Front entry
Balance appearance, privacy, everyday access, and exposure to weather. Review the whole assembly, including sidelights.
ENTRY & PATIO DOORS
An entrance that works beautifully.
Consider the complete entry: the door, frame, threshold, glass, hardware, and the space around it.
Which opening are you planning?
Patio connection
Sliding doors preserve swing space. Hinged doors need a clear opening arc. Compare passage width, screen options, and operation.
Side or rear entrance
A frequently used entry deserves practical hardware, durable finishes, a suitable threshold, and a clear approach.
Look past the door slab.
A new slab in an existing frame and a complete prehung assembly are different scopes. Ask whether the existing frame is sound, square, and compatible with the proposed door and hardware.
Discuss the threshold, weatherstripping, drainage, and the connection to the wall. Hardware alone cannot establish the performance of the whole opening.
Compare door materialsChoose the details before ordering
- Confirm swing direction, usable clearance, and nearby steps or furniture.
- Compare glass placement for daylight and privacy from outside.
- Ask about finish care for the exact product and its exposure.
- Document hardware compatibility and any existing access system.
- Have the provider confirm local requirements for the proposed assembly.
When a repair may fit better
If the concern is a sticking latch, worn weatherstripping, or an isolated hardware problem, ask whether adjustment or a component repair can address it. Where the frame is damaged or moisture is present, request an assessment of the entire opening.
Review the repair decision