Fiberglass vs. Steel Entry Doors: Which Is Better?

Not only can the right front door enhance your home’s curb appeal, but your door also helps keep your home secure. Fiberglass or steel doors are both popular options when it comes to entry doors, and each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. 

Exploring the differences between each type of entry door can ensure you choose the best option for your home. Whether you’re looking for woodgrain, smooth doors, or you love the look of modern entry doors, you’ll have a wide variety of options to choose from – but it’s important to understand what the different types of doors offer. 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about fiberglass vs steel doors.

Comparing Steel vs Fiberglass Doors

Which is better: fiberglass or steel doors? To find the best option for your home, you’ll want to look at how these doors compare across different categories. We’re exploring them all here. 

Appearance

Comparing the looks of fiberglass vs steel doors is usually your first step when trying to decide which door is right for your home. Whether you end up opting for a steel or fiberglass door, you’ll have a wide range of styles to choose from. Both steel and fiberglass can imitate the look of wood grain, but doors are available in multiple other styles and looks as well. 

You’ll find a wider range of styles if you opt for fiberglass, but steel doors do offer plenty of options and can be customized in many ways.

Durability

Wood doors can warp over time, but you don’t have to worry about that with steel or fiberglass. Fiberglass doors are resistant to rust and moisture damage, but this doesn't mean they can’t be damaged. They could still potentially be dented or cracked. 

On the flip side, steel is admittedly a very sturdy material, but rusting and scratching can be issues if your door isn’t properly maintained.

Energy Efficiency

When you compare fiberglass versus steel doors, you’ll quickly discover that fiberglass is more energy efficient. Fiberglass doors can keep air from escaping your home, reducing your heating and cooling costs. 

Steel is more energy efficient than wood, but it does have a tendency to heat up in hot temperatures.

Maintenance

Neither a fiberglass or steel door will need extensive maintenance, but like any door, both do require regular cleaning. Luckily, the process is simple. 

You can clean off a fiberglass door with a garden hose or pressure washer, but since steel is prone to rusting, it’s best to wipe it clean with a damp cloth. If a steel door is scratched, you’ll want to repaint it as soon as possible to prevent it from rusting.

Security

Steel can be an excellent option if you have security concerns. Since it’s a heavy, tough material, steel entry doors are very difficult to break down. Fiberglass doors are still a pretty secure choice, but they’re far more lightweight than steel and are easier to manipulate.

Cost

If you’re like most people, cost will be a major point of consideration when comparing a steel vs fiberglass exterior door. The upfront costs of fiberglass are usually higher, but since it’s a long-lasting material, many people do see savings over time. Steel can be less expensive than fiberglass at the time of purchase, but it may not last as long.

Installation

No matter which style of door you decide on, your new entry door should be professionally installed. Since fiberglass doors are pre-hung, they’re generally easier to install and may have lower installation costs. 

When a steel door is installed, it’s necessary to use wall frames and anchors to secure the door to the frame. 

Neither style of door is incredibly difficult to install if you know what you’re doing, but it’s usually worth it to let a professional take on the task for you. 

Final Thoughts

Which is better, fiberglass or steel doors? Fiberglass and steel are both excellent choices for entry doors. When you compare a steel door vs fiberglass, you’ll find that most of the differences come down to your own personal priorities. Choosing a new door that’s perfect for your home doesn’t have to be difficult – you just need to know what to look for so you can weigh the pros and cons of each. 

In the end, many people tend to lean towards fiberglass vs steel doors since the benefits of fiberglass slightly outweigh that of steel. 

Window World Expert Door Installation

If you’re ready to purchase and install a new entry door, you can depend on Window World to meet all your needs. Our fiberglass doors are eco-friendly, and we’ll custom fit and professionally install the door you choose. Reach out to us today for a free quote!

Get a free quote from Window World Southern Nevada today. You’ll have your new, gorgeous fiberglass door in no time!