ᐅ Front Door – Which Supplier Would You Recommend?

Created on: 13 Nov 2018 14:17
K
KPVGN
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.
H
House Grey
20 Aug 2024 17:22
I wanted to revisit the topic of front doors and share my experiences regarding the research process 🙂

After renovating the front of our house and adding insulation, it was finally time for a new door.
The old look just didn’t fit anymore—everything else was fresh and new, including new granite steps, but then there was the old door.

Our old wooden historic door has now finally been retired, and the new one will be delivered tomorrow.
The neighbors are expecting quite a show.

Originally, we planned to get a Welthaus door with a transom window. I had contacted their customer service several times by email; they were always patient and quick to respond.
I can definitely recommend them.
It is important to have the door measured beforehand by a window specialist or a carpenter, then you can send those measurements to Welthaus by email.
They have over 1,000 positive reviews on eBay.
The doors are manufactured in Austria.
They are also available in aluminum.
The price is very reasonable.

In our case, we decided on something different, so I’m curious to see how it turns out.
One of the largest manufacturers offered display models, and two models fit our needs best—both with fingerprint scanners and one even with a camera and doorbell.

A window specialist will install the door the day after tomorrow, and I will report back.
Buying a door is not that simple, but I did about 99% of the research online.
I haven’t been to any home improvement stores.
You really need good craftsmen for installation.

Originally, I was going to choose a standard anthracite gray door, but in the end, it turned out to be a classy, modern two-tone model—a really elegant piece.
It’s a display model with every possible feature.

I am really looking forward to it and will keep you updated.
K
knallerbude
14 Sep 2024 19:43
May I ask how things are going with the Welthaus door? I have never heard of the manufacturer. Personally, the website would discourage me. Three (!) banners from different sources appear when visiting the site.

Did everything work out? Are you satisfied?

How do pure aluminum doors generally perform with temperature fluctuations? I have heard that some doors have issues.

For us, the main requirements are RC2 security, good thermal insulation, and a very simple design. We actually don’t want any windows in the door.

Does anyone have experience with Schüco front doors? I have found their windows quite good so far.
N
nordanney
16 Sep 2024 16:41
knallerbude schrieb:

May I ask what you know about the Welthaus door? I've never heard of that manufacturer before.
They're a small manufacturer from the structural glazing (window construction) sector in Austria. Welthaus sounds good, but it's actually just the owners' last name. Their financials are solid, they've been on the market for many years, and they are also socially committed.