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Doors are more than just portals — they're the wardrobe and the handshake of your home. Pick the wrong one and you get drafts, poor curb appeal, or more frequent repairs; pick the right one and you get energy savings, security, and a style statement that lasts. Whether you're replacing a worn-out front door or shopping for interior doors that match your vibe, the process can feel like choosing a new outfit for your house — and you want something that fits, flatters, and stands up to wear and tear.
Not all doors are created equal. The right choice depends on function, location, and budget. Below are the common categories you’ll run into at big-box stores and specialty shops across the US.
Front doors take the most abuse from weather and traffic, so durability and security are top priorities. You’ll see options in wood, fiberglass, and steel; many people prefer fiberglass for its low maintenance, whereas wood offers classic warmth. Popular entry doors commonly come in standard sizes like 36 inches wide by 80 inches high, but you can also get custom sizes for historic homes or oversized openings.
Interior doors are about privacy and design. They include slab doors, panel doors, and bifold or pocket options. Typical thickness is 1-3/8 inches for bedroom or closet doors and 1-3/4 inches for more substantial interior applications. Materials vary from hollow-core for budget-friendly rooms to solid-core for noise reduction.
Patio and sliding doors connect indoor and outdoor living. They come as single- or multi-panel systems with glass options that affect energy efficiency and visibility. For decks and sunrooms, consider multi-slide or French patio doors to blend style and function.
Storm doors add a layer of protection and let you ventilate without opening the main door. Security doors, often with reinforced steel or heavy-duty frames, focus on preventing break-ins. Homeowners in hurricane-prone or very cold regions should pay close attention to wind ratings and insulation values.
Material choice drives cost, look, and maintenance. Let’s compare the three heavy hitters so you can match material to your priorities.
Wood doors feel rich and traditional, and they can be carved and stained for a custom look. Expect to pay a premium, especially for solid wood, and plan on regular maintenance like refinishing to fight rot and moisture—particularly in humid climates. Wood is ideal if you want a timeless aesthetic and don’t mind extra upkeep.
Fiberglass is a workhorse: it resists dents, doesn’t warp easily, and is good at mimicking wood grain without the upkeep. These doors are typically insulated, making them more energy-efficient than many basic wood units. If low maintenance and performance are your goals, fiberglass often hits the sweet spot.
Steel doors are prized for security and affordability. They’re usually the least expensive option for exterior doors, and they perform well in terms of strength and weather resistance. However, steel can dent and will show scratches, and if the protective finish is compromised rust can form. Consider steel for a budget-conscious exterior solution that you still want to be sturdy.
When shopping for doors in the US, you’ll encounter a mix of big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and manufacturer-direct options. Each channel has pros and cons depending on price, selection, and installation services.
The Home Depot is a go-to for homeowners who want a blend of selection and in-store pickup. They carry national brands like Pella, Jeld-Wen, and Masonite, plus their own lines. One advantage is that The Home Depot often bundles door purchase with professional installation, and you can compare fiberglass, steel, and wood models side by side at local stores.
Lowe's competes closely with similar brand offerings and frequently runs promotions that can reduce out-the-door cost. They also stock a variety of prehung doors for easy swaps, as well as custom options for homeowners who need special sizing. Lowe’s installation partners are a plus if you prefer a turnkey solution.
Shopping online opens up a huge range of styles and manufacturers. Wayfair, Build.com, and other e-retailers showcase contemporary designs and often feature customer reviews and detailed specs. Online shopping is best when you already know measurements and are comfortable coordinating delivery and installation yourself.
Going manufacturer-direct can yield higher-end or specialty doors. Masonite is well known for interior and exterior door styles, Pella specializes in windows and doors with a focus on performance, Jeld-Wen offers a broad price range, and Simpson is a favorite for custom wood and artisan doors. These brands often work with local installers and dealers for custom sizing or premium finishes.
For truly unique or period-accurate doors, local millworkers and custom shops are invaluable. You’ll pay more, but you get doors tailored to your home’s character and precise measurements. This is where homeowners go when architectural authenticity or a one-of-a-kind statement piece matters.
Price is only part of the story. Compare insulation values, warranties, hardware quality, and whether the price includes a prehung frame or just the slab. A $400 steel door might look like a bargain next to a $1,200 fiberglass entry, but the fiberglass unit might include lasting benefits like better R-value and dent resistance that save money over time. Read warranties carefully and check what’s covered: finish, glass, and structural integrity are the big-ticket items.
Doors play a big role in your home’s thermal performance. Look for doors with good insulation and low air infiltration. Many exterior doors list an R-value or U-factor; higher R-values mean better insulation. For colder climates, a door with a good thermal break and quality weatherstripping can reduce drafts and lower heating bills. Don’t forget to consider the energy performance of any glass in sidelights or transoms — low-emissivity (low-E) glass can make a noticeable difference.
Deciding whether to DIY depends on skill level and the door type. Swapping a prehung interior door can be a weekend project for a handy homeowner. Exterior doors, especially ones requiring reframing, threshold adjustments, or tying into an existing storm door, often benefit from a pro. Professional installers can ensure proper flashing, insulation around the frame, and correct hardware alignment — all factors that impact longevity and energy performance.
Design trends move between minimalist modern and classic craftsman. Popular choices right now include matte black hardware, vertical plank-style front doors, and mixed-material looks like wood-grain fiberglass with glass inserts. For interior doors, shaker-style panels and simple five-panel doors remain favored for their clean lines. When in doubt, pick a neutral door finish and update hardware to refresh the look later.
Maintenance depends on material. Steel doors may just need occasional cleaning and a protective touch-up if scratched. Fiberglass needs little more than soap and water. Wood doors will want periodic staining or painting and inspection for cracks or swelling. No matter the material, check weatherstripping every season and lubricate locks and hinges annually so everything moves smoothly and quietly.
Measuring correctly prevents headaches. For a prehung replacement, measure the rough opening: width across the studs and height from sill to header. Typical interior door size is 30, 32, or 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall. Exterior doors are often 36 inches by 80 inches, but 1-3/4 inch thickness is common. Measure the door slab if replacing just the door: width at three points (top, middle, bottom) and height from top to bottom. Don’t guess — a few minutes with a tape measure can save a lot on returns and reorders.
Smart locks, reinforced strike plates, and multi-point locking systems are easy upgrades for modern safety and convenience. Smart locks let you use codes or phone apps instead of keys; just be sure you pair them with a strong deadbolt and quality hardware. For extreme security, consider a door with a solid core or metal reinforcement and a strike plate that anchors into a stud rather than just drywall.
Expect a wide range: an economy interior slab can be under $50, while a midrange prehung exterior door often runs from $500 to $1,200. High-end custom doors — especially handcrafted wood or bespoke metal — can climb into the thousands. Installation adds to cost: simple swaps might be a couple hundred dollars, while a full frame and threshold replacement could run $700 or more, depending on region and complexity. Shop around and compare bundled installation offers from reputable retailers if you want a full-service purchase.
Deals pop up seasonally — spring and early summer are common times for sales on entryways and patio doors. Big-box retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe’s run promotions, and online marketplaces often discount closeout models. If you’re comparison shopping, use comparison sites to line up specs and prices side by side; for in-store experience, visit the nearest showrooms to feel materials and view finishes in person. Combining online research with an in-person check usually leads to the best balance of value and confidence.
Before you click buy, run through this quick checklist: confirm measurements in inches, choose the right material for climate and use, check energy ratings and warranty, decide on prehung vs slab, verify hardware compatibility, and budget for installation if you’re not doing it yourself. Taking these steps makes the door-buying process more like a planned renovation and less like an impulsive purchase.
Buying the right home door is a balance of form, function, and budget. Whether you shop with a big-box retailer like The Home Depot or Lowe’s, an online specialist like Wayfair, a trusted manufacturer such as Pella, Masonite, Jeld-Wen, or Simpson, or a local millworker for a custom piece, knowing your sizes in inches, the materials available, and what to expect from installation will keep the project on track. Think of doors as long-term investments: a smart choice today pays off in comfort, curb appeal, and lower energy bills tomorrow.
