The Ins and Outs of Exterior Doors
Get a crash course in choosing an entry door, from basic features to premium upgrades.
Synopsis: Senior editor Patrick McCombe spent years as a carpenter installing exterior doors, and also spent time selling them at a door shop. In this article, he explains what to know about size and inswing vs. outswing when ordering a door. He also runs through basic construction details, including material, sills, jambs and casing, hinges, and weatherstripping, as well as worthwhile upgrades when looking for a door that will last for decades.
I can’t think of something in a house that’s more important than the front door. It keeps out wind, rain, and intruders; it greets guests and provides light and fresh air; and it gets used every single day. For an exterior door to do a good job, its beauty must be more than skin deep—it’s the things you don’t see at first that determine whether an exterior door is ready for the long haul.
Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.
Become a member today and get instant access to all Fine Homebuilding content!
Start your free trial nowAlready a member? Log in
