Best Door Companies

If you’ve already started looking into new door options, you know the choices can get overwhelming: What material should I buy? Am I getting a good deal? The style is nicer, but is it as energy-efficient as this other one? If you work with a reliable door company, associates should be able to answer all these questions.

In this guide we cover how you’ll know it’s time to replace your doors, the options you can choose from, average costs and how to find the best installer.

Exterior doors should last about 30 years. Yours may last even longer if there’s an overhang protecting it and you keep up with regular maintenance, such as replacing weatherstripping and gaskets. Note that exterior frames need to be replaced more often than the doors — they may need replacing after about 10 years.

Some signs it’s time to replace your doors:

• Loss of structural integrity
• Difficulty opening or closing
• Noticeable airflow when closed
• Visible damage (including water damage)
• Locks that don’t function properly

Your replacement door options depend in large part on whether you need an exterior or interior door. This likely also affects your total replacement cost.

Exterior doors

Exterior doors are typically installed in the front and back of your home. They’re fitted with locks and usually made out of heavier materials than interior doors have.

Common types of exterior doors:

• Wood-panel doors
• Solid-core flush exterior doors
• Stave-core doors
• Fiberglass exterior doors
• Glass exterior doors
• Steel exterior doors

Interior doors

Interior doors are installed in doorways. They’re often made of solid wood with a traditional frame-and-panel design, but lightweight options are also available.

• Interior door styles include:
• Solid-wood interior doors
• Solid-core interior doors
• Hollow-core interior doors
• Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) doors
• Laminate interior doors
• Glass interior doors

Types of exterior door materials

Exterior doors come in a few different materials. Fiberglass, wood and steel are the most common and are the best on the market when it comes to energy efficiency, security and maintenance.

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass entry doors are extremely durable. They’re low-maintenance and hold up well to climate pressure, so they’re particularly common in extremely cold parts of the country. Fiberglass is resistant to scratching and denting, unlike wood or steel. There are many style options to choose from, and fiberglass doors can even be designed to mimic a wood finish.
• Wood: Wood doors are a classic and beautiful choice, but to keep them looking pristine, you’ll need to complete regular maintenance. If you live in a harsh climate with strong winters and high humidity, wood doors might not be the best option. If you have your heart set on wood, it’s best to have a covered entryway to offer some protection against the elements.
• Steel: Steel doors offer great security and durability. You’ll commonly see garage doors or basement entry doors made out of steel, but it can also be a great option for front doors. Steel is typically more affordable than wood or fiberglass, but the more customizations you make (e.g., adding glass), the pricier it becomes. Since steel doors are so durable, they’re mostly low-maintenance, but they can rust if not properly primed and painted.

Door replacement costs vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of door, the material and the framing requirements. The cost of replacing a door may range from $900 to $5,000 in the New York metro area, according to Andrii Gurskyi of Mr. Glazier, a window and door replacement company in New York. These numbers are likely on the higher end of the price range, however, due to the city’s costly nature.

A standard door is 80 inches high and available in three widths: 30, 32 or 36 inches. If the opening you’re buying for is another size, you’ll probably need a custom door and frame. The price you get for a custom door depends mostly on the type of material and the labor costs in your area.

Unless you have previous experience installing doors, you’ll want to hire a professional. Make sure to find an installer that’s familiar with local building codes. It helps if you also do your own research on codes and different companies in the area so you know the right questions to ask.

Here are a few tips for finding a good installer:

• Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.
• Look online for companies with a history of great customer reviews.
• Check for any affiliations with trusty manufacturers.

Once you’ve narrowed your list, it’s time to ask each installer a few specific questions:

• Is the installer licensed and insured?
• Has the installer been trained or certified to install particular brands?
• How many years of experience does the installer have?