TREND TOWARD WIDER DOORS GIVES HOMEOWNERS MORE ELEGANT ENTRANCES
Therma-Tru Offers “Wide” Selection of 3’6” Doors and Triple and Quadruple Patio Units to Expand Homeowners Doorways
MAUMEE, OH (June 21, 2006) – As today’s homes are expanding in square feet, entry and patio doors are also growing in size. Homeowners are increasingly requesting doors that are wider than the standard 3’ size and veering toward a more dramatic 3 1/2 foot wide front door. Therma-Tru™ Doors is on top of this trend by expanding several of its patio and entry collections to include wider varieties.
Therma-Tru and TNS recently conducted focus groups that found homeowners feel a front entryway makes a “statement” about the entire house. Wider doors are an excellent way to create a beautiful entrance and accent the architectural elements of the home while building value for the homeowner. The more dramatic and elegant the entryway, the more impressive the home is. In addition, an enhanced entryway can add as much as $24,000 to a home’s perceived value.
Demand has been high nationwide for the Classic-Craft family of fiberglass entry door systems, which feature the look of real, naturally stained wood-like grains, authentic detailing and the exceptional performance of Therma-Tru fiberglass door systems. Both the Rustic and Oak Collections are currently available in 3’6” widths, and Therma-Tru is working to expand its other popular entry collections.
“Today’s homeowners want dramatic entrances that stand out from their neighbors, and 3’6” doors with beautiful handmade glass doorlites, sidelites and a transom create the perfect stage,” said Jim McElroy, General Manager of Products for Therma-Tru Doors. “We carefully studied consumer needs and design trends and developed wider entry doors to meet this growing demand.”
In addition, with aging baby boomers dominating the remodeling market, wider doors allow for easier access and wheel chair use. Wide openings also make moving and receiving large deliveries, such as furniture and appliances, much simpler.
Therma-Tru recently released three-panel and bi-parting four-panel configurations for Fiber-Classic® and Smooth-Star® Sliding Patio Door Systems to expand on the already successful collection. The Sliding Patio Door Systems are available in 6'6", 6'8" and 8'0" heights with four panel configurations in widths up to 12’0”. These fiberglass doors are a “truly better” alternative to wood and steel and provide homeowners with much more sunlight.
Therma-Tru Doors is the nation’s leading manufacturer and most preferred brand of fiberglass and steel exterior door systems. Founded in 1962, Therma-Tru pioneered the fiberglass entry door industry, and today offers a complete portfolio of entry and patio door system solutions, including decorative glass doorlites, sidelites and transoms, and door components. Therma-Tru, headquartered in Maumee, OH, is part of leading consumer brands company Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO). For more information on Therma-Tru Doors, visit www.thermatru.com or call (800)537-8827.
CONTACT: Therma-Tru, Sara Theis, 419-891-7400 ext. 7426.