February 2017 : 

Amp up your home’s curb appeal with a show-stopping front door.

A grand front entrance can compose an elaborate story that intrigues guests and passers-by, while also providing a glimpse into the homeowner’s interior style and adding to the value of the property. As the first impression to a house, it’s important to choose a front door that complements the architecture, but also sets the property apart from neighbouring houses. Helping homeowners get it right, the experts at Corinthian Doors share their top tips for choosing the perfect front door.

SIZE

Infinity INF5VG pivot entrance door

While most single front doors are a standard 820mm wide and 2040mm tall, larger front doors are steadily growing in popularity with many new build homes and renovations opting for pivot door designs to really make a statement. “A pivot door tends to be wider and taller,” says Athina Solomou, Corinthian Doors National Marketing Manager. “The pivot design is best suited to handle the extra weight of a larger door and provides a smooth and secure opening.” A pivot system means the weight of the door is carried at the top and bottom rather than on traditional hinged jambs. A pivot door will also add valuable curb appeal. “It’s easy to take your home’s entrance from bland to grand with one simple upgrade and installing a pivot door,” says Athina.

FRAME

Madison PMAD104 with sidelight

There are various door frames to choose from – Single, Double or French, Single with sidelight, Double with double sidelights. Depending on the size of the entryway and home’s architecture, front doors with sidelights are not only on trend and eye-catching but also offer the advantage of natural lighting. “Glass panels will allow for sunlight to come through, providing a lighter and fresher atmosphere on the internal side,” says Athina. For privacy and aesthetic reasons, there are a number of glazing options available depending on the door design. This includes decorative and coloured stain glass options for complementary sidelights.

MATERIAL

Lumina LUM15 entrance door

It’s important to choose a door material that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but practical too. For those in bushfire prone areas, a BAL rated door is an important consideration. Depending on where you live opt for BAL12.5 or BAL40 rated door for peace of mind. For hot and humid areas, timber such as Merbau is the ideal material choice. Durable with low a shrinkage/expansion rate, Merbau also retains its natural colour longer than other timbers. Look to entrance doors with a primed door skin which creates a smooth surface suitable for painting, while timber and veneer skin is best stained. For a contemporary look, consider combinations of timber, metal and glass such as the Corinthian Doors Lumina design.

DESIGN AND COLOUR

Sunburst SUNGL entrance door

A colourful or interesting entry door design will provide an inviting preview of the beautiful rooms that lay inside the house. It’s also a great chance for homeowners to release their inner stylist and experiment with design and colour. An interesting design like an art deco inspired Sunburst will make a profound statement with its eye-catching pattern. For heritage or coastal style homes, a classic design in a neutral shade like white, grey and beige is best, or stain clear to accentuate the natural tones of timber. This will offer a property a point of difference and standout feature.