You’ve decided you need a new front door, and you’re overwhelmed by the number of options you have. There are so many materials you can choose from, but there are three that are the most popular. Here is a basic breakdown of those three materials plus the pros and cons of each.
Wood
Wood doors are probably the most common type of entry doors used in residential homes. They are available in a wide variety of species and finishes with options to paint, stain or just seal. The multiple choices for wood grains can give your home a rich sense of character and beauty all their own. Customization is virtually endless for size, shape and style giving you that distinctive look you desire. Solid wood doors provide superior durability and insulation for your home.
Wood doors do require care and maintenance to keep appearance and performance at its peak. Numerous weather conditions can take a serious toll on the wood. The sun can make the stain fade, moisture can make the wood rot, and change in temperature can make the door warp. Proper installation and maintenance is key to the longevity of your new wood door. Depending on your tastes in species, shape and size, wood can be more expensive than the other options.
Steel
Steel entry doors are also a very popular option. They are relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, and they are extremely durable. They can also offer incredibly good security and are one of the most energy efficient of our chosen three. Steel doors are usually more weather resistant resulting in less maintenance for the homeowner.
Steel doors can be more easily scratched and even dented, which can lead to rust if not properly addressed and maintained. Finishes are more limited, primarily painted, but not impossible to stain if you know what you are doing.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is kind of like wood in disguise. It can be painted, or stained in a variety of colors so you can get a comparable rich look that wood can provide. Fiberglass doors are very energy efficient and require minimal maintenance, being more resistant to scratches, denting or warping. Fiberglass doors are offered in a large variety of styles offering smooth or wood grain finishes.
Hard to “knock”, these doors offer some of the better qualities of both the steel and wood with minimal maintenance and rich finishes. However, fiberglass can crack just as steel doors can dent.
If you’re looking to make a statement at your front entry, check us out today. We have a wide variety so you can find the perfect entry door for your home.