As you start thinking about getting a new front door, the first decision you’ll need to make is what material you want your door made from. The best front door material for you may not be the best one for your neighbor. When you call us to help you choose a new entry door, we’ll help you understand the differences in entry door materials.
Entry Doors Are Primarily Made from Fiberglass, Wood, or Steel
Each material has its own pros and cons. As you continue learning about the best front door material for you, think about the following and how each one is or is not important to you:
- Durability
- Energy efficiency
- Maintenance requirements
- Cost
- Security
- Curb Appeal
The three primary door materials all vary on how they rank when you look at the six above categories. You need to consider which are more important to you. That will help you choose the best front door material for your needs and then you can look at style options in the material you’ve chosen.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass entry doors are among the most popular for a few reasons. First, they’re virtually maintenance free and quite durable. However, if they’re scratched or dented, they can’t be repaired easily. Depending on the manufacturer, they can be quite energy efficient and provide good security. Because fiberglass doors can mimic wood doors and come in many styles all their own, you can definitely find a fiberglass door that gives your home great curb appeal. They do vary in price depending on construction and features, however, they’re extremely durable and should last for decades.
Wood
There’s no debate that when it comes to appearance, there’s nothing like a custom wood door. However, they can be expensive and require more maintenance than either fiberglass or steel. We also don’t recommend wood doors if your door is exposed to the elements or is west facing with a lot of direct sunlight. Wood doors can range in price from quite reasonable to very expensive depending on the wood species used and other features. The same holds true for how secure they are – some wood species are stronger than others. However, they are not the most energy efficient choice for an entry door.
Steel
If your primary concern is security, consider a steel entry door made from 20 or 22 gauge steel. Although the don’t come in as many style options or generally are thought of as the most beautiful doors, there are more options today than in years past. Energy efficiency also depends greatly on the manufacturing process and if there is an insulated core. Most steel doors require re-painting over their lifetime, which can be decades. Many consider steel the best front door material when comparing cost vs. durability or longevity.
Looking for a New Entry Door? Call Blair Windows & Doors
We’ll help you choose the best front door material for your home and budget while helping you understand how each door will perform against what’s important to you. We also offer entry doors for your garage as well as patio doors in addition to our wide array of window offerings. Call Blair Windows
