Replacing a Front Door: How the Process Works

Your entryway is one of the first things people notice about your home. Improve your curb appeal and create a warm welcome with a replacement front door. The actual process of replacing a front door is not complicated, but it can be overwhelming for those venturing into uncharted territory. Nothing to fret though, we’ll walk you through the front door replacement process, step by step.

Your replacement front door will ultimately be defined by the details. Start by looking through beautiful photos to get inspired. Pinterest and Instagram serve as great starting points for people in search of inspirational images. You can also view projects from real Pella customers by browsing our collection of front door before and after pictures or looking through our inspiration gallery. Take note of which colors and features stand out to you. Do you like the look of a bright or neutral colored door more? Are you drawn to front doors with glass? These are just a couple of the questions you’ll get answers to when gathering images you like.

Just as important as getting inspired is setting a budget. While this part usually isn’t as fun, it’s essential to know how much you are willing to spend and what you can afford before proceeding further in the process. Decide which features and options are most important to you. The material, size and decorative elements of your front door will affect the total cost. Prioritizing your selections helps achieve your goals while staying within your pre-determined price range.

Pella entry doors are made of wood, fiberglass or steel. Wood front doors are naturally beautiful and showcase unique woodgrains for a one-of-a-kind finish. Fiberglass front doors are low maintenance and weather resistant. Wood and fiberglass doors are both available with glass if you choose. Steel front doors are not available with glass, meaning privacy and safety are maximized.

After you’ve selected a material, you can now style and accessorize your door. Adding a splash of color can help your home stand out from the rest. The color you choose for your front door can set the tone for the rest of the home. Black front doors are a popular choice for modern homes. Red is an eye-catching color that turns your front door into a focal point and adds personality. Gray is not a bright color on its own but can pop when paired with a white exterior.

Hardware can also add interest and complement the style of your home. When choosing the handles for your new entry door, consider the finishes. Make sure they coordinate with other finishes in your home like the light fixtures and cabinet hardware. Decorative glass elements and stunning sidelights are another way to give the exterior of your home an instant facelift.

There are many places to buy new front doors. You can schedule a free consultation to get expert advice from a Pella professional. They’ll talk through design choices with you, measure dimensions, provide you a quote and take care of installation. Another option is to shop online and measure, select and install the door on your own. This is ideal for the do-it-yourself project people. Or you can purchase a front door from Pella at a Lowe’s store near you. Lowe’s is the perfect one-stop-shop if your renovation project entails more than just a front door. They have siding, flooring, appliances and more all in one convenient place. Regardless of where you choose to purchase your front door, you’ll receive a quality product built to fit your needs.

If you worked through a local showroom, Pella installers will handle everything, from start to finish. For those who purchased online or through Lowe’s, you can either hire a contractor or install the door yourself. Pella Certified Contractors are trained to install Pella front doors. If you’re project savvy and want to do it yourself, make sure you research how to properly install a door. Your front door’s performance will only be as good as its installation.

Once your front door replacement project is complete, enjoy the improved curb appeal of your home. Make sure you are familiar with how to operate and care for your new door. Take time to understand specifically what your new door’s warranty covers.

Replacing your front door is an investment that will pay off for years to come. Understanding the replacement process will help you make a decision you feel confident and excited about.