Choosing the Right Door: A Homeowner’s Guide

Choosing the right door is an essential part of building your new home, as the entryway is one of the first features to leave an impression. A well-designed door can boost curb appeal, increase energy efficiency, and improve security. At Lakefront Building & Design, we trust Waudena as our preferred supplier for their exceptional durability, style, and customizable features. With a wide variety of panel styles, colors, lite configurations, and grille designs available, you can create an entryway that perfectly complements your home’s design. While the many options might feel overwhelming, we’re here to guide you through the process. This blog offers a helpful overview to simplify your decision-making.

1. Panel Styles: Classic to Modern

Waudena doors come in a range of panel designs that allow homeowners to customize their entryway to reflect their personal style.

Traditional Raised Panels: A classic look with intricate details. Raised panel doors suit homeowners seeking a timeless, traditional feel.
Craftsman Flat Panels: Clean lines and simple styling. These doors are perfect for Craftsman-style homes or those looking for a minimalist, modern touch.
Shaker Panels: Featuring square, recessed panels, Shaker-style doors are ideal for a simple, elegant entry.
Plank Panels: If you’re aiming for a rustic or farmhouse look, plank doors with vertical lines can add that touch of charm to your home.

Each panel style can be further personalized with the addition of lites (windows) or grilles, ensuring the door perfectly complements your exterior.

2. Color Options: Endless Possibilities

One of the highlights of Waudena doors is the extensive range of color options available to match any home’s exterior.

Standard Paint Colors: Waudena offers a palette with an extensive range of color options, from neutrals to brighter colors to add character to your home.
Standard Stain Colors: If you are looking for wood tones to add a natural feel to your entry, Waudena offers several wood grain species patterns as well as stain colors to compliment your exterior finishes.
Custom Colors: If you want something unique, you can choose from custom paint or stain options as well.
Dual Color Options: For homeowners looking for contrast between your home’s exterior facade and interior design, you have the option to select different paint or stain colors.

3. Lite Options: Bringing in Natural Light

There are many options when considering lites (windows) for your entry door. Lites allow natural light to flood into your home as well as improving visibility and security. Lites also serve as a design focal point. Here are the main options for lites to consider:

Full Lite: A door with a full pane of glass is perfect for homeowners wanting maximum light and a modern aesthetic.
¾ Lite: Offering more light than a half lite while still maintaining a defined design, this option strikes a balance between function and style.
Half Lite: A popular choice, the half-lite door offers a balance between privacy and light.
Quarter Lite: Ideal for those who prefer a smaller window near the top for a traditional look with added privacy.
Sidelites & Transoms: To increase light and visual impact, consider adding sidelites or a transom (a window above the door).

These windows can be clear, frosted, or textured, depending on your privacy needs and design preferences.

4. Grille Options: Refine the Look

Grilles are a fantastic way to add a custom touch to your door lites. Whether you want to match a specific architectural style or create visual interest, you can select from a variety of grille designs.

Colonial Grilles: These add a traditional grid pattern to the door lites, often seen in colonial-style homes.
Prairie Grilles: With a more open, elegant look, prairie grilles consist of wider borders around the glass, perfect for Craftsman and Prairie-style homes.
Contemporary Grilles: For a sleek and modern appearance, contemporary grilles have horizontal and vertical lines, creating a simple, clean look.

Grilles are available in various finishes to match or contrast with the door frame, allowing for further personalization.

5. Simulated Divided Lites vs. True Divided Lites

When selecting a door with glass, the style of the lites can make a significant impact on the overall design. Two common options to consider are Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs) and True Divided Lites (TDLs).

Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs):
SDLs give the appearance of individual panes of glass but are created using a single pane of glass with grids or grilles applied to the surface. This option offers the charm of traditional divided lites while providing modern benefits, such as improved energy efficiency and easier cleaning. SDLs are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a classic look with contemporary functionality.
True Divided Lites (TDLs):
TDLs feature multiple individual panes of glass separated by muntins (dividers). While this is a more traditional construction method, TDLs may result in slightly reduced energy efficiency due to the multiple glass seams. This style is often chosen for its authentic, historic appeal and is ideal for homeowners seeking a timeless, vintage look.

Choosing between SDLs and TDLs depends on your aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Both options can be customized to complement your door’s design, ensuring your entryway aligns perfectly with your home’s style.

Conclusion

Whether you’re aiming to create a modern or traditional touch for your new home’s entrance, the right door offers endless customization possibilities. From classic panel styles to vibrant color options, lites that welcome natural light, and intricate grille designs, you can design an entryway that reflects your unique taste and lifestyle. At Lakefront Building & Design, we trust Waudena as our preferred supplier for durable and stylish door solutions. Ready to explore the possibilities? Feel free to reach out with any questions as you begin customizing the perfect door for your new home!