Understanding Exterior Doors
Exterior doors help protect your home, provide access to outdoor spaces, and contribute to the overall look and feel of your exterior. The right door depends on where it’s located, how you use the space, and the style of your home.
Here are a few of the most common exterior door styles.
Entry Doors
Hinged exterior doors used to enter and exit the home.
An entry door doesn’t have to be your front door. Entry doors can be used at the front, side, or rear of a home and are available in a wide variety of materials, panel styles, colors, and glass configurations.
Commonly used for: Front entrances, side entrances, garages, mudrooms, and back entrances.
Sliding Patio Doors
Large glass doors that slide horizontally along a track.
Sliding patio doors provide an easy connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces while bringing plenty of natural light into the home. Because they slide instead of swinging open, they can also work well in spaces where clearance is limited.
Commonly used for: Patios, decks, backyards, and outdoor living areas.
French Doors
A pair of hinged doors that meet in the center.
French doors combine large areas of glass with the traditional operation of a hinged door. The double-door configuration can create a wider opening and a more architectural transition between your home and outdoor living spaces.
Commonly used for: Patios, decks, balconies, and exterior entertaining areas.
Customizing Your Door
The door style is only the beginning. Depending on the product you choose, there are a variety of ways to customize the appearance and function of your exterior door.
Sidelights
Narrow glass panels installed beside an entry door.
Sidelights can be added to one or both sides of an entry door to bring more natural light into the home and create a larger, more prominent entryway. Glass styles and configurations can vary to complement the door and your home’s architecture.
Storm Doors
An additional exterior door installed in front of an entry door.
Storm doors provide another layer between your entry door and the outdoors. Depending on the style, they can incorporate glass and screens to provide additional ventilation, light, and flexibility throughout the year.
Finding the Right Door for Your Home
Doors can also be personalized through color, glass, hardware, panel configuration, grids, and other design details. Available options will depend on the manufacturer and product line you select. These categories are a starting point.
Your Project Guide can walk you through the available combinations and help you choose a door and features that complement your home and fit the way you use the space.
