Basement Door Considerations
- Area
- Materials
- Design
- Security
- Weatherproofing
- Energy Efficiency
- Accessibility
How to Choose the Right Basement Door: 7 Factors to Consider
Choosing the right basement door is important for both the function and appearance of your home. Here are seven key factors to consider to ensure you make the best decision.1. Area
One of the first things to do before buying a new door is to look at the area and ask yourself what the main function of the door will be.For starters, will it be an exterior basement door or an interior door? This is important to differentiate because exterior doors are more durable and energy-efficient in order to withstand the elements.
Next, you’ll want to measure the door opening and determine the door size you’ll need for the area. If you are replacing an old door, carefully compare the dimensions to avoid potential gaps or sizing issues with the new door.
While evaluating the area, consider how you want the door to function. For a hinged door, decide whether it should swing outward or inward and whether it should swing to the left or to the right.
2. Materials
After you’ve thoroughly inspected the doorway, it’s time to start considering the door itself. One of the first things to ask yourself is, “What material do you want the door to be made from?”Wood doors offer a more traditional design, and are ideal for more rustic, mid century modern, cottage, or farmhouse style basements. Solid wood doors are highly durable, and make exceptional exterior doors. Overall, wood has a more comforting and cozy aesthetic than steel.
Steel doors are highly durable and strong, making them tough to damage or dent. They excel in environments with debris, as steel is more resistant to impacts and does not absorb moisture like wood, ensuring greater durability. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years. Given these qualities, steel is an excellent choice for exterior storm doors.
You’ll also want to consider whether you want a glass window on your basement door. If so, you’ll want to think about the glass type. For exterior doors, you’ll need to use low E or double-paned glass to increase the door’s energy efficiency. Consider obscured glass to increase privacy without sacrificing natural light.
3. Design
Before choosing a new basement door, consider the overall design goals of the basement. What is the interior design style of your basement?Are you creating a home bar with rustic or Western-inspired furnishings? Perhaps you need a modern basement entry door for an entertainment room for family movie night. On the other hand, maybe you need a new interior door for a home office or guest bathroom.
4. Security
Security is important for any exterior door with direct basement access. Burglars often check patio doors and basement doors for easy access instead of the front door. Therefore, it's important to have strong locks on your exterior basement door to make sure it’s secure.5. Weatherproofing
If your walkout basement needs a new exterior door, it's important to weatherproof it. Basements, especially those with outside doors, are vulnerable to flooding, so sealing these doors against water is key.Both wood and stainless steel make strong choices for exterior doors—just make sure they are built to endure the elements and are properly sealed for winter.