Last Updated on 28 April 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Exterior Door: What options are available?
There are a wide variety of exterior door options available, including French doors, sliding doors, stable doors, double front doors, and materials such as uPVC, hardwood, and aluminium composite.
Choosing the perfect exterior door is one of those decisions that might seem simple at first – until you realise just how many incredible options are available! Don’t worry, though. I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know, from elegant French doors to charming stable styles, making sure you find the right match for your home’s style and your practical needs.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why your exterior door matters
- The different exterior door styles available
- How to choose the right door for your home type
- Key features to look out for
- Exterior door maintenance
- FAQs
Why Your Exterior Door Matters
Your exterior door is more than just an entrance – it’s the first impression visitors (and you!) get of your home. It’s about style, security, and even energy efficiency. With so many modern exterior doors and contemporary exterior doors available, there’s something for every taste and budget.
What About the Cost of Exterior Doors?
It’s no secret that exterior doors can vary hugely in price – and for good reason. Factors like material, size, design, security features, and even colour choices all play a role.
At GFD Homes, we believe you should never have to choose between quality and affordability.
Here’s what can influence the cost:
- Material: uPVC is often the most affordable, hardwood sits at the premium end, and aluminium composite doors (like our Smart Signature range) strike the perfect balance between performance and value.
- Size and Style: Larger exterior double doors or custom designs naturally cost more than a simple front door.
- Glazing and Accessories: Adding sidelights, bespoke glass, or premium hardware (think gorgeous door knobs for exterior doors) will affect the price.
- Paint Finish: Investing in a marine-grade exterior door paint means less maintenance and a longer lifespan.
Our advice: View your door as a long-term investment in your home’s comfort, security, and value.
Use our online door designer to see how affordable your dream door could be!
Exterior Door Styles You’ll Love
French Doors Exterior: Timeless Charm
There’s something effortlessly elegant about exterior French doors. They’re perfect for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces and letting in floods of natural light. Ideal for traditional and modern homes alike, French doors exterior designs often feature large glass panels and slim framing – stylish and practical.
Top Tip: French doors look stunning painted in soft heritage colours or bold black tones for a real statement.
Sliding Doors: Space-Saving Wonders
If you’re working with a smaller footprint or want a sleek, modern look, exterior sliding doors are a fantastic choice. They offer effortless access to gardens or patios without taking up additional space, making them ideal for extensions and contemporary homes.
Stable Doors: Quaint Meets Functional
Fancy a door that lets in fresh air while keeping pets and children safe inside? Look no further than an exterior stable door. Popular for cottages and country-style homes, they add bags of charm while being incredibly practical.
Double Front Doors: Grand Entrances
For those who want to make a real impact, exterior double front doors or exterior double doors create an impressive entrance. Whether your style is sleek and modern or classic and traditional, double doors make a home feel welcoming and luxurious.
Bifold Doors: Open Up Your World
If you’re dreaming of fully merging your indoor and outdoor spaces, bifold exterior doors are an incredible option. With panels that neatly fold away, they create a wide, unobstructed opening that’s perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying your garden to the fullest.
Single Doors: Simple, Stylish, and Versatile
Sometimes, less is more. A beautifully crafted single exterior door offers timeless appeal, fitting perfectly into smaller entrances, side doors, or back doors, while still delivering big on style, security, and energy efficiency.
Choosing the Right Exterior Door for Your Home Type
Finding your perfect exterior door isn’t just about picking the one you like the look of most. It’s about matching your door to your home’s style and needs:
- Victorian & Edwardian Homes: Elegant French doors exterior or traditional hardwood doors exterior work beautifully.
- Modern New Builds: Minimalist designs like exterior sliding doors or bold black modern exterior doors fit perfectly.
- Country Cottages: Embrace charm with an exterior stable door.
- Family Homes & Extensions: Light-filled exterior double front doors or sliding doors create spacious, welcoming areas.
- Compact Urban Homes: Save space with slim framed doors and efficient uPVC exterior doors.
Key Features to Look for in Exterior Doors
Security You Can Trust
Exterior doors mustn’t just look good – they need to be safe.
Look for doors with 3-star cylinders, multi-point locks, and PAS24 certification for peace of mind.
Energy Efficiency
Did you know around 20% of a home’s heat can escape through doors and windows? Choosing insulated doors like aluminium and composite options can keep your home warmer and your energy bills lower.
Durability and Maintenance
Low-maintenance is key. Whether you’re opting for hardwood doors exterior, upvc exterior doors, or aluminium composite options, modern materials mean your door should be durable, weather-resistant, and easy to care for.
Finishing Touches
The details matter! Door knobs for exterior doors, handles, and even your exterior door paint colour can transform the look of your entrance.
How to Maintain Your Exterior Door for Longevity
You’ve found your dream door – now let’s keep it looking (and performing) its best:
- Wipe down your door every three months with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Oil the hinges and locks every six months to keep everything moving smoothly.
- Check the weather seals after tough winters.
It’s important to remember that good quality exterior doors, like the ones in our GFD collection, are built to last and shouldn’t need repainting. If you ever feel your door needs a refresh, it’s always best to speak to your supplier first for the right advice.
Before You Buy: Questions to Ask Yourself
Before you choose your perfect exterior door, ask yourself:
- Will the door match my home’s style?
- What’s my top priority: security, looks, or energy efficiency?
- Should the door open inwards or outwards?
- Is planning permission needed for any changes?
- What’s my realistic budget?
Thinking these points through now saves time (and potential stress!) later.
Start the Search for your Perfect Exterior Door Today
At GFD Homes, we offer a wide range of exterior door options to suit every style, every home, and every budget. Whether you’re looking for something simple and cost-effective or a statement piece to truly elevate your home’s kerb appeal, we’ve got you covered. Our collection includes everything from sleek sliding doors to charming stable doors – all crafted for outstanding performance, security, and style.
If you’ve got any questions or need a little expert advice, our friendly team is ready to help – just give us a call on 01642 309576. You can also visit our blog for a range of helpful articles covering everything you need to know about choosing the perfect door and more!
FAQs about an Exterior Door
What exterior door options are available?
You can choose from exterior French doors, exterior sliding doors, exterior stable doors, exterior double front doors, and more! Material choices include upvc exterior doors, hardwood, and aluminium composites.
Can an exterior door open outwards?
Absolutely! Many doors, especially patio or garden doors, are designed to open outward to save indoor space.
Do I need planning permission to add an external door?
Usually not – but always check if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
How to build an external door?
Building an exterior door from scratch requires carpentry expertise. Most homeowners choose professionally-made doors for the best performance and security.
Beyond doors – expert tips and insights you won’t want to miss..
- Front Door Ideas: From Colour Combos to Spring Styling Tips
- PVC Door: The No-Fuss Favourite That Still Gets the Job Done
- Trade Exterior Door: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village.
