How to Enhance Your Front Door Security for Peace of Mind

Home security is a growing concern for homeowners nationwide, especially those with families or valuable possessions to protect. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were nearly 900,000 burglaries in the U.S. in 2023 — and most burglars enter through unlocked doors or windows. Maintaining a secure home is of utmost importance if you want to protect yourself and your loved ones, and it all starts with front door security. 

Why Front Door Security Is Important

Front doors serve as the primary entry point to your home, making them an attractive target for potential intruders. You should always keep your doors locked whether you’re home or not, but oftentimes a locked door is not enough. By increasing security features or choosing a replacement door with security built in, you create a deterrent that can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins.   

“Home break-ins through the front door are unfortunately quite common,” says Andrew Pickett, a former prosecutor in Melbourne, Florida. “Many burglars take advantage of weak locks or doors that aren’t reinforced properly.” Strong door security not only protects your loved ones and belongings but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to feel secure in the comfort of your own home. 

10 Security Features for Your Front Door

Many older entry doors lack basic security or are made with thin materials, weak frames, or outdated locks that make them vulnerable to break-ins. Modern materials and technology, like fiberglass, multi-point locking systems, and smart locks, can improve your front door security. We’ll explore the latest security features, but remember: Even the most secure front door won’t help if there’s a key lying around — or if the door isn’t locked at all.  

1. Strike Plate

A strike plate, also called a security plate, is a valuable addition to your door that enhances its resistance against break-ins. It’s typically made of durable materials such as steel or reinforced metal, providing a strong defense against physical attacks, and installed at the gap between the door and the frame. This reinforced plate acts as a barrier, making it more difficult for intruders to force the door open and improving your front door lock security. 

2. Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolts are widely recognized as one of the most effective security features for doors. They provide an additional layer of protection beyond traditional locks, making it much more difficult for intruders to force their way inside. “A common vulnerability I see is the use of single-cylinder deadbolts that can be easily bypassed,” says Pickett. Multi-point security locks for front doors are the best choice, and West Shore Home offers several different types. 

Trilennium Multi-Point

Single-point locks only secure the door in one place, while multi-point locks bolt the door at multiple points. Multi-point locks offer homeowners better door closure and sealing, distribute force, and make it harder to break in. In this particular lock, three 1” deadbolts latch with a deadbolt throw, plus a latch and deadbolt release with a single downward movement. 

Hoppe Multi-Point

Want an even stronger lock? This option offers the additional security of four points latching when the door is locked and the easy operation of one point of latching when the door is unlocked. Anti-back drive prevents locking points from disengaging from the outside for added security.  

Emtek

You want to lock burglars out — not lock yourself and your family in. Emtek’s unique interconnect devices provide the security of a locking deadbolt and the means for a panic proof exit. Turning the interior knob or lever simultaneously retracts both the deadbolt and the passage latches. 

Schlage Electronic Keypad

Electronic keypads unlock your door with a code, eliminating the need to leave that key under the mat. They’re great for high-traffic doors, like those leading to the garage. The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt has a modern touchscreen, and pairing with your smartphone over Bluetooth is easy and convenient. 

3. Reinforced Door Frames

The door frame is the structural component surrounding the door, and a reinforced frame typically includes additional metal or steel reinforcements within its structure. These reinforcements withstand greater amounts of force and distribute it more evenly, making it much harder for someone to kick the door open or force it out of the frame.  

“Homeowners tend to make the mistake of neglecting the overall strength and durability of their front door setups,” says Pickett. Reinforced frames are an important part of your door’s strength and an effective deterrent against break-ins. That’s why they’re often used in high-security settings or for homeowners who prioritize front door security. 

4. Security Storm Door

When it comes to security, the front door can always use a little help — like adding a security storm door for an extra layer of protection. Built from heavy-duty materials like aluminum and designed to resist impacts and forced entry, storm doors shield your main door from both intruders and harsh weather. They often come with built-in locks for added peace of mind. Although they may require a bit more space and maintenance, security storm doors are a solid investment in both protection and insulation. 

5. Privacy Glass

If you have windows on or near your front door, for example, door sidelites, using privacy glass can help deter burglars. These types of glass are harder to see into, giving an intruder less confidence in a successful break-in. Privacy glass is an excellent option for those who want to maintain their privacy while allowing natural light to enter their home. Frosted glass, textured glass, or tinted glass are commonly used to achieve this effect. These types of glass can be incorporated into a new door or, in some cases, can be retrofitted into existing doors.   

Depending on the complexity of the glass installation, it may be more practical to replace the entire door to ensure proper installation and functionality. When considering privacy glass, it’s important to take into account factors such as the desired level of privacy, the amount of natural light you want to allow in, and the overall aesthetics of your home. Privacy glass not only offers a sense of seclusion but also adds an element of style and elegance to your door, enhancing the appeal of your home. 

6. Security Hinges

Secure hinges help keep burglars from simply removing the door from its frame — but hinges can be a weak point in your front door security if they’re not properly installed or reinforced. Internal hinges, which sit on the inside of the door, make it much harder for intruders to tamper with or remove them.  

For doors with external hinges, adding security pins or installing locking hinges keeps the door securely attached, no matter what. Security hinges may require professional installation, but they make a big difference in your home’s overall security. 

7. Peephole

A simple yet effective security feature, a peephole allows you to identify visitors before opening the door. This enables you to exercise caution and avoid potential threats posed by strangers. Modern peepholes come in various sizes and even offer wide-angle lenses that let you see more than a traditional small peephole. It may be low-tech, but that’s one of its benefits: You can confirm who’s there without needing your smartphone, an app, or even electricity.  

8. Smart Doorbell Camera

Doorbell cameras have been on the rise in recent years and are a great security feature to add to your home. There are tons of different versions on the market ranging from pretty high-tech to basic security. With a doorbell camera, you can see when someone arrives at your door even when you aren’t home. Though it may be a pricey add, these are a great way to have peace of mind while you’re in or away from your home.

9. Motion-Sensor Lighting

Motion-sensor lighting discourages would-be intruders by reducing the cover of darkness and is a great addition to the security of a front door. Bonus: It also makes your entryway safer for you and your guests. Newer motion-sensor lights often connect to Bluetooth or app-controlled systems, so you can control settings or receive alerts directly on your smartphone. While some options might require outdoor wiring, the convenience and extra security they provide are worth the effort. 

10. Door Sensors and Alarms

Door sensors and alarms, which notify you if someone tries to enter your home unannounced, give you an invisible layer of front door security. You can find door alarms that connect to Bluetooth and apps on your phone so you can track activity and receive real-time alerts. You may even be able to set specific times you want to be alerted, for example, when the kids are getting home from school. Door alarms usually work best as part of a broader security system, which can increase the cost, but it’s worthwhile, especially if you’re often away from home. 

PROTECT YOUR HOME WITH A SECURE DOOR

Investing in front door security safeguards your home and loved ones. If you’re selecting a new door, consider built-in features such as strike plates and reinforced door frames. Want to upgrade your existing door? Add a storm door, modernized deadbolt, or doorbell camera. On a budget? You can still improve your front door security. Pickett recommends “investing in a quality deadbolt, installing a reinforced door frame, and adding a security bar or door brace for extra strength.” 

By prioritizing security, you create a defense system against potential intrusions. Remember, when it comes to protecting your home, no measure is too small, and every step towards enhancing security is a step towards peace of mind.  

West Shore Home is the leading expert in secure front doors for homeowners. With the most updated technology in deadbolt locks, 20-gauge security plates in all of our doors, and front door peephole options, you can be confident in your front door replacement. Not sure if your door is secure enough? Schedule a complimentary design consultation with one of our trusted design consultants to discuss your options.  

Contact us today to get started! 

FAQs

What type of front door is best for security?

Steel and fiberglass doors are the best for security. They’re harder to kick in, withstand wear, and resist weather better than wood. For even more security, consider a reinforced door frame and quality hardware like a deadbolt or multi-point lock. Together, these upgrades create a reliable, secure entryway that helps protect your home.

Are smart locks as secure as traditional locks?

Yes, many smart locks provide as much or even more security than traditional locks. Smart locks often offer encryption, so they’re difficult to hack, and alert you if someone tries tampering with them. It’s important to choose a reliable brand, and always keep your app updated to avoid any security risks.

What’s the most cost-effective way to improve front door security?

One of the most affordable upgrades is adding a multi-point deadbolt lock if you don’t already have one. Multi-point deadbolts provide stronger protection than standard locks, making them a smart addition to any door. Peepholes, secure hinges, and motion-sensor lighting also boost security without costing much.