Blog

What Do You Need To Know text on blackboard, business concept background

The entry doors for your home are some of the most important exterior elements you’ll need to invest in. They can boost the curb appeal as well as the security of your home, and even your energy efficiency. So it’s important to make a careful choice so you can be confident that it’s the right one. Making a careful choice requires research. Here’s what you need to know before purchasing an entry door for your Orange County home.

Door Terminology

One of the issues with making any home improvement purchase is that you may find yourself surrounded by lingo and terminology you’ve never heard before, and it may be hard to keep up. Here are a few entry door terms to keep in mind:

Casing and trim: the molding surrounding your entry door.
Inswing/outswing: entry doors that swing inward or outward, based on hinges.
Left-handed/right-handed: left-handed doors are hinged on the left, while right-handed doors are hinged on the right, viewed from the exterior of your home.
Lite: any glass contained within the entry door.
Jamb: the frame that surrounds your door.

Styles and Materials

There are a number of door styles out there. Some homeowners prefer an arched top while others prefer a strict rectangular shape. For some, the larger the lite the better. Others prefer very little or even no lite to their entry doors. Materials are also important to consider. Wood doors are beautiful and elegant, but also high maintenance as they can be vulnerable to swelling and rotting. Steel doors sometimes have issues with paint peeling, but they’re considerably more durable.

At Today’s Entry Doors, we believe fiberglass doors offer the winning combination for entry doors. They’re as durable as steel but don’t dent and can even take on the look of wood doors. They’re also energy efficient, helping to lower your heating and cooling bills in your home.

Budget

Before you make any decision for your Orange County entry door, you need to consider your budget. Entry doors will vary in cost based on material and size. But you should think of long-term cost as well as the upfront cost. Fiberglass doors may be more expensive than steel doors, for instance (though not more expensive than high-end wood doors), but tend to last longer and need less maintenance. You can also make your budget more manageable by choosing an entry door company that offers financing.

Need help to find the perfect entry door for your home? Contact Today’s Entry Doors today for more information or a free quote on one of our fiberglass entry doors.

French patio doors and light neutral colors in a modern home

Doors, Homeowner Information

French Patio Doors vs. Sliding Glass Patio Doors

September 26, 20200

Patio doors are a great way to combine your indoor and outdoor space with ease and to allow natural sunlight to flood into your home. They can add a beautiful, contemporary touch to the home. But which patio door is right for you? The two most popular styles are French patio doors and sliding glass doors. In today’s blog, let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is the right option for your Orange County home.

French Patio Doors

French patio doors are hinged double doors, typically mostly made up of glass panes. These doors have a more traditional look perfect for cottage or rustic home design, though they can be made to look contemporary as well. They can be made to swing out or swing in, depending on where you need the most space.

French Patio Door pros include:

Allows for more sunlight while still keeping with a traditional interior design.
Great for ventilation as they can be opened wide.
Easily customizable and coming in a number of styles.

French Patio Door cons include:

More expensive than sliding glass doors.
Requires more space than sliding glass doors.
Not as energy efficient as sliding glass doors.

Sliding Glass Patio Doors

Sliding glass patio doors are a combination between doors and large windows. They are large panes of glass with narrow frames that run on a track, moving from left to right. Typically, they can be opened on either side, and they allow the maximum amount of sunlight into the space.

Sliding Glass Patio Door pros include:

Great for contemporary homes due to the sleek, modern nature.
Does not open in or out, allowing for the optimization of space.
Narrow frames allow more sunlight in and boosts energy efficiency.

Sliding Glass Patio Door cons include:

Unless vinyl can be awfully expensive.
Might not match style of home.
Only 1 of the doors opens

Which type of patio door is the right option for your Orange County home? The important thing is to have a great door company do help you find the right door and to install it. Contact Today’s Entry Doors today for more information or a free estimate.

Businessman in grey room with three numbered white door behind his back with decision to make

Doors, Homeowner Information

Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Door Company

August 28, 20200

You know that you need an entry door — whether your first entry door for a remodel project or a new door to replace an old, worn entry door. You might even know what kind of entry door you want. Fiberglass tends to be one of the most durable, efficient options available right now. The next decision is which door company to hire. Unfortunately, many Orange County homeowners slip up on this step and come to regret it. Here are a few mistakes to avoid as a homeowner hiring a door company:Read more

Double ProVia Duraguard Screen Door Open

Doors, Homeowner Information

We Can Install Screen Doors For Our Customers

August 3, 20200

With 2 Great Options, You Choose The Style
That Best Suits Your Budget And Taste

We’re often asked if we sell and install screen doors and the answer is a definite YES. We have 2 great styles we offer to our customers.

(Important Note: We do NOT offer screen door sales or installation as a standalone service. We only sell and install them for customers also purchasing an entry door).

The screen door options below give homeowners the ability to match their screen door to their needs based on style preference, pets, small children and how secure you want your screen door to be.
Read more

Doors, Homeowner Information

Why Do Many Orange County Door Companies Discourage Homeowners From Choosing A Dutch Door?

July 31, 20200

Dutch Doors Are Popular Choice In California, But They Require More Expertise Than Most Contractors Have

Dutch doors are undeniably beautiful and stylish.

They’re also a particularly popular choice in California, including here in Orange County.

Given all that, you’d think most door companies would be eager to sell and install a popular door style that homeowners actually want.

But the truth is many will actually try to steer customers away from Dutch Doors.

Why?
Read more

Doors, Homeowner Information

How to Choose Front Door Glass Inserts

May 18, 20200

Not every entry door needs decorative glass inserts or even sidelights. In fact, there are many elegant and stylish front door systems that use very little glass at all.

However, if you believe, as many homeowners do, that “glass adds class” then you’ll be delighted to know about the myriad options available at Today’s Entry Doors.
Read more