Start with the opening
What kind of door are you choosing?
Each door type serves a different purpose. Defining the opening first keeps product features from distracting from the decision that matters most.
01
Entry doors
- Common fit
- Main entrances where appearance, security, weather exposure and daily operation matter together
- Choices to define
- Single or double door, sidelites, transoms, glass and hardware
02
Patio doors
- Common fit
- Openings that connect indoor and outdoor living while managing traffic, glass area and available space
- Choices to define
- Sliding, hinged, French style and specialty configurations
03
Storm doors
- Common fit
- An additional exterior layer selected for ventilation, protection, light or seasonal use
- Choices to define
- Full view, ventilating, retractable screen and available specialty choices
04
Specialty doors
- Common fit
- Openings with distinctive size, architecture, accessibility or performance requirements
- Choices to define
- Configuration depends on the property and locally available products
Entry door materials
Fiberglass, steel or wood?
No material is automatically best. Compare appearance, exposure, maintenance, construction and investment in the context of the particular opening.
Decision factor
Fiberglass
Steel
Wood
Primary appeal
Broad design flexibility and low routine maintenance
Strong value and practical performance
Natural character and premium design potential
Appearance
Smooth or wood grain styles with many finish options
Clean painted appearance with available panel and glass designs
Authentic grain, species and custom finishing choices
Ownership discussion
Finish care, seals, hardware and exposure
Finish protection, dents, corrosion risk and exposure
Regular finish care, moisture protection and exposure
Pricing varies by location and project. Size, glass, sidelites, transoms, finish, hardware, frame work and concealed conditions can materially change project cost.
Patio door operation
Sliding or hinged?
The best configuration depends on traffic patterns, usable floor space, desired glass area, ventilation, accessibility and the existing opening.
Sliding patio doors
- Common advantage
- Large glass area without requiring interior or exterior swing space
- Evaluate
- Track, sill, panel operation, screen, locking and water management
Hinged patio doors
- Common advantage
- Traditional operation and a broad range of architectural expressions
- Evaluate
- Swing clearance, active panels, threshold, hardware and exposure
Specialty configurations
- Common advantage
- Solutions for larger openings, distinctive designs or specific use requirements
- Evaluate
- Structure, access, installation complexity, operation and local availability
The complete door
Five selections belong in the proposal.
A responsible proposal connects the design choices to the frame, opening and installation work required to support them.
Selection
What it affects
What to confirm
Configuration
Operation, traffic, space and appearance
Size, handing, swing, active panels and accessibility
Glass
Light, privacy, view, comfort and design
Pattern, safety requirements, coatings and performance
Hardware
Operation, security and style
Finish, lockset, handle, hinges and compatibility
Finish
Appearance and maintenance
Interior, exterior, factory finish and care requirements
Installation
Water control, sealing and finished result
Frame, sill, flashing, trim, allowances and exclusions
The CR3 role
We will narrow the choices and explain the recommendation.
CR3 will connect how you want the opening to look and function with the observed conditions, suitable products, installation method, defined scope and price.
What happens next
Your selections become one installation plan.
See how CR3 carries the approved door, glass, hardware and finish choices through measuring, ordering, installation, cleanup and continued support.
MEASURE
→
ORDER
→
INSTALL
→
REVIEW