Naomi Tanaka A storm door is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your entryway. Sitting in front of your main exterior door, it adds a protective layer against wind, rain, and cold drafts while letting you enjoy fresh air and natural light on mild days. If you have been searching for the best storm doors to boost curb appeal, energy efficiency, and security, this guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy.
Rather than reviewing each product line by line, this guide focuses on how to choose the right storm door for your home, the features that actually matter, and which trusted picks are worth a closer look. Whether you want a full-view glass panel that shows off a beautiful front door or a rugged model built to take daily abuse from kids and pets, there is a storm door here for you.
Why Add a Storm Door to Your Home?
Storm doors do far more than block bad weather. When paired with a quality entry door, the best storm doors deliver real, measurable benefits that pay off over years of use:
- Energy savings. A storm door creates an insulating pocket of air between it and your main door, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. That can trim your heating and cooling bills.
- Extended door life. By shielding your entry door from rain, snow, and UV rays, a storm door helps the finish and hardware last longer.
- Ventilation and light. Full-view and ventilating models let you open the interior door and enjoy a breeze through a screen, or flood your foyer with daylight.
- Added security. A sturdy storm door with a solid frame and quality lock adds a second barrier that deters casual intruders.
- Curb appeal. The right color, glass style, and hardware finish can transform the look of your entryway.
If you are already thinking about hardening your entrance, a storm door pairs naturally with upgraded front door locks that resist forced entry and a reliable wireless doorbell for monitoring visitors. Together they make the front of your house both safer and more welcoming.
Top Storm Door Picks to Consider
The list below rounds up popular, well-built options that cover the most common needs, from premium full-view glass to pet-friendly and budget-conscious choices. Browse the full lineup here:
A few standouts illustrate the range of what is available. The LARSON Midview 370-85 is a classic mid-view design with an aged bronze handle, giving you glass on top and a solid panel below to shrug off kicks and pet paws. For a sleek, modern statement, the LARSON 80 Split Fullview in Graphite maximizes glass area so your entry door stays on display. Homeowners who want a clean white finish and a bevel-glass accent should look at the LARSON 80 Split Fullview with Bevel Glass.
Pet owners have a dedicated option in the LARSON 25 Pet Fullview, which is engineered to handle busy households. If you prefer a bolder look, the LARSON 50 Fullview in Black with Brushed Nickel hardware and the matching LARSON 50 Fullview with Brass hardware both deliver a striking, contemporary profile. On a tighter budget, the Classic View Storm Door in White covers the essentials at a lower price point.
How to Choose the Best Storm Door
Choosing among the best storm doors comes down to matching the door type, glass configuration, and construction to how you live. Use the criteria below to narrow your options.
1. Pick the Right Style
Storm doors generally fall into three families, and the right one depends on how much glass, ventilation, and durability you want.
- Full-view doors use a single large pane of glass (sometimes interchangeable with a screen). They showcase a handsome entry door and let in maximum light. The LARSON 80 Split Fullview in Black and the LARSON 80 Split Fullview in Brown are good examples of this style in different finishes.
- Ventilating doors have glass and screen panels that slide, letting you control airflow without swapping panels by hand.
- Mid-view and high-view doors place glass in the upper portion and a solid panel below, adding durability where feet and paws tend to hit.
2. Measure for a Proper Fit
Storm doors are sold to fit standard openings, most commonly 32, 34, and 36 inches wide and around 80 to 81 inches tall. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of your door frame, and the height on both sides, then use the smallest measurements. Confirm which side you want the hinges on so the door swings the way you expect. Getting the size and handing right is the single most important step for a clean, weather-tight installation.
3. Evaluate Frame and Glass Quality
Look for a rigid aluminum frame with a baked-on or wrapped finish that resists fading and corrosion. Tempered safety glass is a must, since it breaks into blunt pieces instead of sharp shards. Low-E coated glass adds insulating value and helps block UV rays that fade flooring and furniture. Heavier, thicker frames generally feel more solid and hold up better over years of slamming.
4. Consider Household Traffic and Pets
If children, dogs, or cats use the door constantly, prioritize scratch-resistant screens, reinforced kick panels, and pet-friendly designs like the LARSON 25 Pet Fullview. Homes with lighter traffic can lean toward maximum-glass full-view models for looks and light.
5. Check the Hardware and Closer
Quality hardware makes daily use pleasant. Look for a smooth, adjustable hydraulic closer that keeps the door from slamming, a solid handle set, and a secure deadbolt or keyed lock. Finishes like aged bronze, brushed nickel, and brass let you coordinate with your existing entry hardware and house numbers for a polished look.
Storm Door Colors and Finishes
Color is a bigger decision than many buyers expect, because the storm door sits right at the focal point of your facade. White remains the most versatile and works with almost any siding, as seen on the Classic View White model. Black and graphite deliver a modern, high-contrast look that pairs beautifully with light-colored homes, while brown and bronze tones complement wood, brick, and earthy palettes. When in doubt, match or complement the color of your entry door or trim rather than fighting it.
Installation: DIY or Professional?
Many storm doors are designed for capable DIYers and ship as pre-hung units with pre-drilled frames, mounting brackets, and step-by-step instructions. If you are comfortable with a drill, level, and tape measure, you can often complete an installation in a couple of hours. That said, if your opening is out of square, oversized, or made of masonry, professional installation is money well spent to guarantee a tight seal and smooth operation.
A few installation tips will save you frustration:
- Dry-fit the door before drilling to confirm the swing direction and reveal gaps.
- Use a level on both the hinge rail and the door itself so it closes evenly.
- Seal the frame with weatherstripping and exterior-grade caulk to block drafts.
- Adjust the closer tension after installation so the door latches gently but firmly.
Storm Doors and Home Security
While a storm door is not a replacement for a strong entry door, it does add a meaningful layer of protection. Models with heavy frames, laminated or tempered glass, and keyed locks force an intruder to defeat two barriers instead of one. For the best results, treat your storm door as part of a larger entry-security plan. Combine it with a monitored home security system for whole-house peace of mind and add exterior motion sensor lights to eliminate the dark corners burglars rely on. A well-lit, well-secured entryway is far less appealing to anyone with bad intentions.
Caring for Your Storm Door
The best storm doors reward a little routine maintenance with many years of trouble-free service. Wipe the glass and screen with a mild cleaner a few times a year, and clear the bottom track of dirt and debris so the door seals properly. Lubricate hinges and the closer annually, and inspect the weatherstripping for cracks or gaps, replacing it as needed. If your door has interchangeable glass and screen panels, store the unused panel flat and protected so it stays scratch-free between seasons.
Common Storm Door Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping measurements. Guessing the size leads to gaps, drafts, and doors that will not latch. Always measure carefully.
- Ignoring sun exposure. A tightly sealed full-view door on a south-facing entry can trap heat against a dark entry door. Ventilating models help release that heat.
- Choosing looks over durability. A gorgeous full-glass door may not survive a household with big dogs and toddlers. Match the design to your traffic.
- Neglecting the closer. A poorly adjusted closer slams the door, stresses the frame, and shortens its life. Dial it in after install.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do storm doors really save energy?
Yes. By trapping a layer of air and adding a barrier against wind, a storm door reduces drafts and heat transfer through your entry. Models with Low-E glass and tight weatherstripping deliver the biggest efficiency gains.
What size storm door do I need?
Most homes use 32, 34, or 36 inch wide doors around 80 to 81 inches tall. Measure your opening at multiple points and buy to the smallest dimension, then confirm the hinge side.
Are storm doors hard to install?
Many are DIY-friendly thanks to pre-hung frames and included hardware. Square, standard openings are the easiest. Odd-sized or masonry openings are best left to a pro.
Which storm door style is best for pets?
Full-view models built for heavy use, such as the LARSON 25 Pet Fullview, hold up well to paws and noses. Mid-view doors with a solid lower panel are another durable, pet-friendly choice.
Final Thoughts
The best storm doors combine weather protection, energy savings, security, and curb appeal in one practical upgrade. Start by choosing the style that fits your climate and household, measure your opening carefully, and prioritize a rigid frame with tempered or Low-E glass and a smooth-operating closer. Whether you gravitate toward a light-flooding full-view design like the LARSON 80 Split Fullview in Graphite or a durable, classic pick like the LARSON Midview 370-85, the right storm door will protect your entry and elevate the look of your home for years to come. Compare the finishes, glass styles, and price points above, match them to how your family lives, and you will land on a storm door you are glad to walk through every day.
