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For many homeowners, replacing an exterior door is a new experience. And while it’s usually a fairly straightforward project, a few common misconceptions can make the process feel more frustrating than it needs to be.

Over the years, we’ve seen the same misunderstandings come up again and again. Clearing these up early can make a big difference—not just in how smoothly the project goes, but in how happy homeowners are with the final result.

In this post, we’ll walk through four common misconceptions about exterior door replacement and share a few practical things to watch for and ask along the way. With that in mind, let’s get started.

Misconception #1 Any Standard Size Will Work

A common assumption homeowners make is that the main benefit of replacing an exterior door comes from the door itself, and that as long as you choose a standard size, everything will fall into place.

It’s an understandable way of thinking. For many people, “custom” sounds like a luxury upgrade—a nice-to-have rather than a necessity—especially when budgets aren’t unlimited. 

But when it comes to exterior doors, custom sizing isn’t about luxury features. It’s about fit.

The reality is that door openings vary more than most homeowners expect. This is especially true in older homes, where settling, renovations, and decades of small changes can shift dimensions over time. While there are standard door sizes, there aren’t truly “standard” openings.

Even being off by a small amount can affect how a door fits and seals. That’s why one of the most important early steps is checking your actual opening and comparing it against standard door dimensions.

If everything lines up, a standard option may work just fine. But if it doesn’t, choosing a custom-sized door from the start can save a lot of frustration later.

Misconception #2 Replacing a Door Is Mostly About Looks

Aesthetics certainly matter when it comes to your home—especially your front door. It’s a focal point for visitors, passersby, and for you every time you come home. So of course, you want it to match your style and look great.

But replacing an exterior door isn’t only about appearances.

Your door plays several important roles in your home, which is why it’s worth looking beyond colour, glass, and hardware when you’re researching your options. Knowing what to ask about upfront can make a big difference in how satisfied you feel long after the installation is done.

• Insulation & R-Value — We don’t need to go deep into the technical details here, but it’s helpful to know that not all doors are built the same. A well-insulated door helps slow heat transfer, keeping warm air inside during winter and outside during summer. (If you’d like to dig into this more, we’ve written a full post on exterior doors and energy efficiency.)

• Materials & Manufacturing — It’s also worth asking how the door is manufactured and what materials are being used. Understanding the process and quality checks behind the door gives you a better sense of how it’s built to perform over time.

• Security — A secure door is a system—not just a lock handle. Things like reinforced strike plates, proper jamb sizing, longer fasteners, and how the door is anchored into the frame all play a role in how secure your home feels. (We talk more about security in another blog post. Check it out here.) 

By all means, choose a door that looks right! Just be sure to consider how it’s built and how it performs too. Those details have a big impact on comfort, confidence, and satisfaction long after install day.

Misconception #3 Door Replacement Is a Quick Swap

It’s easy to assume that replacing an exterior door is similar to swapping out something off the shelf—order it, install it, close it. 

And while the installation itself is often quicker than people expect, a custom exterior door does take more time upfront than a standard, off-the-shelf option. But that’s where much of the value comes from.

With a custom door, time is spent confirming precise measurements, building the door to fit your specific opening, and manufacturing it with precision. There’s also a quality-control step to make sure everything is ready before it ever arrives at your home. All of that happens before installation day.

Timelines can vary depending on the door and level of customization, but in many cases, custom exterior doors are ready in about four to six weeks after ordering.

The nice part is that once your door arrives, the installation itself is usually quite efficient. Many homeowners are surprised by how smoothly that part goes—often just a few hours, or within half a day.

Going into the project with realistic expectations about timing helps avoid frustration and makes planning much easier. A bit of patience upfront leads to a smoother install and a better result in the end.

Misconception #4 You Can Only Replace a Door in Warm Weather 

A common assumption homeowners make is that exterior doors should only be replaced in the warmer months—and that winter or colder weather automatically makes it a bad idea. The good news is, with the right team and process, exterior doors can be replaced any time of year. 

What matters more than the season is the efficiency of the installation. A professional crew knows how to remove and install a door quickly, minimizing how long the opening is exposed. Many homeowners are surprised by how short that window actually is, even in colder months.

This misconception can sometimes cause people to delay the conversation longer than they need to. They wait for “the right season,” then feel rushed when it finally arrives. Starting the process earlier—regardless of the time of year—gives you space to make thoughtful decisions about style, glass, hardware, and performance without feeling rushed. 

And when your door is ready, you don’t need to worry about the calendar. With an experienced team like Niagara Pre-Hung Doors, the installation itself is efficient and well-coordinated, whether it’s July or January.

Don’t let the season dictate your planning. If you’re thinking about replacing your door, it’s worth starting the conversation now—the timing will take care of itself.

Where to Start 

Before you replace your exterior door, keep these few things in mind:

• Door openings aren’t always standard, so proper measurements matter more than people expect.

• A great-looking door should also be built to perform—insulation, materials, and security all play a role.

• Custom doors take a bit more time than off-the-shelf options, but the extra time is well worth it. 

• With the right team, exterior doors can be replaced any time of year. 

Thinking About Replacing Your Exterior Door? 

Visit our showroom in Niagara to see your options in person and talk things through with our team. We’re happy to answer questions, walk you through the process, and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your home.