Entrance Doors: a complete guide to systems, materials, security and installation

1. Intended use and residential context

Choosing the right entrance door starts with considering where it will be installed. Not all entrances are the same — a residential entry door for a single-family home may have different requirements than one for an apartment building or a commercial property.

In apartments or multifamily buildings, for example, the apartment door often opens into an internal stairwell or hallway rather than directly outside. In these cases the priorities are privacy, acoustic insulation and security, as the door is less exposed. However, be mindful of any restrictions set by building regulations or condo rules!

2. Entry door styles and dimensions

A main entrance door isn’t just decorative — it plays a central architectural role, affecting your home’s security, insulation and aesthetic style.

The most common type is the hinged front door, which offers flexible opening directions (push or pull) and can come as a single or double door. Many models also feature glass inserts, adding natural light and design interest. Doors with custom sizing are often essential: from compact entry doors for small spaces to large-scale villa entrance doors.

3. Front door opening mechanism

One aspect that is often overlooked when choosing an entry door is the opening mechanism — specifically, the direction and side on which the door opens. This detail can make a big difference in terms of comfort, functionality and even security, especially in smaller spaces or areas subject to building code regulations.

• Inward-opening entrance doors are the most common solution for private homes. They offer better protection against weather and make it easier to install accessories, but require some interior space to allow the door to swing freely.
• Outward-opening exterior doors are often required in public buildings or shared spaces for safety and fire evacuation purposes. They provide increased resistance against break-ins (since the door can’t be forced inward), but may be more exposed to weather if not properly designed.

The hinge side — whether the main door opens to the left or right — also matters. It should be chosen based on your home’s layout, furniture placement, and how it will be used day to day. A poorly oriented entrance door can obstruct movement and reduce space.

4. Certified security level for entry doors

Security is one of the most important factors when selecting external front doors, especially if your home is facing directly to the outside.

To strengthen protection, it’s crucial to choose a door with high-quality hardware and shatter-resistant or laminated safety glass. For added defense, consider integrating features like automatic locking systems, anti-drill protection plates and multi-point lockers.

5. Materials and finishes of the front entrance door

The material used to build your front entrance door greatly affects its thermal and acoustic insulation, durability, maintenance needs and overall appearance. 

• uPVC entrance doors are a modern, efficient solution: uPVC is lightweight, weather-resistant, durable and offers excellent insulation. It’s also low-maintenance and easy to clean, making it ideal for everyday use in residential settings.
• For those looking for greater strength and a more refined finish, uPVC entrance doors with aluminium cladding offer the best of both worlds: the energy efficiency of uPVC combined with the resistance and sleek look of aluminium. These reinforced entry doors are especially suitable for homes in harsh climates or high-traffic areas.

Both models are available in a wide range of finishes and colors to suit any style:

• Wood-effect front doors: perfect for classic, rustic, country or shabby chic environments. They recreate the natural texture of oak, walnut or chestnut.
• Painted finishes (matte or glossy): ideal for those who prefer modern front doors with a minimalist or contemporary feel, available in a wide RAL color range.
• Metallic tones, sandblasted textures, marble or concrete effects: perfect for designer entry doors and homes with more architectural flair. 
• Two-tone (bicolor) doors: these allow you to match the interior entrance door with your décor while coordinating the external side with the building façade — a smart solution for residential entry doors that need to blend both functionality and design.

6. Front doors with glass inserts: pros and cons

GGlass-paneled front doors have become an increasingly popular choice. When well designed, they allow natural light to brighten up the entryway while adding a touch of style. That said, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before including glass inserts.

There are several types of glass available for entry doors:

• Insulated glass units (double or triple glazing), that ensure excellent insulation;
• Laminated or impact-resistant glass, which are ideal for high-security entry doors;
• Decorative glass, available in various finishes (frosted, sandblasted, etched, colored);
• Special glass, such as solar-control or reflective coatings to improve indoor comfort.

The main advantage of a glass entry door is its ability to bring light into dark areas, such as interior hallways or stairwells. From a design standpoint glass also adds an elegant, modern, or a more classic, ornamental touch, depending on the style and finish chosen.

However, there are considerations to keep in mind. Privacy can be a concern, especially with large or clear panels that expose the interior; and from a security perspective, houses located in isolated areas or facing the street may benefit from reinforced glass or additional shading systems, to prevent privacy and increase resistance to intrusion.

7. Hardware and accessories for entry doors

A residential entry door should never be evaluated solely based on its material or appearance. The true quality of a main entrance door lies in the attention to detail — from handles and locks to hinges and accessories, every component plays a vital role in ensuring functionality, security and durability, all without compromising comfort or design.

Other valuable additions include automatic door closers, often required in shared residential buildings for enhanced safety and convenience, and aluminium thermal breaks. These features significantly improve insulation performance and help reduce energy loss — a smart choice for exterior front doors in modern homes.

8. Installation and professional fitting: DQG team

Even the best entry door will fail to deliver its promised performance if poorly installed. Air tightness, thermal and acoustic insulation, security and overall usability don’t depend solely on the door itself — they rely just as much on how well it’s installed.

In Italy entry door installation must comply with specific standards, such as:

• D.M. 236/89, which defines accessibility and minimum entrance dimensions;
• UNI EN 14351-1 (CE marking requirements) and UNI 11673, which outlines best practices for door and window installation systems.

Proper fitting is also essential to prevent problems like condensation or mold, as well as energy dispersions. A front entrance door is a complex frame that requires precise handling — from leveling and fixing to sealing and finishing. 

Only a certified professional installer can ensure a perfect fit between the frame and the wall, no drafts or thermal bridges, smooth operation of hinges, and locks and long-lasting durability, even in demanding climates.

Choosing a DQG entrance door means trusting a company that has been designing and manufacturing high-quality Made in Italy uPVC and uPVC/aluminium frames since 1967.

Alongside custom products, DQG offers professional installation services through a network of selected partners. Each main entrance door is tailor-designed, built and installed to deliver the highest standards of security, insulation and long-term performance.

Contact DQG for expert advice and find the best entrance door for your project!