For ultimate security and durability, steel is king, but comes with drawbacks in weight, cost, and aesthetics.

Solid wood offers timeless beauty and insulation but demands the most maintenance.

Fiberglass is a strong contender for durability, low maintenance, and a touch of style.

Vinyl remains the budget champion, but with limitations in security and aesthetics.

Aluminum clad offers a balance between aesthetics, durability, and some level of low maintenance.

Choose wood with glass or fiberglass with glass for a balance of light, security considerations, and aesthetics, but be prepared for some maintenance.

Replacement Door Styles

There are replacement door styles specific to different entrances of your home. Solid wood French doors look timeless on your front façade but a sliding glass door, no matter how grand, may not have the same charm when greeting your guests at the front door. It’s important to place the correct type of door style in the correct entrance on your home for maximum return on your investment.

Let’s look at entry door, storm door and sliding door styles.

Front Entry Replacement Door Styles

Traditional

Traditional front doors are typically made of wood and have a raised panel design.

They often feature symmetrical details and a stained or painted finish.

Craftsman

Craftsman front doors are known for their simple, clean lines and use of natural materials. They often feature a single wide panel with square or rectangular windows at the top.

They may or may not include sidelites.

Contemporary

Contemporary front doors are sleek and modern in style.

They often feature clean lines, geometric shapes, and pops of color.

Mid-century modern

Mid-century modern front doors are characterized by their clean lines, geometric shapes, and use of glass.

They often feature large panels of glass and a horizontal emphasis.

French doors

French doors are a classic and elegant option for a front door.

They consist of two doors that swing open in the middle. French doors can be made of wood, glass, or a combination of both.

Double doors

Double doors are a grand and impressive way to make an entrance.

They are a good option for large homes or homes with a symmetrical facade. Double doors can be made in any style, but they are often traditional or contemporary.

Storm Door Replacement Door Styles

Storm doors are a great way to add an extra layer of protection to your home’s entryway. Storm doors are designed to install over your main entry door. They can help to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and block out drafts. Storm door replacement door styles…

• Full-view storm doors are a great option if you want to maximize natural light and visibility. They are made with a large panel of glass, which can also help to make your entryway feel more spacious.
• Mid-view storm doors offer a balance between privacy and light. They typically have a glass panel in the upper half of the door, and a solid panel in the lower half.
• Retractable screen storm doors are a versatile option that allows you to enjoy the benefits of a storm door and a screen door in one. The screen can be easily retracted when you want to let in fresh air, and then rolled back up when you want to close it off.
• Security storm doors are a good option for homeowners who are concerned about security. They are made with heavy-duty materials and feature reinforced locking mechanisms.

Sliding Glass Replacement Door Styles

Single Slide Glass Door

A single slide glass door is a popular choice for patios and decks. It consists of one panel that slides horizontally along a track to open and close.

They are simple and affordable, space-saving and offer a clear view of the outdoors. However, they do not open more than halfway and they may not be suitable for very wide openings.

Multi Slide Glass Door

A multi slide glass door features multiple panels that slide horizontally on a track. Several panels can be stacked to one side to create a large opening.

These doors provide a wider opening than a single slide door which creates a more open and airierfeel. They are more expensive than a single slide door and require more track space for the panels to stack.

Swinging or Hinged Glass Door

A swinging or hinged glass door operates just like a traditional door, but with a glass panel instead of a solid core. They are easy to operate and can be secured with a deadbolt lock for added security.

These do require swinging clearance space and may not be ideal for tight spaces.

Bi-Fold Door

A bi-fold door consists of multiple panels that fold in half and stack to one or both sides of the opening when opened. A bi-fold door establishes a very wide opening which is good for maximizing views and creating indoor-outdoor flow.

These doors may take up more wall space when open compared to sliding doors and the individual panels may be narrower and less supportive in comparison.

Lift & Slide Door

A lift & slide door features large glass panels that glide up slightly before rolling horizontally on a track. This design allows for large, heavy glass panels to be opened and closed with ease. The large, heavy glass panels provide a high level of security not usually associated with glass doors.

The major downside to this is the cost. It’s pricey. Also, the track below the door that is required for installation may not be ideal for all applications.

Pivot Door

A pivot door rotates on a vertical hinge located on the floor and top of the door frame. It makes for a dramatic and modern aesthetic, plus it looks cool. The design is able to accommodate very large and heavy doors.

Extra reinforcement in the floor and header will be required to support the door and this style may not be suitable for all wall types.

Folding Patio Door

A folding patio door is similar to a bi-fold door, but the panels fold accordion-style rather than in half. This creates a wide opening which is beneficial for maximizing views and the indoor-outdoor flow. The folding patio door may take up less wall space when open compared to bi-fold doors making them more appealing.

On the flip side, individual panels may be narrower and less supportive and may not offer the same level of security as some other door options.

French Door Patio Door

French door patio doors feature two hinged glass panels that open outwards. These doors offer a classic and elegant aesthetic. French doors allow for ventilation through one or both doors.

They do require extra room in the way of swinging clearance space for each door. These may not be ideal for tight spaces.

Bypass Door

A bypass door is a type of sliding door where two or more panels slide horizontally along separate tracks. Bypass doors are space-saving and allow for a wider opening than a single slide door.

However, only half of the doorway can be open at a time and bypass doors may not be suitable for very wide openings.