Exterior Doors
Types of Exterior Doors
Styles of Exterior Doors
Materials & Features
Types of Exterior Doors
Entry Doors
A beautiful entry door gives any visitor their first
impression of your home, adds to a house’s curb appeal, and
increases property value. Thus it’s important to select a door
that enhances your home’s overall architecture while signaling
your distinctive style. You should also think about how an
entry door will look from the inside. Since these doors
provide secure privacy and noise-abatement as well, they
should be strong, well-framed, and solidly constructed. They
can often support hooks or other attachments for a sign and
door or
window accessories.
French (Hinged) Doors
French doors have transparent or glazed glass panels extending
the door’s entire length. Often used in pairs as a more
traditional-looking substitute for patio doors, French doors
swing outward or inward depending on space and function. Some
manufacturers make ‘sliding french doors,’ which are patio
doors with framing characteristic of classic french doors with
the larger bottom and top rails.
Scenic Doors
Scenic doors offer panoramic views and blur the lines between
the inside and out. With custom colors, sizes, and hardware
available, these high-performance doors create an elegant and
effortless transition from the interior to the exterior of
your home.
Storm & Screen Doors
Storm doors provide extra protection by weatherproofing your
home, sealing drafts, and increasing energy efficiency. Screen
doors open interior spaces to natural light and provide
ventilation while keeping out insects and blowing debris.
Always popular choices as back doors and side doors, today’s
screen and storm doors
are so well designed that they are being used more and more as
entrances.
Patio (Sliding) Doors
Patio doors are made from wood, fiberglass, vinyl, or a
combination of materials that frame large open
windows. They open by sliding or folding, offering easy access to
rooms or back yards, and are available in many styles. A new
type of patio door, the ‘lift and slide,’ offers full
retractability and unobstructed views. With all patio doors,
careful consideration of glass options is particularly
important.
Cellar Doors
Rugged, easy-to-operate cellar doors can add useable square
footage to your home. As they are exposed to the elements,
cellar doors need to be weather-tight; for safety, they also
need sturdy locks and internal mounting flanges.
Choose Your Exterior Door Style
Our job at Ring’s End is to help our customers find the doors of their dreams and realize their aesthetic vision. While there is virtually an unlimited number of door options for any taste, the following are some common choices.
Colonial
Craftsman
Classic
Eclectic
Georgian / Federa
Modern
Materials
Wood Doors
Hardwood is the classic door material for home entrances. The
wide variety of available wood species, ranging from tropical
exotics to domestic hardwoods, along with the ability to add
hand-carved details, make wood the most sought-after material
for custom and semi-custom doors. While manufacturing advances
have greatly improved the durability and weather resistance of
premium wood doors, these products are best used in entryways
that are sheltered from the elements. A wood door might be
right for you if you want elegance, old-fashioned aesthetic
appeal, or intense customization options.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass exterior doors are quickly growing in popularity.
They offer superior durability in nearly any climate, as they
won't warp, rot, crack, or split, and they are virtually
maintenance-free. Energy-efficient and well suited for
high-traffic entrances, fiberglass doors come in beautiful
wood grain finishes such as oak, mahogany, and fir, as well as
an unlimited number of paint and stain finishes. A fiberglass
door can balance price, durability, and painted aesthetics for
any
new exterior door.
Steel Doors
More durable than iron doors, steel doors are ideal for
situations in which door security and strength are paramount.
Treated to deliver superior rust resistance compared to iron
doors and other materials, steel doors require little upkeep,
are very energy efficient, and will withstand years of extreme
weather. Steel doors are available in solid panel and in glass
insert patterns, primed and ready for painting. Choose steel
if you need a durable door for your home or want security
doors for your garage or shed.
Features of Exterior Doors
Safety & Security
Proper installation is the key to having a secure door. The
door should fit snugly in the frame; its hinges should be
tightly affixed and possibly reinforced with setscrews,
crimped pins, or safety studs. Other safety features include
multi-point locking systems and high-quality bolts and key
locks.
Glass Options
Glass options include textured, decorative, or tinted as well
as features like blinds, shades, grilles, or even small
windows. You will also want to consider the energy efficiency,
ultraviolet protection, and shatter resistance of the glass
inserts or panels you select for your new door.
Door Swings
Inswing entry doors are popular because hinges and deadbolts
are located inside the home, thus increasing security. Also,
an entry door that opens into the home provides guests a
gracious welcome. An outswing door can be more durable,
keeping out water and reducing wear; it is a common
configuration for screen and storm doors.
Hardware
Handles and locking systems for exterior doors are available
in many types, materials, and finishes. You might also
consider decorative hinges and straps for a unique look, as
well as hooks for hanging a sign. In every case, you’ll want
to choose door hardware that complements your door’s aesthetic
and that balances privacy with convenience.
Ring’s End has one of Connecticut and Southern New York’s finest selections of superior quality exterior doors. Our premium lines of entry doors, patio doors, and weather-smart screen and storm doors are not available at most building supply stores. We also offer design services, project coordination, and professional installation. When you visit a Ring’s End showroom, you’ll find a vast array of door styles, materials, and finishes to consider. Our professional staff is eager to help you select the exact door that meets your needs and expectations now and for many, many years to come.