Consumers looking for new exterior doors will find an abundance of options—a wealth of different materials, styles and features. However, the choice can be overwhelming. The best exterior doors perform several important functions. They add valuable curb appeal to your home, secure your house and its contents, improve energy efficiency and keep your family comfortable throughout the seasons.

Whether you are choosing a front exterior door, a patio door, a side door or a garage entrance door, we’re here to help you find a door that’s just right for you and your personal needs. Explore this guide to door materials, styles, functions and features so that you can make an informed decision when buying a new exterior door.

Material matters

The material that makes up your door affects the style, function and cost. Each material has pros and cons and what’s right for one homeowner may not be right for another. Here are some of the most common types of door materials.

1. Wood

Wooden doors can be an ideal choice for a front entry door. They boast a natural, timeless beauty that can make for great curb appeal, particularly for a home that leans to the traditional, such as a Colonial or Craftsman design.

Front doors made with wood have a warm, inviting look that can be difficult to replicate. And each wooden door is unique, thanks to their one-of-a-kind natural grain patterns and rich colours. Depending on the type of wood selected, your door can read polished and elegant or homey and welcoming.

Wooden doors do come with a bit of downside, in the form of a higher price tag. Fortunately, there are other beautiful material options that mimic the look and feel of wood at a more affordable cost.

2. Steel

Steel doors offer optimum strength and are advantageous when it comes to security and durability. They are low-maintenance and sturdy, and often feature an insulating foam core surrounded by a durable layer of steel, for greater energy efficiency. Steel doors often suit a contemporary aesthetic and can be painted in any colour to match your home’s colour palette.

If you are choosing a new garage entry door, be sure to check local regulations, as you likely need a fire-rated steel or wood door for improved home safety.

3. Fibreglass

For a durable and attractive entry or side door that’s more budget-conscious than wood, fibreglass is a worthy contender. Fibreglass doors offer strong security, durability and good insulation, helping to regulate temperatures inside your home all year round.

Fibreglass is a popular choice that combines energy efficiency, durability, affordability and beauty, with a variety of designs and finishes to suit your aesthetic. Embossed grain patterns can even effectively recreate the appearance of natural wood.

Fibreglass doors are designed to be sound insulating too, so they are a great option for noisier environments, where homeowners wish to block out street sounds or construction noises.

JELD-WEN of Canada has steel and fibreglass exterior doors to suit any style. Choose a fibreglass, ready-to-paint option with full lite glass, for example, or an oak woodgrain-look fibreglass door in a Craftsman style.

4. Glass

Depending on your privacy needs, doors with glass inserts, large and small, can add external curb appeal while bringing coveted natural light into your home. Glass doors can be constructed with opaque or semi-opaque glass, allowing for more or less privacy.

Entry doors with plenty of glass can be a great choice for modern or contemporary homes.

5. Composite

Composite doors can be made from a number of different materials, including plastics, wood, foam and glass. They may have the appearance of wood but require less maintenance and are less prone to warping. They are also well insulated and can provide good home security. Composite doors can be more expensive than other options, depending on their structure and materials.

Find a door style and design that’s right for you

Be sure to work with your contractor or door retailer to find doors that are right for your home. Discuss your need for soundproofing, accessibility and security, as well as your budget, to balance performance with costs.

Once you’ve identified the right material for your exterior door, you’ll want to see all of the style and design options available to you. Typically, you’ll want to ensure your door complements the style of your home, whether it’s contemporary, modern, Farmhouse or other design.

For contemporary homes, you’ll want to choose an exterior door that gives a warm and welcoming feel. Symmetry is a key element in contemporary design, and wooden doors or fibreglass doors with the appearance of wood are a popular choice. If more light is needed in the entryway, a combination of fibreglass and glass inserts will work beautifully.

Contemporary homes reflect the trends of today. That doesn’t always mean a brand-new look, as trends harken back to earlier days. Today’s contemporary homes boast form and function. Suitable doors might share the simple, straight lines of the modern style door, or they might combine styles. Contemporary style often calls for neutrals, such as black, white and grey, plus an abundance of natural light.

French doors are popular for patios or other outdoor entertainment spaces. They provide a timeless, elegant appeal, most appropriate for homes with a classic or traditional aesthetic. French doors are also beneficial for creating an easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sliding doors are another great option. They provide a sleek, minimalist look that doesn’t steal attention and allows easy passage between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sliding patio doors are typically made from full-size glass panels and can highlight outdoor views while bringing in maximum light.

Choose an energy-efficient door

Energy efficiency should always be a top consideration when choosing a new exterior door. Canada’s changeable climate demands a door that is suitable for all seasons, from the coldest to the hottest. Doors can be a major source of heat loss, drafts and higher energy bills.

Choose high performance doors that meet the criteria for ENERGY STAR^® certification. The ENERGY STAR^® symbol guarantees a door that has been laboratory accredited to withstand harsh Canadian weather.

Look for door features that will help to keep your house comfortable in all weather extremes, including an insulated core, effective weather-stripping and Low-E glass coatings.

JELD-WEN of Canada has once again been named ENERGY STAR Manufacturer of the Year, recognizing our outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy achievements. We are committed to developing energy-efficient products for Canadians and helping to fight climate change.