skip to main content

Fiberglass versus Steel versus Wood Exterior Doors

17 years ago

I am interested to know others' experience with exterior doors. I have a large front door facing west and live in the South, so the door gets a large amount of direct sun for half of the day. The current door is wood; the previous owner put no gutters up, and the roof design caused water to splash on the door and sidelites and caused some rot on the sidelites at the bottom. The door is mahogany that has been painted and doesn't seem to be rotted, but it does sag. A carpenter told me that he could rebuild the door frame and sidelites for $1000. My husband thinks we should just replace the whole unit with a fiberglass door and sidelites because wood rots and steel rusts. We have put up gutters, by the way. I have heard that fiberglass doors warp. The present door and sidelites have beautiful leaded glass and I'd like to keep that if possible. So my questions are: 1. Is what the carpenter proposes to do feasible/make sense? 2. Do fiberglass doors that face west warp? 3. What is the best type of exterior door to go with, in your opinion?

Thanks!

Lburas

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

tru_blue
17 years ago
Consumers Reports magazine rated doors within the past year, comparing wood, steel, and fiberglass. If memory serves they concluded that fiberglass was the best for the long haul.

However some brands of fiberglass doors have had warping problems. The fiberglass material itself is a combination of fibers and resins that when mixed together form a tough, weather resistent material. However, there are many different types of fiberglass, some of which don't hold up well to heat. If you have a storm door in front of most brands of fiberglass doors, you void the warranty because their fiberglass can not withstand the heat buildup between the main door and the storm door. However, some fiberglass doors have thicker skins and better composite material that easily withstand the heat and have warranties that welcome a storm door (Some Therma-Tru and all Pella I think both fall in this catagory). So if I were to get a fiberglass door, the #1 thing I would look for is one that has a decent warranty regarding storm doors; without that it's worthless (to me, at any rate). Secondly I would look for one that has the look and price that meets my requirements. They even are available with a mahogany woodgrain.
Michael
17 years ago
Precision Entry.

Michael
Related Discussions
Steel vs Fiberglass exterior door, which is better?
Q
Comments (7)
Fiberglass isn't warmer or better. If you prefer a woodgrain look, fiberglass has that to offer. Steel can offer woodgrain too, but not usually in the economy lines. Make sure the door is Energy Star compliant for your region. Read the NFRC label. Michael
...See More
Steel vs. Fiberglass Doors
Q
Comments (55)
Our house was built in 2001. We have a double front door and garage entry door, both fiberglass by Thermatru. The front door with full lite glass has had serious warping. The top and bottom both twist in. This is in a covered area facing East. The garage entry is fine, but the seal went out in the 1/2 glass. I sent claim to thermatru direct. Via email I was able to get replacement. But not what I wanted. They were willing to send me one new door slab and 3 new pieces of glass since our style was discontinued. That would have been a nightmare trying to get the new one to match both inside and outside with paint and stain. We compromised with 2 new front slabs and 1 new glass. They sent it immediately. We are just getting around to replacing with spring weather. I’m exasperated and haven’t even started. Seeing what they sent, it is going to be a huge hassle to change out the glass AND strip and repaint the surrounds, etc that didn’t get replaced. Now looking at steel doors from Menards, Mastercraft. I see the good and bad reviews, but honestly I’d be happy if that lasted 2/3 the time these did as these fiberglass doors are crap. I want durable fade free doors. I did buy a Home Depot door for garage to house, with glass, not fire rated, my concern in that. Our installer said it was the easiest door he’s ever put in and to this day it opens and closes perfectly. On at least its 5th year. Didn’t spend more than $500 for it.
...See More
Sun facing door - fiberglass or steel
Q
Comments (4)
They are both crap unfortunately. But if you are determined I think fiberglass may hold up better. In direct sun both will require frequent painting and the fingerjointed wood frame will probably see the brunt of the abuse from the sun.
...See More
Jeld-Wen versus Anderson for wood interior/aluminum clad exterior
Q
Comments (8)
We are right on the ocean in Maine, and our contractor suggested Matthew Brothers wood interior aluminum exterior. Matthew Brothers is a local company - the windows are really, really beautiful and at a great price., we are very happy with them. You might check them out if you are in New England.
...See More

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Houzz Planning: How to Choose a Front Door

By Vanessa Brunner

Wood, Fiberglass or Steel? Find the Right Material for Your Entry Door

CURB APPEAL Know Your House: Anatomy of a Brick Veneer Wall

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Brick's new role as skin versus structure offers plenty of style options for traditional exteriors

WINDOWS Steel-Framed Windows Leap Forward Into Modern Designs

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

With a mild-mannered profile but super strength, steel-framed windows are champions of design freedom

GREEN BUILDING Ecofriendly Cool: Insulate With Wool, Cork, Old Denim and More

By Julia Pockett

Learn about the pros and cons of healthier alternatives to fiberglass and foam, and when to consider an insulation switch

OUTDOOR KITCHENS Your Guide to Grills and More for Great Outdoor Cooking

By Laura Gaskill

Learn the pros and cons of gas versus charcoal grills, and about neat add-ons that let you do more

DECORATING GUIDES No Neutral Ground? Why the Color Camps Are So Opinionated

By Vanessa Brunner

Can't we all just get along when it comes to color versus neutrals?

FRONT DOOR COLORS Front and Center Color: When to Paint Your Door Black

By Jennifer Ott Design

Love the idea of a black front door? Here are 8 exterior palettes to make it work

REMODELING GUIDES Wood Slats in Design: Repetition, Scale and Light

Wood Screens Create Privacy, Delicacy, and Sometimes a Golden Glow

MATERIALS Cor-Ten Steel Brings Enduring Texture to Landscapes

By Becky Harris

With its rich color and rusty patina, this material makes for an arresting and long-lasting choice for garden walls and more

MODERN HOMES Houzz Tour: Heavy Metal Rocks a Modern Missouri Home

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Steel shows up all over this single-level family home, but wood and other textures warm the look

Sponsored

High Point Cabinets

21 Reviews

Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

More Discussions

Any Experience with Revwood Nantucket Beige Oak?

33

White oak kitchen cabinets stain?

67

Cost for Frameless Glass Shower Enclosure - Glass, Clips & Install

9

Porch column replacement

7

what color interior door hardware?

7