At West Coast Exteriors, BHI is our main entry door line. It is the door we lead with for most Southwest Florida homes. We can also offer doors from ProVia and Therma-Tru when a homeowner wants a specific look or feature from those lines.
This guide explains what BHI doors are, why we lead with them, and how the other options fit in, so the samples we bring to your home make sense.
What is BHI?
BHI Doors is a Florida company based in Tampa, formerly known as Builders Hardware, Inc. It started out distributing door hardware and grew into building its own pre-hung entry door systems made specifically for Florida's climate. Today BHI is part of Trimlite, a door and decorative glass manufacturer.
BHI sells through approved dealers rather than directly to homeowners, which is why you buy and have a BHI door installed through a contractor like us.
Why BHI is our lead entry door
Built as a complete system. A BHI door is not just a slab. BHI assembles the whole entry system: the door, glass, frame, weather seals, threshold, astragal for double doors, and hardware. That matters because a front door performs as a system, and a new slab in an old, tired frame rarely seals as well.
Made for Florida codes. BHI states that most of its door systems are tested to Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone standards, and that unless otherwise noted its products can be built into systems that comply with hurricane structural, hurricane impact, and current energy codes. Impact units carry structural ratings and can be used in impact zones without shutters.
Materials that suit our climate. BHI's standard systems use insulated fiberglass doors with entirely composite frames, quality weatherstripping, and stainless steel hinges. Composite frames do not rot the way wood frames can in Florida humidity.
Styles for most homes. BHI offers smooth fiberglass doors and woodgrain textured fiberglass doors, with collections that include Rustic, Modern, and Shaker designs. Glass choices include decorative patterns, privacy glass, and Low-E glass options, and BHI doors can be built as double door systems.
Security options. BHI notes that the added strength of impact products also helps resist intrusion. Available security components include impact slabs and glass, T-Rex security plates, safety tab hinges, astragal security strips, and Grade 2 lock options.
Accessibility options. For homeowners who want easier access, BHI carries A.D.A. compliant slabs, sills, and locks, ball bearing and spring hinges, touchscreen deadbolts, and code approved pet doors.
Start with the door you want
Whatever the brand, it helps to narrow down a few things first:
- Material. In Southwest Florida, many homeowners lean toward fiberglass because it handles humidity well and does not rot. Our fiberglass vs steel vs wood guide covers this in depth.
- Style. Smooth or woodgrain texture, panel layout, and the overall look of the house.
- Glass. Full glass, half glass, decorative glass, sidelites, and transoms all change the look and the light.
- Impact rating. Not every style is offered in every impact configuration, so this narrows the choices.
- Swing and size. Single or double door, inswing or outswing, and the size of the opening.
Other brands we can offer
ProVia. ProVia builds doors to order and offers both fiberglass and steel door lines. Homeowners who want a lot of control over finish, glass, and hardware sometimes ask for it.
Therma-Tru. Therma-Tru is a well-known name in fiberglass entry doors, with lines ranging from smooth finishes to wood-grain textures.
If you have your heart set on one of these, we are happy to show you those options alongside BHI.
What matters more than the logo
Two doors from the same brand can be very different products. A few things make a bigger difference in daily life than the brand:
The door system. A front door is a slab, a frame, a threshold, weatherstripping, and hardware working together. Replacing the whole system usually gives a better seal and smoother operation than putting a new slab in an old frame. Our entry doors page covers whole-system vs slab-only.
The installation. A great door installed out of square will stick, leak, or let in drafts. Careful prep of the opening, a level sill, proper flashing, and sealing matter in Florida rain.
Hardware and finish. Locks, hinges, and handlesets live in salt air near the coast. Ask about finish options built for coastal conditions.
Fit with the house. The best door is the one that looks right on your home and opens and closes easily for years.
Warranty
Warranties differ by manufacturer and product line, so we go over the coverage for the door you choose during your visit. West Coast Exteriors offers a Double Lifetime warranty on doors, and we will walk you through it at your home visit.
How we help you choose
We lead with BHI because it fits most Florida homes well, but we bring samples to your home, look at your opening, and talk through the features that matter to you. Most homeowners find that once they see the options in person, one door clearly fits their house better than the others.
FAQ
Which entry door brand do you recommend? BHI is our lead entry door line because its door systems are built for Florida codes and climate. We can also offer ProVia and Therma-Tru if you prefer.
Who makes BHI doors? BHI Doors is a Tampa, Florida company, formerly Builders Hardware, Inc., and now part of Trimlite. It builds pre-hung entry door systems and sells through approved dealers.
Is fiberglass better than steel in Florida? Many Florida homeowners prefer fiberglass because it handles humidity well and does not rot. Steel can be a strong, simple option. Our comparison guide goes deeper.
Do all brands offer impact-rated doors? BHI offers impact rated door systems, and impact options vary by product line and style for every brand, so we confirm what is available for the door you like.
Can I see the doors before I decide? Yes. We bring samples to your free in-home visit.
Should I replace the whole door or just the slab? In many cases the whole system seals and operates better. We look at your frame and threshold and give you an honest recommendation.
Talk to a local expert
If you would like a straight answer about your own home, call us at (941) 479-1776 or book a free in-home visit. We bring samples with us so you can see and handle the options at your house, in your light, before you decide anything. West Coast Exteriors is a family business in Sarasota, and our customers rate us 4.8 stars on Google.