Mike Holmes Sheds Light On The Popular Front Door Choice You May Want To Avoid

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If it's time to replace your front door, there are a variety of options to consider. Not only do you have to decide on the color, style, and hardware, but the material itself is a crucial decision. There are pros and cons to different front doors, and Mike Holmes has some critical wisdom to share. As a master renovator and the star of HGTV's "Holmes on Homes," he has seen it all. In his blog Make It Right, he explains that selecting the material of your front door is the most important decision throughout the entire process. His advice might make you rethink a popular front door choice — wood.

There are several mistakes people make when choosing a front door, but a major error is not considering how the material will age. Mike Holmes details the dangers of wood doors on his blog: "Wood doors are top of the line; they look great, but like all wood, it must be properly maintained. It's also the most expensive. We deal with a lot of temperature changes; one day it's ten below, the next it's plus twelve. Wood shrinks and swells, and if old wooden doors aren't cladded and are exposed to the elements, the frame will rot away. Wood doors can be problematic, mainly because the material is naturally porous." However, there are some ways to make this material last. 

Although there are risks, Holmes emphasizes that there are several ways to properly maintain a wooden front door: "If you do decide to go with a wood door, you may need to sand, stain, or repaint it every few years. You can choose a design with [a] glass insert to make it look more appealing." In addition to repainting or refinishing, regular maintenance can also enhance the longevity of your door. The best way to clean your front door is to use a damp, microfiber cloth with soap and water across the door itself and the hardware. You can also use a product like Rustins New Door Restore to refresh the color and add shine.

If you want your door to have optimal longevity, consider fiberglass or aluminum. Fiberglass doors are more resistant to warping than their wooden counterparts, and you can find variations that mimic the look of wood grain for visual appeal. However, they are difficult to cut, meaning you may have issues getting the perfect fit if your doorway doesn't have standard dimensions. Aluminum is an ultra-durable option and arguably one of the strongest door materials on the market. It is also low-maintenance, with the only major concern being the possibility of dents. Once you've selected your material, these are HGTV star Mike Holmes' essential tips for a more secure front door.