Steel vs Fiberglass Entry Doors: Insights from Exterior Specialist of 25+ Years
Your front door is more than just an entrance; it’s the face of your home, a critical security barrier, and a major factor in energy efficiency.
When it’s time for an upgrade, you’ll quickly find yourself debating between two powerhouse materials: steel vs fiberglass entry doors. Both are significant improvements over old, drafty wood doors, but they each offer distinct benefits in terms of durability, style, and maintenance.
Do you need the rugged security of an out swinging steel entry door, or the low-maintenance beauty of the best fiberglass entry doors? Making the right choice depends on your budget, climate, and desired curb appeal.
As exterior specialists for over 25 years, we have installed worked with all different kinds of entry doors and can give you an honest review. Keep reading to compare steel vs fiberglass entry doors or click below to get a free estimate on your front door replacement:
How to Choose Between a Steel or Fiberglass Door
When comparing a steel vs fiberglass entry door, consider these key differences to determine which is the best fit for your home:
Steel generally offers the highest level of inherent security due to its toughness and resistance to forced entry. While fiberglass is also very secure, a high-gauge steel door provides maximum defense, especially with an out swinging steel entry door design.
Takeaway: If security is a top concern, steel is the best choice.
Either a steel or fiberglass door will be highly durable, but in different ways. Steel resists warping and cracking but can be dented and may rust if scratched. Fiberglass is nearly maintenance-free; it resists dents, scratches, and is extremely stable against temperature changes, making it one of the best entry doors for harsh climates.
Takeaway: Both doors have long lifespans (20-30 years) if properly maintained.
Fiberglass can be easily molded to convincingly simulate the texture and grain of natural wood, offering high-end curb appeal without the high-end maintenance of actual wood. Steel doors are typically smooth and flatter in design.
Takeaway: Fiberglass offers more design options than steel.
Steel doors are often a more budget-friendly option, providing excellent security and energy efficiency at a lower initial price. Fiberglass doors sit in the mid-to-high range, reflecting their superior durability and design versatility.
Takeaway: Steel doors are affordable, while fiberglass doors can vary based on the style.
Both materials are excellent, utilizing foam-filled cores for insulation. However, fiberglass’s inherent material properties and superior resistance to warping often give it a slight edge in long-term thermal performance, ensuring maximum savings regardless of whether you choose a steel vs fiberglass door.
Takeaway: Fiberglass will give you the best energy savings.
What About Wood Doors?
While wood offers a classic look, these doors are more expensive, less durable, and high maintenance. For these reasons, we do not typically recommend going with a wooden entry door.
Find the Best Fiberglass and Steel Entry Doors for Your Home
When choosing between steel vs fiberglass entry doors, the right choice is whatever works best with your design, budget, and security needs.
ProVia provides all of our entry doors, and they have a beautiful catalogue of steel or fiberglass doors. See some of the possibilities below:
Best Fiberglass Doors
Whether you want a clean, modern look or a classic wooden appearance, there is a fiberglass door for every house.
Best Steel Doors
If you’re looking for a more affordable, secure option, one of these steel doors could be the perfect option for your home.
Contact Us to Explore Your In or Out Swinging Steel Entry Door Options
At Eby Exteriors, we install everything from heavy-duty out swinging steel doors to lightweight fiberglass patio doors.
For almost three decades, homeowners across Lancaster, Chester, and York Counties have trusted us to protect and beautify their homes. Our team is dedicated to precise installation, ensuring that your new steel or fiberglass door is perfectly fitted, sealed, and operates flawlessly for decades.
Don’t settle for a contractor who pushes one product; rely on the experts who provide the best solution for your home and presents all the options. Contact us today for a free consultation and personalized recommendation!
