Windows and doors prices: 3 brands for every budget

Your front door can play a large part in the curb appeal your home presents to visitors, guests and potential buyers. Entry doors can be elaborate and include sidelites, beveled glass and transoms; or they can have simple, single panels that are easy on the budget, and pleasing to the eyes. Whether you want a grand entrance that everyone notices, or an understated-but-elegant six-panel front door, consider these three well-known brands when budgeting your windows and doors prices.

3 door brands that offer one-stop shopping

If the time has come to replace your front door, like many homeowners today, you may be thinking about budget. Fortunately, there are several manufacturers offering high-quality front doors with numerous standard features at value prices. For those with designer tastes, these three trusted brands can accommodate you, as well.

1. Therma-Tru: Offering more than 16 door styles from which to choose, the Traditions line of steel, front doors can be very budget friendly. Therma-Tru's Traditions line offers the standard 6-foot, 8-inch door, as well as an 8-foot entry door. Many styles feature glass lites. There is also the option of adding sidelites and transoms, but if you're looking for a front door that makes a statement, consider the company's Classic-Craft line of fiberglass front doors.


2. Stanley: The Stanley name has been associated with high-quality, home improvement products for decades. Their value-priced, steel replacement doors are no exception. The doors are available in 13 solid configurations; numerous styles feature glass inserts. Add wrought iron or geometric-stained glass to your steel door to create a unique, designer entryway.


3. Masonite: Many people think Masonite only makes interior doors, but they also offer a complete line of steel and fiberglass replacement doors. Their steel doors are competitively priced and available in more than 60 styles. They offer standard 6-foot 8-inch, 7-foot and 8-foot tall entry doors.

One of the best ways to keep your front door replacement costs under control is to choose a new model that fits the existing opening. The standard sizes offered by these three door manufacturers should make that an easy task. Budget-friendly front doors can vary in price depending on size, features and where you're located. In general, a 36-inch wide, steel door without side lites often starts around $120.