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What's the best front door material?

Aluminium is the standard inclusion in most project homes — it's durable, low maintenance and available in many colours. Timber is a premium upgrade that offers warmth and character but requires maintenance. Fibreglass/composite is a good mid-range option that mimics timber with lower maintenance. For most buyers, the standard aluminium door is adequate; timber is worth it for Hamptons or heritage styles.

Should my front door match or contrast the facade?

Both approaches work. A matching door (same colour family) creates a subtle, cohesive look. A contrasting door (e.g. dark door on a light facade) adds personality. A bold feature door (e.g. red, navy, yellow) makes a strong statement. If you're unsure, choose a subtle contrast — it adds personality without being overwhelming. Door colour is also easy to change later.

Should I have glass panels in my front door?

Glass panels provide natural light to the entryway, which is valuable if the entry is dark. However, glass reduces privacy and security. If you want glass, consider frosted or textured glass for privacy, and combine with a security screen door for security. Alternatively, side glass panels (beside the door) provide light without compromising the door's solidity.

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Doors, Windows & Hardware

Front Door Selection Guide: Material, Colour, Security & Curb Appeal

Material, colour, security and curb appeal — choose a front door that makes a great first impression.

5 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

The front door is the focal point of your home's facade — it sets the tone for the entire exterior
Common materials include aluminium (standard), timber (premium) and fibreglass/composite
Door colour can coordinate with or contrast the facade — a feature door colour adds personality
Glass panels in the front door provide natural light to the entry but reduce privacy
Security is important — a solid door with a quality deadlock and security screen is recommended

The front door is the focal point of your home's facade and the first thing visitors see. It sets the tone for the entire exterior and affects curb appeal, security and natural light in the entryway. Choosing the right front door — material, colour, style and security — is a decision worth getting right.

Front Door Materials

Aluminium — standard inclusion in most project homes; durable; low maintenance; available in various colours (powder-coated); can include glass panels
Timber — premium; warm and natural; requires maintenance (repainting/sealing); can warp in extreme conditions; suits Hamptons and heritage styles
Fibreglass / composite — durable; low maintenance; can mimic timber look; good insulation; increasingly popular
Steel — very secure; durable; can dent; good for modern/security-focused homes

Front Door Styles

Flush (flat) — smooth, modern; suits contemporary facades; the standard inclusion
Panelled — raised panels; traditional; suits Hamptons and heritage styles
Glazed — glass panels (full or partial); provides natural light to the entry; reduces privacy; can be combined with security mesh
Pivot — opens on a central pivot rather than side hinges; premium, architectural; expensive
Double doors — two doors that open together; grand; suits wider entries; more expensive

Front Door Colour

The front door colour can coordinate with the facade (subtle) or contrast (feature). A feature front door colour is one of the most cost-effective ways to add personality to your exterior:

Matching facade — door in the same colour family as the facade; subtle, cohesive
Contrast — door in a contrasting colour (e.g. navy on a white facade, black on a grey facade); adds personality
Bold feature — door in a bold colour (e.g. red, yellow, blue); makes a statement; can be changed relatively easily
Natural timber — timber-look door; warm and inviting; suits Hamptons and coastal styles

Tip

A feature front door colour is one of the most affordable exterior upgrades — often just $100–$500 for a non-standard colour. It's also one of the easiest things to change later (repaint the door). If you're unsure about a bold colour, choose a subtle contrast (e.g. dark grey door on a light facade) that adds personality without being overwhelming.

Security Considerations

Solid door — choose a solid door (not hollow) for security; timber, steel and fibreglass are solid; aluminium doors should be reinforced
Quality deadlock — install a quality deadlock (not just a lever lock); consider a 5-lever or 6-pin deadlock
Security screen — a security screen door allows ventilation while maintaining security; recommended for the front door
Door frame — a strong door is only as secure as its frame; ensure the frame is solid and properly installed
Peephole or side windows — consider a peephole or side glass panels to see who's at the door before opening

Example Front Door Upgrade Costs

Upgrade	Example Cost
Feature door colour (vs standard)	$100–$500
Panelled or glazed door (vs flush)	$300–$1,000
Timber front door (vs aluminium)	$800–$2,500+
Pivot door	$2,000–$5,000+
Security screen door	$600–$1,200
Premium deadlock	$150–$400

Real-world examples only. Costs vary by builder, material, style and specification.

Questions to Ask Your Builder

What front door material and style does the builder include as standard?
Can I choose a feature door colour, and what's the cost for a non-standard colour?
Does the standard front door include a quality deadlock, or is that an upgrade?
Can I add side glass panels or a glazed door for natural light in the entry?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a hollow aluminium front door — reduces security and feels less premium
Forgetting a security screen on the front door — can't leave it open for ventilation safely
A bold door colour that clashes with the facade — test colour samples before committing
No peephole or side glass — can't see who's at the door before opening

Builder Tips

A feature front door colour ($100–$500) is one of the most affordable exterior upgrades
Choose a solid door (timber, steel or fibreglass) for security — aluminium should be reinforced
Pair a glazed front door with frosted glass or a security screen to balance light, privacy and security
Coordinate the front door colour with your facade — subtle contrast adds personality without clashing

Security Doors & Screens Guide

Add a security screen to your front door.

Read the Guide