Front doors for the Southwest should be weather-resistant, in order to endure the region's beautiful and abundant sunlight. However, homeowners still have several popular architectural styles and material options to choose from. Read on to learn more about the right types of front doors for southwest living.
Popular Southwestern Styles
Southwestern architecture can be traced back to the period of early Spanish influence. The more decorative Spanish Colonial style, on one hand, is known for emphasizing thick and traditional hardwood front doors, usually with a small central window to allow for a view and a little daylight while most of the sun's heat is still kept at bay.
For those seeking a simpler style, single-story ranch homes are typically clean and uncomplicated. Ranch style homes usually include plain front doors with minimal ornamentation.
Front doors for southwest homes do well under a covered entryway. | © CC BY 2.0 flickr.com / Ethan
Best Materials for Southwestern Front Doors
The right choice in materials can help to boost insulation and limit heat transfer when temperatures rise. In the dry heat of the American Southwest, which lasts for much of the year, both moisture-sensitive hardwoods as well as insulated fiberglass or vinyl front doors can help keep your home cool.
The region's consistently dry climate allows for better performance from some materials, such as wood. Considering the Southwest's high temperatures, however, homeowners should still try to protect their front doors from harmful rays by applying lighter or UV-resistant paints and stains.
Homeowners may also want to consider a covered front entryway with an awning or another kind of overhang. This extra coverage will shade your front door from the harsh, bright sunlight and protect any paint or other finishes and the material from fading.
Energy Efficient Southwestern Front Doors
While wood front doors in the Southwest tend to last longer than in wetter, more humid areas of the country, a fully insulated fiberglass or double-paned low-e sliding glass entry door can help to cut energy usage in hot temperatures. The extra insulation to the home that this material provides can minimize heat transfer and keep the temperature inside your home consistent year-round. This will keep your home cooler, cutting back on air conditioning costs. This insulation will give you more peace and quiet as well.
Southwestern Front Doors: Something for Everyone
The American Southwest has a rich architectural history to inspire homeowners. Whether it be decorative and delicately carved hardwood Spanish Colonial entryways, or simple ranch style homes with basic front doors, there are a range of materials and finishes available to Southwestern homeowners.
