A Homeowner's Guide to Entry Door Options

A Homeowner’s Guide to Entry Door Options

Your entry door is more than just the way you enter and exit your home — it’s a statement piece that adds curb appeal, provides security, improves energy efficiency, and sets the tone for your home’s style. Choosing the right entry door involves understanding your options, from materials and styles to finishes and accessories.

South Jersey Glass & Door specializes in entry door installation, replacement, and customization, helping homeowners throughout South Jersey design doors that are as durable as they are beautiful. We install premium entry doors from trusted manufacturers like ProVia and Viwinco, ensuring each door is expertly fitted, finished, and performs reliably for years to come.

Why Invest in a New Entry Door?

Boost Curb Appeal: According to the National Association of Realtors, replacing an entry door can increase perceived home value by up to 7%.
Improve Energy Efficiency: The U.S. Department of Energy reports that energy-efficient entry doors can reduce energy loss by up to 15%, saving money on utility bills.
Enhance Security: Studies show that replacing older doors with reinforced steel or fiberglass models significantly reduces vulnerability to break-ins.
Personalize Your Home: A new entry door allows homeowners to choose finishes, textures, glass styles, and hardware that reflect their unique style.

Choosing Your Door Skin: Fiberglass vs. Steel

Before exploring glass designs, hardware, or decorative add-ons, the first decision every homeowner should make is choosing the right door skin material. Entry doors are most commonly crafted from fiberglass or steel, each offering unique benefits for your home’s style, energy efficiency, and security.

Fiberglass Entry Doors

Appearance: Fiberglass doors can mimic the look of authentic wood grain while offering modern durability.
Durability: They resist warping, rotting, and rust, making them ideal for long-term performance.
Energy Efficiency: Fiberglass doors deliver superior insulation, helping reduce heating and cooling costs.

ProVia Options: The Signet® Fiberglass Door is known for authentic wood-grain detail and high-end style, while the Embarq® Fiberglass Door is recognized as one of the most energy-efficient entry doors available today.

Steel Entry Doors

Appearance: Steel doors deliver a clean, strong look and are available in both smooth and embossed designs.
Durability & Security: Steel provides exceptional strength against forced entry and impact, making it a top choice for homeowners prioritizing safety.
Budget-Friendly: Steel entry doors are often more affordable than wood or fiberglass while still offering excellent performance.
ProVia Options: The Legacy™ Steel Door combines durability with custom design options, while the Heritage™ Fiberglass Door (a budget-conscious fiberglass option) blends durability and affordability.

Key Takeaway: If you want the natural beauty of wood with low maintenance, go with fiberglass. If you want the ultimate in security and affordability, consider steel.

Style Configurations

Once you’ve chosen your door material, the next step is deciding how you want your entry system to look and function. Homeowners can choose from:

Single or Double Entry Doors for a bold front entrance.
French Doors for elegance and wider openings.
Sidelites to add vertical glass accents on one or both sides.
Transoms to bring in more natural light above the door.
Panel Designs that range from classic raised panels to sleek, modern flat panels.

Door Styles

From classic craftsman entry doors to modern minimalist designs, today’s entry doors come in a wide variety of styles. Popular options include:

Traditional raised panel doors for timeless charm.
Craftsman doors with clean lines and wood-style details.
Contemporary doors with sleek surfaces and minimalist glass inserts.
Rustic designs featuring rich stains and textured finishes.

Looking for more options? Explore additional styles and configurations on our Residential page.

Glass Textures & Options

Decorative glass is one of the most customizable features of an entry door. Homeowners can choose:

Privacy Glass Textures: Options like Obscure, Clear Beveled, Chinchilla, and Rain provide beauty while maintaining privacy.
Decorative Glass Designs: Intricate patterns, etched detailing, and caming (the metal used in glass designs) create a true statement piece.
Energy-Efficient Glass: Low-E glass helps reduce heat transfer and protect interiors from UV fading.

Door Finishes: Stained & Glazed

Your front door finish can transform its look entirely:

Stained Finishes: Natural woodgrain stains like Walnut, Oak, and Mahogany add warmth and elegance.
Glazed Finishes: ProVia’s Glazed Finishes create depth and highlight door details, offering a premium, luxury appearance.
Paint Options: Vibrant colors such as Deep Blue, Cranberry, or Forest Green make your door stand out.

Hardware & Accessories

The right hardware completes the look and function of your entry door. Homeowners can choose from:

Handle Sets & Levers: Available in finishes like satin nickel, matte black, or antique brass.
Smart Locks: Keyless entry options for convenience and security.
Kickplates & Mail Slots: Functional and decorative enhancements.
Decorative Hinges: Small details that elevate overall curb appeal.

Have questions about which option is best for your home? Drop your questions here – we’d be glad to help guide you!

Don’t Forget the Storm Door

Adding a storm door is an excellent way to protect your entry door while boosting energy efficiency and security.

Pros:

Adds insulation and weather protection.
Provides ventilation while keeping bugs out.
Extends the life of your entry door by shielding it from harsh elements.

Cons:

Adds an extra layer to open and close.
May not fit every home’s aesthetic.

For homeowners who want extra protection and airflow without compromising style, storm doors are a smart add-on.

Budget-Friendly vs. Luxury Options

Budget-Friendly: Steel entry doors, simple panel styles, and clear or obscure glass provide an affordable yet stylish option.
Luxury Add-Ons: Decorative glass with caming, premium stains and glazes, sidelites and transoms, and advanced smart lock systems elevate your home’s style and value.

Trust South Jersey Glass & Door

At South Jersey Glass & Door, we’ve been serving homeowners for decades with expert glass and door solutions. We install entry doors from top brands like ProVia and Viwinco, giving homeowners a wide range of choices for style, finish, and material. Whether you’re choosing a budget-friendly steel door or a custom luxury fiberglass entry system, our experienced installation team ensures every door fits perfectly, performs reliably, and enhances the beauty and security of your home.

With five convenient South Jersey locations, we proudly serve homeowners throughout Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Camden, Burlington, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties.

Not sure what you’re style is or looking for additional guidance? Reach out to South Jersey Glass & Door today. Whether you know exactly what style you want, need help narrowing down your options, or simply have questions about entry doors, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

South Jersey Glass & Door – helping homeowners elevate their living spaces since 1927!