Choosing a new front door isn’t always as easy as you’d think. Your front door can completely change your home’s style and functionality. Exterior doors have to stand up to extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow, all while maintaining their appearance. Plus, your front door serves the important function of welcoming visitors into your home.
If you’re in the market for a new front door, it can also be a challenge to sort through the many brands, materials, and types of doors. For example, some homeowners are unsure whether to invest in fiberglass, wood, or even glass sliding doors, and which brands they should trust. That’s why our experts compiled this list of the best exterior door brands that are known to deliver exceptional quality and style at a variety of investment levels.
Key Considerations Before Choosing an Exterior Door Brand
Before browsing the best exterior door brands, you should consider what’s important to you in an exterior door. This will help you parse through your options.
#1. Material
The material of your exterior door plays a significant role in its durability, maintenance needs, and appearance. Common materials include:
- Wood Doors: Some of the best-quality exterior doors available, wood doors can add timeless charm to your home. Classic and elegant, they offer unmatched warmth and character. Keep in mind that they often require more maintenance to prevent warping or damage from the elements.
- Fiberglass Doors: A low-maintenance, energy-efficient option that can mimic the appearance of wood without the same level of upkeep. It’s also resistant to dents or rust.
- Steel Doors: Known for their strength and security, steel doors are often more affordable but can be prone to dents or rust over time.
- Sliding Glass Doors: Great for homes or spaces seeking to maximize natural light and views, these doors require a brand that specializes in energy-efficient glass and secure locking.
#2. Budget
Your budget will determine which exterior door brands are worth considering. While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality door can save you money in the long run. Higher-end doors typically offer better insulation, security, and durability, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Brands that offer a balance between quality and affordability can help you find a door that fits your budget without sacrificing key features.
#3. Style
Do you have a specific aesthetic in mind? Whether you’re going for a modern, rustic, or traditional look, it’s important to choose a brand that offers the design elements you want, such as color, stain, glass inserts, or paneling details. Many of the best exterior door brands provide customizable options, allowing you to tailor the door to your home’s exterior. Be sure to explore the available finishes and styles that complement your home’s architecture and curb appeal.
#4. Energy Efficiency
Exterior doors play a major role in your home’s insulation. If energy efficiency is a priority, look for brands that offer insulated doors or double or triple-pane glass for glass doors. Energy-efficient doors can reduce heat loss and lower your utility bills, making them a smart long-term investment.
#5. Security Features
Your exterior door is your first line of defense. Consider brands that offer enhanced security features such as reinforced locks, multi-point locking systems, and impact-resistant glass. If security is a top concern, opt for brands known for their robust security features.
#6. Warranties
A strong warranty is a good indicator of the brand’s confidence in its products. The best exterior door brands offer competitive warranties—which come at a price. However, good warranty protection can save you money on repairs down the road, and brands that provide exceptional customer support will likely stand by their products in case of an issue.
The Best Exterior Door Brands You Can Trust
At Zeeland Lumber & Supply, we only partner with companies that demonstrate proven, industry-leading quality. Browse the best exterior door brands that our experts stand behind.
Therma-Tru: Fiberglass Exterior Doors and Glass Doors
Therma-Tru is a top name in exterior doors, and for good reason. They were the first to produce a fiberglass door, and they remain at the top of the industry for just that reason. Therma-Tru doors can’t be topped for exceptional durability, weather resistance, and longevity. Add to that the expansive range of door styles they offer, and it’s not a big surprise that Therma-Tru is such a consumer favorite.
Offering beautiful style at every investment level, Therma-Tru has a collection for every homeowner. Choose from their premium Classic-Craft line for classic and contemporary styles, or take a look at their Profiles and Fiber-Classic lines for popular styles at an exceptional value. As industry pioneers, they’re one of our top choices for the best fiberglass exterior door category.
Aside from their tried-and-true fiberglass options, Therma-Tru also offers high-end glass entryways from its Veris collection. Constructed with premium aluminum, stainless steel, and polymer materials, they offer easy-to-use functionality and long-lasting performance. Designed and engineered for a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, you can choose from several styles: folding, sliding, hinged, and pivot glass doors, all top choices for a contemporary home.
Glenview Doors®: Wood Exterior Doors
If you’re looking for a high-end look, consider the luxurious wooden entryways from Glenview Doors. These artisan-crafted, solid wood doors are some of the best-quality exterior doors on the market today—made using premium materials and advanced European technology. Their long-lasting doors are still offered at a reasonable price point for the quality.
Glenview Doors offers a variety of styles to align with your vision. Consider their Classic Collection for stunning wood grains, elaborate moldings, and glass doors with intricate patterns. If you’re looking for a simple, contemporary style, explore the wood doors in their Modern line. Check out the Pivot collection for doorways that are larger than 42 inches wide. Regardless of the kind of wood door you’re seeking, Glenview Doors has an option for you.
Marvin: Fiberglass Exterior Doors
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Marvin is another industry leader in fiberglass exterior doors. They are known as one of the best exterior door brands for their attention to detail—from carefully-concealed fasteners to intricate window pane designs. Plus, Marvin is committed to being on the cutting edge of exterior doors, including improving energy efficiency and evaluating compatibility with smart technologies.
They offer a variety of product lines depending on your style and the level of craftsmanship you desire. Their biggest collection, Marvin Signature, is broken down into their Ultimate and Modern lines. Try the Ultimate line if you’re seeking a vast collection of styles, including traditional architecture. If you’re aiming for a minimalist aesthetic, the Modern line offers crisp and clean edges to complete your vision. Additionally, the Marvin Elevate collection provides high-quality wood options, while the Marvin Essential line provides simplified options.
Andersen Windows and Doors: Unique Exterior Door Material
Feel confident in your exterior door choice with Andersen, the industry’s gold standard with 115+ years of proven excellence. Their products stand apart with a one-of-a-kind Fibrex material. A combination of recycled and reclaimed wood and vinyl, Fibrex is cost-effective, sustainable, and is one of the best-performing manufactured door materials on the market. Andersen even backs its exterior doors with competitive, owner-to-owner warranties.
Andersen’s exterior doors come in a variety of collections. The level of performance and customization you need will affect which collection you choose. The 100 Series is made of Andersen’s innovative Fibrex material, designed to stand up to the elements and not fade, chip, flake, or rot over time. For the absolute strongest, maintenance-free options, check out Andersen’s E-Series. If you want total customization, the A-Series offers stunning options across many styles. Andersen’s most popular line, the 400 Series, includes low-maintenance vinyl exterior doors for a classic look. The 200 Series provides premium wood options.
Find the Best Exterior Door Brands at Zeeland Lumber & Supply
If it’s time for a new exterior door, contact the team at Zeeland Lumber & Supply. We carry all of the best exterior door brands we mentioned. Our team is ready to help you discover the perfect new front door for your home.