually made with inner wooden frames, or if there is a need for more security, they are made of steel. The cavities of the frame are filled with foam insulation, which improves energy efficiency. Steel doors will likely have a baked-on polyester finish that must sometimes be repainted.
  
  Steel doors offer challenges to adding cutouts. They can be dented easily and may be challenging to work on because of their weight. 
  
  
• Aluminum
  Aluminum doors are less expensive than steel and lighter weight. Like steel doors, these have insulation cores and are covered by an aluminum skin. They are durable, easily customizable, and can be updated with ease. Although not as energy efficient as other materials, aluminum is easily recycled if you have sustainability concerns.
  
  
• Fiberglass
  Fiberglass is a durable exterior door material. Fiberglass doors stand up to the elements and are low maintenance. Fiberglass is easily customized. For instance, it can be treated to look like wood if it's important for that look to go along with the style of a traditional home. Fiberglass is versatile and can be adapted to different styles.

Choosing a Front Door Style

The style of the door should match the style of the house. The most common styles are traditional, craftsman, cottage, and modern. Any of these door styles can be modified by adding glass inserts. The glass allows light inside; however, some buyers may have concerns about security with doors with glass inserts. Doors can also be modified by adding distinctive hardware. 

Questions about how a new front door could help you sell your home? Contact us today.