Steel vs. Fiberglass Entry Doors

Some homeowners choose an entry door based solely on price or how it ties into the overall aesthetics of their house. Others can’t choose before thoroughly researching the pros and cons of every available feature of every available door.

No matter your approach, the APCO team is here to provide the information you need to choose between a steel and fiberglass entry door.

Appearance

Fiberglass doors are manufactured to mimic wood, giving them the same traditional appeal without wood’s practical drawbacks. Extremely versatile and customizable, they can resemble any type of wood, be manufactured into any door design, and be painted like wood.

Steel entry doors are heavy-duty, simple, smooth, and elegant. They’re customizable, too, whether you want a painted or stained wood grain look. However, you get more design options with a fiberglass entry door, and fiberglass more convincingly mimics wood than steel.

Durability & Maintenance

Fiberglass and steel doors typically wipe clean with a cloth for easy maintenance.

Regarding durability, fiberglass doors are long-lasting and cannot be warped or weather-damaged like wood. They can, however, dent and crack but are usually repairable.

Steel entry doors are incredibly strong and sturdy, resilient even in extreme weather, and last even longer than fiberglass. Although steel will never warp or rot, its surface can get scratched and dented, which can be difficult to repair, especially if you don’t act quickly. You may think rust is a concern with steel doors, but they often contain a corrosion-resistant coating.

Energy Efficiency

Fiberglass doors are ENERGY STAR® certified, which means fiberglass’ resistance to thermal transfer (heat loss and gain) can improve your climate control and minimize energy costs.

Steel is much less energy-efficient than fiberglass but more energy-efficient than wood. Steel also heats up in bright sunlight and high temperatures, making it less ideal for hot climates and south-facing homes.

Strength & Security

Modern fiberglass is weather- and impact-resistant but also lightweight, making them easier for intruders to manipulate.

Steel entry doors are tough, thick, and strong — too strong for a burglar to kick in.

Cost & Return on Investment

Fiberglass doors cost more than steel and other entry doors, but they’re still a worthwhile, cost-effective home investment.

Steel is more budget-friendly and also yields a slightly higher return on investment. However, if you want a wood look, fiberglass doors look more authentic than steel and are less expensive than real wood doors.

Brands & Types of Steel & Fiberglass Doors

APCO installs a wide range of stunning, secure, and cost-effective entry door styles and brands, including your own fully customizable door, fabricated with the exact combination of options you want.

• Heritage Fiberglass Doors: ENERGY STAR® certified Heritage doors are available in a smooth or oak woodgrain texture and can be customized with the style, finish, and glass options that suit your home.
• Signet Fiberglass Entry Doors: ENERGY STAR® certified Signet fiberglass doors are durable and energy-efficient, with the most options for customization of any ProVia entry door. Choices include door panel styles, smooth or woodgrain finishes, glass options, and a range of paint, glaze, and stain colors.
• Embarq Fiberglass Doors: Although durable and available in a range of stunning, customizable looks, including realistic woodgrain, the most impressive feature of Embarq entry doors is that they’re the most energy-efficient in the U.S. market.
• Legacy Heavy Duty Steel Doors: These secure, beautiful, and customizable 20-gauge steel doors have 49% more galvannealed steel than 24-gauge doors, making them stronger and more effective for security. Most Legacy doors also include an insulating foam that makes them ENERGY STAR® qualified.

Let APCO Help Choose the Best Entry Door for You

Both fiberglass and steel are excellent choices for a new entry door. Which one is superior depends on your individual needs, design goals, budget, and preferences.

Choose APCO, and you’ll have a knowledgeable contractor help you choose the ideal door and expertly install it to your satisfaction.

Reach out to APCO for a free estimate! Call us at (614) 254-5489 or contact us online today!