Buy Your New Entry Door With Confidence
A new front door can improve curb appeal, comfort, security and long-term value. This checklist helps you organize the project, avoid overlooked details and move from early research to the right door for your home.
Determine Your Total Project Budget
Plan for the complete entry system—not only the door slab. A realistic budget helps you compare options and avoid surprises after selections have been made.
- Door slab or prehung door unit
- Frame, jambs and threshold
- Decorative or privacy glass
- Handleset, lock and hinges
- Stain, paint or factory finish
- Installation and possible opening repairs
- Shipping or delivery
Choose the Door Material That Fits Your Priorities
Wood, fiberglass and steel doors differ in appearance, customization, repairability, maintenance and cost. Consider what matters most for your home's design and long-term ownership.
Compare materials
Select an Architectural Style
Your front door should feel intentional with the architecture of your home. Look at the roofline, windows, exterior materials and existing details before choosing a design.
- Craftsman and Arts & Crafts
- Rustic and Southwestern
- Traditional and Colonial
- Contemporary and Modern
- Mediterranean and Old World
- Farmhouse and Cottage
Browse suggested door styles
Choose the Right Door Configuration
Your door configuration determines the overall appearance of your entryway, how much natural light enters your home, and how people move through the opening. Whether you're replacing an existing door or planning a new entrance, start by selecting the configuration that most closely matches your project.
Not sure which configuration is right for your home? Our Door Locator organizes hundreds of doors by configuration, making it easy to compare styles before narrowing your choices.
Browse Doors by Configuration
Select a Wood Species
Wood species influence grain, color, character and how the finished door will look. Consider both the natural appearance and the stain or paint you plan to use.
- Mahogany for a refined grain and rich appearance
- Knotty alder for rustic character and visible knots
- White oak for distinctive grain and durability
- Walnut for deep, dramatic color
- Poplar for many painted interior applications
Browse wood door options
Choose Glass for Light, Privacy and Style
Glass can make an entry feel brighter and more open, but privacy and exposure should be considered. Review the glass in both daylight and evening conditions whenever possible.
- Clear glass for maximum light
- Textured or obscure glass for privacy
- Decorative glass for architectural detail
- Sidelights and transoms for a larger composition
- Operable sidelights for ventilation and moving large items
Glass resources
Select Hardware That Completes the Door
Hardware should coordinate with the door style while meeting your needs for security, convenience and daily use. Confirm compatibility before the door is prepared or drilled.
- Handleset or knob style
- Deadbolt and keying requirements
- Three-point or multipoint locking
- Smart-lock compatibility
- Hinge finish and placement
Hardware resources
Decide How the Door Will Be Finished
A properly applied finish enhances the wood and helps protect it from moisture, sunlight and changing weather. Plan the finish before installation so every required surface can be sealed.
- Factory-finished or job-site finished
- Stained or painted
- Color and sheen
- Exposure to sun, rain and covered entry conditions
- Future maintenance and recoating
Finishing resources
Consider the Complete Door System
Energy performance depends on the door, frame, glass and installation working together. A beautiful door will not perform well if air leaks around the frame or threshold.
- Compression weatherstripping
- Properly adjusted threshold
- Insulation around the frame
- Quality glass and glazing
- A tight, square installation
Related reading
Plan the Installation Before Ordering
Decide who will install the door and confirm that person understands the selected configuration, swing, handing, hardware and finish requirements. Installation planning is especially important for custom sizes and older homes.
Measure Your Existing Door and Opening
Accurate measurements are essential. Confirm the door width, height and thickness, and record the frame or rough-opening dimensions when available. Also note the door swing and whether it opens inward or outward.
Measurement resources
Review the Project With a Door Expert
Before ordering, review your measurements, configuration, wood species, glass, swing, hardware and finish. Nick's Building Supply specializes in custom-fitting real wood doors to existing openings whenever practical.
Ready for a project review?
Printable Door Buying Checklist
Mark each item as you complete it, then bring the checklist to your contractor or use it when speaking with a Nick's Door Specialist.
Door Buying Questions
How do I know what size front door I need?
Measure the existing slab and opening, including width, height and thickness. Also confirm the swing, handing and frame dimensions. Use the Measure Your Door guide before ordering.
Should I replace the frame when replacing a front door?
Replacing the frame is often the better long-term choice when it is damaged, warped, deteriorated or poorly sealed. A complete prehung unit can also make fit, alignment and weather sealing easier.
Is a wood door better than a fiberglass door?
The right choice depends on appearance, customization, maintenance and budget. Review the Wood vs. Fiberglass Door Guide for a detailed comparison.
Can I customize my front door?
Customizing door is our speciality. You can customize your door by size, wood species, glass, sidelights, transoms, hardware and finish. The Customized Door page for more information and get inspired about what is possible.
How long can a wood entry door last?
A quality wood entry door can provide decades of service when it is properly finished, protected from excessive exposure and maintained as needed.
Ready to Find the Right Door?
Browse available doors, build your project online or speak with an experienced Door Specialist before placing your order.