ᐅ Front Door – Which Supplier Would You Recommend?

Created on: 13 Nov 2018 14:17
K
KPVGN
K
KPVGN
13 Nov 2018 14:17
Hello forum,
I have now read extensively, watched videos, and gathered quotes. Initially, I considered a door from OBI, but the standard size (110cm x 220cm (43 inches x 87 inches)) does not fit. In the end, I have narrowed it down to three suppliers:

1. Köster aluminum front door (only with the "Security Package 2," which adds over 300 euros extra): about 3200
2. Groke aluminum front door (standard RC2): about 2800
3. Hörmann "Thermosafe," currently a promotional front door, all features included, unlike the other two it has an overlapping sash (which I find more attractive, but wouldn’t otherwise pay the 500-euro premium). RC3. Price about 2950
All doors: no sidelights.

I believe I read here in the forum (and elsewhere) that Groke and Köster are good choices. Both doors have a depth of over 9cm (3.5 inches) and seem very solid. I am unsure about the Hörmann (depth 8cm (3 inches)). The Thermosafe is considered upper class, while the Thermocarbon is too expensive for me. Hörmann probably has the best insulation value and the highest security rating. But, as a sales manager told me yesterday: it’s a DIY store door you won’t find in specialist stores – and he dismissed it as cheap quality.

Inotherm, Bayerwald, and similar brands are out of consideration—simply too expensive.
The saying "Your front door is your business card" is useless for me because the whole external appearance doesn’t matter if the person behind the door is forgettable. After a short time (about two minutes), even the most beautiful front door can’t save you if the person makes you want to run away.
I like all the suggested doors. I’m looking for a tasteful door, but I don’t spend 15 minutes daily on a nice day in front of the door with a coffee in my hand admiring the artwork. So aesthetics are not a discussion point for me.
Wood is not an option.

Who here in the forum can share experience to help me with my decision? I would appreciate any tips.
B
Bookstar
13 Nov 2018 15:48
What do you want to hear now? It's just a front door. Ours cost 5000 and is made of wood with a coating. It was made by a carpenter.

I can only advise against Hörmann, they are really poor quality. They rust, have very bad sound insulation, and the workmanship and appearance are cheap.
Dr Hix13 Nov 2018 17:20
We are getting a Kompotherm front door. It’s made by a local manufacturer that offers products nationwide across Germany. We liked the doors when we saw and handled them; their pricing is transparent and they are quite customizable.

I can’t say whether you can find something there for under €3,000 (about $3,200). Maybe with a promotional model without glass or other extras.

For comparison: We are getting a single-leaf door measuring 110 x 220 cm (43 x 87 inches) with a glass insert and a “classic” look (no overlapping frame), 96 mm (3.8 inches) construction depth with an extra seal, RAL custom color in a “super matte” finish, Fuhr motor lock, E-Key fingerprint reader, and a special external handle. We were not concerned about security, as there are less resistant and more visible entry points for burglars. Including installation, it will probably cost around €6,000 (about $6,400).

Personally, I see the front door as a kind of “business card” quite pragmatically and probably wouldn’t have spent that much on it. But just as €2,000 (about $2,150) spent on questionable features might not deliver its value in the end, sometimes paying €2,500 (about $2,700) for an unattractive door is €2,000 too much. That’s something to keep in mind.
K
KPVGN
13 Nov 2018 17:43
@Bookstar I wanted to hear exactly what you wrote: experiences. Thanks for that.

@Dr. Hix:
I am not looking for "any" other manufacturer. I also don’t want to spend 6000, not even 4000.
I am only interested in a recommendation or non-recommendation among these three providers.
All the doors are attractive and have everything I’m looking for: automatic locking, security lock, good insulation. RC2.
Dr Hix13 Nov 2018 18:01
Sorry for taking the time to respond to you. Good luck!
K
KPVGN
13 Nov 2018 18:27
Dr Hix schrieb:
Sorry for taking the time to respond to you. Good luck!

Hey, don’t take it personally. I simply don’t have the budget for a door in that range. I looked at all options around 3000 euros (about $3200) and chose one of the three. I’m only looking for a recommendation “in addition.” Please don’t be upset...