Homeowners and sellers alike tend to overlook the importance of their home’s front door. However, experts argue that this is one of the key features that can make or break a sale.
Front doors offer a first impression to buyers, and as the saying goes, the first impression lasts the longest. For owners, the main entry to the home is also the first line of defense from the outside world, whether it be burglars or the elements.
That’s why the resurgence of the “door-kicking” prank that took off last year on TikTok should concern owners and sellers alike—especially given that things have violently escalated since the prank was last popular.
The ‘door-kicking’ TikTok prank is taking off again
The TikTok “door-kicking” trend, which started in 2024, involves pounding and kicking on front doors in the middle of the night. While it might seem like a harmless prank at first, it often leaves residents bewildered and burdened with costly repairs.
And in some troubling instances, the prank has had serious consequences, as homeowners who believe their homes are being broken into chose to take action.
In Virginia this past May, a man was charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and firearms offenses after he allegedly shot a teenager who had kicked his door while out with his friends, pulling off the TikTok challenge, according to local outlet WUS9. The homeowner assumed his home was being broken into, but search warrants allowed detectives access to the teenagers’ phones, which had videos and pictures related to the TikTok challenge.
In another instance in Colorado, a homeowner also thought someone was breaking in. However, thankfully, because he had a Ring doorbell, he was able to watch as the pranksters ran away without further incident. But they still left him with thousands of dollars in repairs.
“It’s very disturbing. Very disturbing. You wake up and you see someone has done that. I think it’s very evil. I don’t understand why you would do that to other people,” the homeowner told Fox31 Denver.
He added that fixing the damage to the door and replacing the frame it will need will cost close to $4,000. Given the costly nature of the social media challenge, police departments across the country have issued warnings, so owners can be aware of the new-age “ding, dong, ditch” and hopefully deter pranksters.
The importance of your front door—and the cost
Against this backdrop, the importance of your front door can’t be overstated as it’s more than just an entryway: It’s both the first impression of your home and a critical line of defense.
Sergei Danilenkov, a contractor and founder of home renovation company Yorkland Homes, reiterated that buyers notice the door first, and it sets the tone for the home’s personality—be it modern, rustic, or classic.
“A solid, stylish door signals quality and care, boosting perceived value,” he says.
In fact, a high-quality door can increase a home’s marketability by 5% to 10%, as it suggests durability and low maintenance, he adds.
“For homeowners and sellers, it’s a critical element of curb appeal, often determining whether a property stands out in a competitive market,” Mark Ginzburg, owner and founder of EcoTech Windows & Doors, an energy-efficient window and door replacement company, adds.
From a protection standpoint, the front door is your home’s primary barrier against intruders or, in this case, reckless pranksters, as well as other elements from the world outside, like weather and wildlife.
Danilenkov adds that investing in a door that’s “both secure and visually striking reflects personal pride and safety priorities.”
Materials matter when it comes to front doors
With all of this in mind, as Alexei Morgado, a Florida-based real estate agent and CEO and founder of Lexawise Real Estate Exam Preparation, puts it, homeowners should not view the front door just as a surface-level design enhancement, but also as a security feature.
“By 2025, protection from forced entry and viral stunts such as door-kick attacks demands the right materials and features,” according to Danilenkov.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass offers a balance of strength, insulation, and low maintenance, mimicking the look of wood without the warping, Danilenkov says.
According to Doors.com, the price range for a fiberglass door can go from $800 to $2,500. Though the price is high, the door has a lifespan that is longer than that of wood or steel doors. Also, its low maintenance makes it cost-effective over time
Steel
Steel is the toughest material available for front doors, making it ideal for security. However, it can dent and requires a good finish to prevent rust, according to Danilenkov.
Angi notes that the price range is “between $150 and $1,400 but averages $600.”
Solid wood
While timeless and customizable, wood demands regular maintenance. But it adds unmatched warmth and character.
“My advice is to choose based on your climate and aesthetic: fiberglass or steel for durability, wood for charm if you’re diligent about upkeep,” Danilenkov notes.
Again, Doors.com notes that wood doors can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the type of wood, with common woods including “oak, mahogany, walnut, and knotty alder.”
How to protect your front door
Thankfully, there are several ways owners can protect their front doors.
Danny Niemela, co-owner, vice president, and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company, as well as president of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, notes that most builder-grade doors fail under 100 pounds of impact.
“If your hinges are undersized and the frame is hollow-core, you are basically giving away access. So while kids think it is funny, it puts a spotlight on just how weak many entry points still are—especially in older builds with wood rot or warped jambs,” he said.
There are several upgrades owners can make.
Steel-reinforced doors with deadbolt plates and longer strike screws slow down break-ins fast, he says. In addition, smart locks help, but the core still comes down to how strong the actual door and frame are.
“Cost range is wide. A basic solid-core upgrade can be $600 to $800 installed. Custom steel or hardwood with sidelites and smart tech? You are looking at $3,000 to $5,000. Homeowners should treat it like insurance. You hope you never need it, but when you do, it pays for itself,” he adds.
Owners should also consider smart security upgrades, such as video doorbells or cameras, which can deter pranks and improve monitoring, according to EcoTech Windows & Doors’ Ginzburg.
Finally, in terms of return on investment, Niemela says doors are one of the simplest high-impact upgrades you can make.
For instance, the 2024 Cost vs. Value report from the Journal of Light Construction found that the national average cost recouped for a steel door replacement is 188.1%.
“But the ROI goes far beyond resale value. Insurers are also beginning to include fortified doors in homeowners’ premiums,” says Morgado. “And even more valuable is time on the marketplace. Homes with obvious security upgrades, including smart doors and secure doors, also sell faster, particularly with millennials and Gen Z, who care about tech as much as security.”
