Exterior Door Buying Guide
We outline door types, materials, sizes, and features to enhance curb appeal, security, and functionality, including pre-hung and slab options, material comparisons, and customizable designs.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop
A quality exterior door enhances your home’s curb appeal and can improve security and energy efficiency. From grand, decorative front doors to sturdy back entrances and stylish patio doors, selecting the right exterior door involves considering materials, finishes, and sizes that fit your home’s style and practical needs. Once you’ve chosen a door, complementing it with other thoughtful upgrades—like carefully selected window treatments—can further improve the overall look. If you’re looking for guidance on interior enhancements as well, explore how to choose curtains for your home to create a cohesive design throughout your space.
Types of Exterior Doors
Two common categories:
- Pre-Hung Doors: Include the door and the frame, making installation simpler since the unit comes hinged and ready to fit. Ideal if your old door frame is worn out.
- Slab Doors: Just the door itself, which can be attached to existing hinges. Good if the frame is still solid, but may require more precise measurements, especially in older homes.
Tip: If your current door is more than 25 years old, a pre-hung option ensures a better, more energy-efficient seal.
Materials: Wood, Fiberglass, Steel & Iron
- Wood: Classic appearance, highly customizable, best suited for entryways sheltered from harsh weather. Requires maintenance to retain its finish.
- Fiberglass: Durable, energy-efficient, and can mimic wood grain. Stands up well to heavy use and weather.
- Steel: Budget-friendly, strong, and secure. Foam insulation adds energy efficiency. Susceptible to dents, so may not be ideal for high-traffic doors.
- Iron: Ornamental and long-lasting, iron doors won’t warp, rot, or splinter. Offer both style and robust security.
Tip: Maximize security by adding a deadbolt or a security door over your main entryway.
Exterior Door Sizes and Measurements
Standard entry doors are generally 80 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 1 3/4 inches thick. Larger doors or custom sizes are available on request. Key terms include:
- Rough Opening: The space needed to fit the pre-hung door.
- Jamb Size: The depth of the door frame.
- Net Frame Dimension: The total width of the frame.
- Masonry Opening: The brick or exterior opening into which the door fits.
Exact measurements ensure a snug, energy-efficient fit.
Glass Options and Decorative Features
Glass panels, sidelights, and transoms add beauty and natural light. Consider:
- Tempered, Impact-Resistant Glass: For security and weather resilience.
- Low-E Coatings: Help filter harmful UV rays and protect interior furnishings.
- Decorative Panes: Enhance style and complement your home’s architecture.
Finishing and Hardware
Doors can be unfinished, primed, painted, stained, or varnished. Seal all sides promptly after installation to maintain warranty coverage and ensure longevity.
For hardware, choose matching finishes for knobs, handles, hinges, and even your mailbox or house numbers. Ensure a deadbolt lock for added security.
Additional Door Types
- Storm Doors: Installed over exterior doors to protect against weather and improve insulation.
- Screen Doors: Provide ventilation and keep out pests.
- Security Doors: Reinforced metal construction for maximum protection.
- Patio Doors: Sliding, French, or folding designs to open your home onto outdoor living areas.
- Dutch Doors: Split horizontally, letting in fresh air while keeping pets and small children inside.
Bringing It All Together
The best exterior door depends on your home’s style, your security needs, and your climate. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of wood, the durability of fiberglass, the affordability of steel, or the strength of iron, there’s an option that fits your preferences. After choosing the right exterior door, consider other home improvements that enhance your property’s value and comfort. For example, if you’re also renovating indoors, learn how to choose curtains for your home to create a coordinated and welcoming look, inside and out.
With careful consideration of materials, sizes, and features, you’ll find an exterior door that complements your home’s aesthetic, improves energy efficiency, and provides lasting security and curb appeal.
Quick facts
What is the standard size of an exterior door?
The standard size for an exterior door is 36 inches wide and 80 inches tall, although other sizes like 32 inches wide are also common.
Do all exterior doors have to be 36 inches wide?
No, not all exterior doors have to be 36 inches wide. While 36 inches is standard, doors as narrow as 30 or 32 inches can also be used depending on building codes and preferences.
What is the rough-in measurement for an exterior door?
The rough-in measurement for an exterior door is typically 2 inches wider and 2 inches taller than the door itself to allow for framing and shimming.
Can a front door be 32 inches wide?
Yes, a front door can be 32 inches wide. While 36 inches is standard, 32-inch doors are commonly used in homes with smaller entryways.
What are the standard door sizes?
Standard door sizes include widths of 30, 32, and 36 inches, with a typical height of 80 inches. Custom sizes are also available for unique spaces.
What is the code for front door size?
Building codes often require a minimum front door width of 32 inches for accessibility, but 36 inches is the standard for ease of entry.
What is the door to the backyard called?
The door to the backyard is commonly called a patio door, back door, or sliding glass door, depending on its design and function.
What are outside doors called?
Outside doors are often referred to as exterior doors, which include front doors, back doors, patio doors, and garage entry doors.
What size screen door do I need?
The size of a screen door typically matches the size of the exterior door, commonly 36 by 80 inches, but custom sizes are available for non-standard door frames.
What is the best material for a screen door?
Aluminum is the best material for screen doors due to its durability and resistance to rust, while vinyl and wood are other popular options depending on the style.
Mihai Crisan
Software Engineer at Spoken
Mihai is a dedicated software engineer at Spoken, where he combines his passion for technology with his professional expertise. As a tech geek, he is always on the lookout for innovative solutions to simplify and enhance people's lives through cutting-edge technology. Mihai’s curiosity drives him to explore and implement new ideas that make a real impact.
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