Your front door is more than just the entryway into your home—it’s a statement piece, a layer of protection, and a vital component of your home’s overall aesthetic. Whether you’re searching for front entry doors near me, browsing design catalogs, or working with a builder, it’s important to choose the right door with care. A poorly selected or improperly installed door can affect everything from curb appeal to energy efficiency and resale value.
To help you make the most informed decision, here are five of the most common mistakes homeowners make when purchasing custom front entry doors, and how to avoid them.
1. Prioritizing Style Over Function
There’s no question that decorative front entry doors can dramatically improve the appearance of your home. Intricate paneling, arched tops, glass inserts, and unique finishes are all desirable features, but they shouldn’t be your only consideration.
What to Do Instead:
Balance style with function. Consider factors like climate, sun exposure, and security when choosing your door. For example, if your entryway is exposed to direct sunlight, materials like solid wood may require protective overhangs or UV-resistant finishes. If security is a concern, opt for reinforced frames and high-quality hardware.
Custom options allow you to achieve both beauty and practicality, so don’t sacrifice one for the other.
2. Choosing the Wrong Material
One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right door material. While fiberglass and steel doors are commonly available, they lack the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of natural wood. Still, many homeowners default to these options because they’re more widely advertised or readily available.
What to Do Instead:
Understand your options. Custom front entry doors made from high-quality hardwoods such as Mahogany, Walnut, or White Oak offer unmatched visual appeal and longevity when properly maintained. They can be customized to fit your home’s architecture and your personal taste, and they age gracefully over time.
Working with a trusted supplier like Anasazi Architectural Door ensures you get a handcrafted product designed for performance and aesthetic harmony.
3. Ignoring Door Size and Proportion
Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing a standard-size door without considering the scale of their home’s façade. A door that’s too small may look out of place on a larger home, while one that’s oversized in a narrow entryway may feel overwhelming or require extensive remodeling.
What to Do Instead:
Take accurate measurements and consider the visual impact of your door. Custom front entry doors can be tailored to fit non-standard dimensions, accommodate sidelights or transoms, and align with architectural elements like porch columns, trim, and lighting.
Proper proportions not only improve functionality, but they also ensure your door enhances your home’s overall design.
4. Overlooking Energy Efficiency
A front door can be a major source of energy loss if not properly insulated or sealed. Unfortunately, many decorative or inexpensive doors do not meet energy efficiency standards, which can lead to drafts, higher utility bills, and uncomfortable indoor temperatures.
What to Do Instead:
Look for doors with energy-efficient cores, insulated glass (if applicable), and quality weatherstripping. Proper installation is also key—a beautiful door won’t perform well if gaps exist between the frame and threshold.
Custom wood doors can be built with energy-conscious materials and features without compromising their handcrafted appeal.
5. DIY Installation or Hiring the Wrong Installer
Even the highest-quality decorative front entry doors can fail to function properly if they’re installed incorrectly. Homeowners who attempt DIY installation or hire general contractors without door-specific experience risk alignment issues, security vulnerabilities, and even damage to the door or frame.
What to Do Instead:
Hire an experienced professional who specializes in custom or high-end door installation. Proper installation ensures smooth operation, tight sealing, and optimal longevity.
Ask your supplier for recommendations or referrals—many trusted suppliers offer guidance or coordinate directly with skilled installers to guarantee the best results.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Investment
A new front entry door is one of the most visible and frequently used elements of your home. It influences curb appeal, protects against the elements, and welcomes family and guests. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that your investment enhances your home’s value and character for years to come.
When searching for front entry doors near me, prioritize craftsmanship, performance, and customization. Partnering with a trusted supplier like Anasazi Architectural Door gives you access to tailored design, premium materials, and expert insight, ensuring you end up with a front door that exceeds expectations in both form and function.