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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Adding a storm door to your home’s exterior is a great way to add extra protection as well as enhance the look and function of your entryway. Whether you want to create a bright and airy space that lets in light and a breeze, or prefer something that provides an extra barrier to bugs or other intruders, a storm door is a perfect solution.
“When replacing a storm door, quality and design matter,” say the experts at Home Depot Home Services. “Look for one that has a solid inner core, a low-maintenance finish, and a seamless outer shell.”
We researched the best storm doors for your home, keeping in mind size, material, and features.
Best Overall
Andersen 3000 Series Full Aluminum Storm Door
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Home Depot
Extra thick weatherstripping
Interchangeable screen and glass
Four sizes
Six color options
Handle sold separately
Our top pick, the Andersen 3000 Series Full Storm Door, offers all the protection your home may need during the most tumultuous weather. The door frame is 1.5 inches thick, and the joints at each corner have been reinforced with aluminum. The durable weatherstripping acts as a barrier to eliminate drafts and prevent heat loss during the cold months. Due to the thermally tempered glass in the window, this door can withstand high winds and won’t shatter into sharp shards if it breaks.
The door is pre-assembled and can be installed in as little as 45 minutes with only a few simple tools. As far as customization goes, the door is available in six different colors and four different sizes, and the glass can be swapped out with an insect screen whenever you feel like letting some fresh air into your home.
The storm door is available in left or right-handed models. You'll need to purchase a handle separately, which adds to the already-high cost of the door. However, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $254
Size: 36 x 80 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Full view
Best Budget
Larson Bismarck White Mid-View Storm Door
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Lowe's
Push-button handle
Includes hardware
Easy to maintain
Not a lot of ventilation
The LARSON Bismarck door proves that you don’t have to pay a fortune to get a quality storm door. Available in standard door sizes, it has an expander that conforms to uneven sills and tight fits. This door is made of solid wood under a maintenance free surface, which gives it adequate weight and makes it easy to keep clean. Simply wiping it down will make it look new again. Since the bottom of a storm door is typically the first to show signs of wear, we also appreciate that it has a durable weatherstrip to withstand the elements.
This storm door has a partial window on the top with a half screen for adjustable ventilation. The sturdy push-button handle and the night lock are also nice touches. While it may not have a ton of special design or security features, this door is a solid and budget-conscious addition to your home.
Price at time of publish: $185
Size: 34 x 81 inches | Material: Wood | Door Type: Mid-view
Best Splurge
Andersen 4000 Series Full View Aluminum Storm Door
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Home Depot
Multiple finish options
Can upgrade glass for best insulation
Quick to change between glass and screen
Expensive
Andersen has created a storm door that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical in rough weather conditions. The storm dorm comes in a variety of options that can be completely customized to fit your needs. There are seven distinct colors available to complement a wide variety of decor styles. While it comes with regular glass, you can upgrade to double-paned glass with argon or low-E glass for better insulation. There are also ten handle options in multiple finishes and styles to choose from, and you can either have a full-view glass or a removable screen for use on sunny days.
This storm door is more expensive than the average, and there are cheaper alternatives even within the Andersen product line. But if matching your existing finishes is important, and you want the ease of changing between screens and glass, this is well worth the higher cost. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, which will pay for itself if you ever have to replace the storm door.
Price at time of publish: $519
Size: 32 x 80 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Full-view
Best with Blinds
Pella Venetian Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
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Lowe's
Built-in blinds
Two layers of glass
Durable aluminum construction
Handle sold separately
The Pella Venetian door provides the benefits of a full-view storm door and the discretion of built-in blinds for added privacy. The blinds are sandwiched between two layers of glass, which helps prevent dirt and dust buildup. They also shield from the sun's rays and heat buildup, while the insulated glass muffles outside noise. The cordless design makes it easy to raise, lower, and tilt the blinds and keeps kids and pets from getting hurt.
As for the actual door, it's got a durable aluminum frame with weather-stripped seals and overlapping edges for optimal energy efficiency. Like other Pella doors, you will need to purchase the handle separately. Look for one that is either grade A or commercial grade, as those will be the most durable.
Price at time of publish: $446
Size: 36 x 81 inches | Material: Aluminum, glass | Door Type: Full-view
Best Security
Unique Home Designs Universal Steel Security Door
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Home Depot
Extra-thick welded steel
Fine mesh keeps out bugs
Easy to care for
No glass front
If security is a main concern for you, a steel door like this one from Unique Home Designs is your best bet. Elegant scrollwork decorates the 3/4-inch-thick welded-steel frame, which houses a galvanized screen that keeps creepy crawlers out and you safe. It comes in three powder-coated neutral colors to prevent rust and other wear. Cleaning the door is as simple as hosing it down.
There isn’t a glass front on this door, so you’ll only be able to see through the expanded metal screen. The lockset opening on the door is 2 3/8 inches, and depending on the door trim, it can be installed with either a left- or right-hand hinge. However, you’ll need to purchase the lock and handle separately.
Price at time of publish: $288
Size: 36 x 80 inches | Material: Steel | Door Type: Security
Best Full-View
Pella Rolscreen Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
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Lowe's
Full-view window with retractable screen
Provides extra insulation
Reduces fading
Lifetime warranty
Expensive
Handle sold separately
This high-quality storm door from Pella has it all. It offers a full view but also has a retractable screen that you can pull down when you want some ventilation. The window is made of low-E glass, providing better insulation throughout the year and preventing the sun from fading the furniture in your entryway. It comes in four different finishes, all made of easy-to-maintain aluminum.
The heavy-duty frame is 1 3/8 inches thick, making it more durable than other options. Its convenient One-Touch® feature means you won't have to keep opening the door whenever you bring in groceries. Simply tap the touch button to hold the door in the desired position, and push the door slightly to let go.
This model does not include a handle, but Pella offers them in five different finishes that can be purchased separately.
Price at time of publish: $364
Size: 36 x 81 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Full-view
Best Insulated
Andersen 2000 Series Self-Storing Aluminum Storm Door
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Home Depot
Weatherstripping on all four sides
Interchangeable glass and screen
Reinforced corners
Handle only comes in one finish
The Andersen 2000 Series door is a good option if you want extra protection from the wind and chill without spending a ton. It has weatherstripping on all four sides, which helps reduce drafts common with storm doors. The glass is tempered, which makes it safer in case of breakage. There are three color options that all come with the same nickel hardware.
This is a full-view storm door. Letting the sunlight through will help warm your space, while the weatherstripping keeps the wind away. The glass is meant to be used in all weather, while the interchangeable screen can be used in the warmer months to let in a breeze. It also has a 1.25-inch thick frame that will keep it in place, even in high winds, with aluminum-reinforced corners. This storm door comes with a nickel handle set, which is not included with most doors on our list. The tarnish guard protective coating on the handle is also a nice bonus, as it will ensure that it will keep its beauty for years to come. Like its other storm doors, Andersen backs this model with a limited lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $369
Size: 36 x 80 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Full-view
Easiest Installation
EMCO 100 Series Self-Storing Storm Door
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Home Depot
Handle installation template
Can be hung left or right
Budget-friendly
10-year warranty
Only one color
In addition to being budget-friendly, the Emco 100 Series storm door can be installed in just a few steps. It is a universal door that can be installed to open to either the left or the right. It comes with a template and a black push-button handle, so you can be sure to drill the holes for the handles in the correct place. If you lose a piece during installation, the Oops-Proof guarantee from Emco will provide you with a replacement for free.
The door also comes with a 10-year warranty, making it a great option for long-term use. While long-lasting, it lacks other design features found on other storm doors, such as interchangeable screens and color variety.
Price at time of publish: $144
Size: 36 x 80 inches | Material: Steel | Door Type: Partial light
Best with Dog Door
Larson XL High-View Fixed Screen Wood Core Storm Door
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Lowe's
Extra large dog door
Resists denting and scratching
Glass and screen panels
Can’t change dog door orientation
If you want your pup to have unrestricted access to the outdoors, a storm door equipped with a dog door is your best bet. There aren't many options available, but this one from LARSON has the best features of a storm door and still meets the needs of pet parents. The door's wood core and neutral finish make it low-maintenance and resistant to dents and scratches. It has a glass panel and can also be used with a screen to let in some air.
Located at the base of the door, the pet flap is 14 x 23 inches. Whether you have a small or large breed, the door fits pets up to 200 pounds. The pet flap is permanently installed in the door, making it impossible to swap or remove it once your pet outgrows its need. It does have a security feature that keeps the flap closed when not in use. If your regular door also has a built-in pet flap, ensure they align properly to ensure your pet's safe passage to the outdoors.
Price at time of publish: $433
Size: 36 x 81 inches | Material: Wood | Door Type: Half view
Our top pick is the Andersen 3000 Series Aluminum Storm Door because the door is offered in multiple sizes and colors, is made with thermally tempered glass, and has a lifetime warranty. For a more affordable option, look at the Larson Bismarck Mid-view Fixed Screen Wood Core Storm Door. It comes with all of the hardware included and has a half-view glass panel.
What to Look for in a Storm Door
Size
Most doors come in standard sizes, typically between 30 and 36 inches wide and 80 to 84 inches long. To ensure proper hanging, you'll need to know the exact dimensions of your door frame before making a purchase. To measure, use a tape measure to calculate the height and width of the finished door opening. If the door is the wrong size, the weatherstripping won't be able to provide a proper seal against the elements.
“Make sure you measure correctly for your new storm door,” says Home Depot Home Services. “Accurate measurements are critical to ensure your new door fits.” Manufacturers like Andersen offer a variety of sizes for their storm doors, such as the Andersen 3000 Series Right-Hand/Outswing Fullview Easy Install Aluminum Storm Door and the Andersen 4000 Series Full View Aluminum Storm Door.
Material
Since a storm door's purpose is to protect from inclement weather, you’ll want one that is made from metals such as aluminum or steel. The powder coating makes these doors long-lasting and easy to keep clean. Some, such as our budget-friendly pick, the Larson Bismarck Mid-view Fixed Screen Wood Core Storm Door, have a wood core. This makes them a bit lighter, easier to install, and more affordable in many cases. However, they don’t hold up as well over time as their metal counterparts.
Protection
You can look for a storm door that protects against elements like wind and rain. This is often done with glass, either double- or single-paned, as well as a thick frame. Security doors, like the Unique Home Designs Universal Steel Security Door, have no glass panels and rely on metal screens to create a barrier that is hard for potential intruders to get through. They can also be set up for high-security locks.
Installation
When installing a storm door, the first step is to make sure you’re aligning the hinges so that the door is level. Attach the hinge plate to the storm door with fasteners, and then place the storm door in the door opening. Attach the hinge plate side of the storm door to the front of the door casing. Use a level to confirm that the door is vertical. Drip caps over storm doors are an important step for the long-term maintenance of both the door and your home. You will need to install this piece above the door and caulk the seams to make sure that moisture will not get behind the door. All door closers, handles, and strike plates should be fastened, and any glass or screens taken out should be reinstalled.
Storm doors that are the easiest to install come with templates or other guides for these steps. Lighter storm doors may also be easier to hang, although you will still likely need a second person to hold the door in place while you attach the hardware. Our top pick, the Andersen 3000 Series Full Aluminum Storm Door, is particularly easy to install, taking as little as 45 minutes.
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What are storm doors good for?
Storm doors protect your primary door from damage by serving as an additional layer of defense against the elements like wind, rain, and snow. During the cold months, they offer extra insulation against air leaks, which keeps the heat inside your home, and the cold air out. Mesh screens on storm dorms add an extra layer of protection against bugs and let in more air when it's hot outside. They can also be used to increase your home's security, although these styles are often difficult to see through.
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What are the different types of storm doors?
Storm doors are often categorized by how large the glass or screen panel is on the front. Full-view storm doors are easily recognizable by the glass panel that runs the entire door length. A screen panel is an optional addition to some full-view storm doors, and it can be removed or pulled down for better ventilation when the weather is nice. The panels on a three-quarter door cover roughly three-quarters of the door's face, while those on a mid-view door cover roughly half.
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What is the best material for a storm door?
Aluminum is the most common material for storm doors due to its durability and rust resistance. It is often powder-coated or has another surface finish to protect the metal from corroding over time. This allows for a wider variety of colors to be offered, as well as making it easier to clean. Storm doors made with a wood core are another great option because they are lightweight and simple to keep clean.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer who specializes in home and family products. Melynn has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To find the best storm doors, she looked for options that would last for years and would need little maintenance, protect against the elements, and be easy to install. As an outdoor enthusiast, Melynn paid close attention to doors that had optional or additional screens to let fresh air into the home. She also got insight from Home Depot Home Services about the installation of storm doors.