Home > Blog > 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The Architectural Products Company
The Architectural Products Company
