How Do I Choose? - Steel vs. Fiberglass Entry Doors - Weighing the Pros and Cons

Choosing the right entry door for your home is a crucial decision that can impact your home's security, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. Two popular options are steel and fiberglass entry doors. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of each material to help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.

Steel Entry Doors

Pros:

• Security: Steel doors are known for their strength and durability. They are exceptionally resistant to forced entry, providing you with a high level of security and peace of mind.

• Energy Efficiency: Steel doors often come with an insulated core, which can help improve your home's energy efficiency. They provide better insulation than some other materials, reducing heating and cooling costs.
• Low Maintenance: Steel doors are relatively low-maintenance. They resist warping, rotting, and cracking, and they typically require minimal upkeep to keep them looking great.  Having said this, there is some painting and maintenance recommended by many manufacturers to ensure the door is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Design Versatility: Steel doors are available in various styles and finishes. They can mimic the appearance of wood or have a sleek, modern look, making them versatile for various home aesthetics.
• Cost:  From a price perspective, the cost of a steel entry door versus a fiberglass entry door is often very minimal, and sometimes, there is no difference for a comparable door.  The exception to this general rule is textured fiberglass doors, which look like real wood, and cost more than smooth doors.

Cons:

• Susceptibility to Dents: While steel doors are durable, they can be prone to denting, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or if struck by a sharp object.  If this is a concern, a fiberglass door might be a better option, as they tend to be more foregiving.  Also, purchasing a heavier gauge steel door can mitigate the likelihood of dents as well.
• Rust Potential: If not properly maintained or if the door's finish is compromised, steel doors can rust over time. Regular painting and sealing can help prevent this issue.  Although this is a possible issue, the doors we offer are hot dip galvanized, and are highly resistant to rust.

​Fiberglass Entry Doors

Pros:

• Durability: Fiberglass doors are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. They do not warp, rot, or rust, making them an excellent long-term investment.  Unlike steel entry doors, these doors are less susceptible to denting.
• Insulation: Fiberglass doors often come with an insulated core, providing excellent insulation properties. This can contribute to energy savings and a comfortable indoor environment.  From a comparability perspective, there is little if any difference in the insulating quality of the steel and fiberglass doors we offer, so both are a good option.
• Design Options: Fiberglass doors are available in a wide range of styles, finishes, and colors. They can mimic the look of wood convincingly, offering the charm and beauty of real wood without the maintenance.  In our experience, this is often the deciding factor when it comes to the choice of steel or fiberglass.  Many homeowners want a door that looks like real wood, so fiberglass is a great option.
• Low Maintenance: Similar to steel doors, fiberglass doors require minimal maintenance. A small amount of periodic maintenance will extend the life of the door and help ensure that the manufacturer honors the warranty.

Cons:

• Cost: As discussed above, fiberglass and steel doors are nearly identical in cost for a comparable style and model.  However, this changes when the fiberglass door is textured to look like real wood.  The cost for textured fiberglass can be significantly more, but these doors offer the look of real wood without the potential for rotting and warping over time.  As such, there is a lot of value for the additional cost.
• Susceptibility to Scratches: Fiberglass doors can scratch more easily than steel. While minor scratches may not be very noticeable, deeper ones could be more challenging to repair.  On the other hand, one needs to consider the susceptibility to dents that steel doors can have.

When deciding between steel and fiberglass entry doors, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and budget. Steel doors offer exceptional security and insulation, but may require more maintenance. Fiberglass doors, on the other hand, provide durability, energy efficiency, and a wider range of design options.  Ultimately, the right choice depends on your goals and priorities.

If you have any questions about this information, feel free to reach out to us to discuss the options available.   We are here to help!