Fiberglass vs Steel Door: Which Entry Option is Best for Your Home?

Your door is the gateway to your home, so your choice of material counts. A strong, durable front door keeps you safe, while a stylish front door welcomes you home.

In our latest post, we’ll explain why your front door choice is important and discuss the pros and cons of fiberglass vs steel doors, two of the most popular options for your entry point.

Looking at the difference between steel and fiberglass doors will help you understand which type of door is best for you and help you make that important decision.

Why your front door choice matters

Replacing your front door means investing in your home—the entry door replacement offers an ROI (return on investment) of 188%.

This impressive figure is one good reason why you should understand the different types of exterior doors, as well as the pros and cons of a fiberglass vs steel door. So, how can your front door enhance your property? Let’s find out:

• Security. A good quality front door helps prevent break-ins and gives you peace of mind.
• Energy efficiency. When you replace your old front door with a new, energy efficient one, it can help regulate the temperature of your home and reduce bills.
• Curb appeal. If you’re thinking of selling your house, an attractive, well-kept front door gives a great first impression to potential buyers.

Fiberglass doors: Pros and cons

Fiberglass is a solid choice for a new front door. It combines good looks with easy maintenance so you can’t go wrong.

Advantages of fiberglass doors

Let’s find out why fiberglass is a great choice for your front door:

• Attractive. Fiberglass resembles natural wood which means it looks good and fits into almost any aesthetic.
• Versatile. The material is available in a variety of colorways and designs.
• Durable. Fiberglass is known for its robust nature and ability to withstand the elements.
• Energy-efficient. It’s great at insulating your home and helping to keep energy bills low.
• Easy to maintain. Fiberglass requires little maintenance—simply wipe it with a damp cloth and hose it down gently every now and then.

Disadvantages of fiberglass doors

There are a couple of points you need to bear in mind when choosing a fiberglass door:

While it’s durable, it’s not entirely dent or crack resistant.

When comparing a fiberglass vs steel door, fiberglass is more lightweight and therefore could be damaged more readily.

Steel doors: Pros and cons

Steel is also a superb choice for a front door installation, offering great value-for-money and unbeatable strength.

Advantages of steel doors

This is why homeowners love steel doors:

• Strong. Steel is highly resistant to forced entry making it extremely difficult for intruders to get into your home through this entry point.
• Fire-resistant. Many homeowners love that steel is a fire-resistant material, giving them peace of mind.
• Stylish. Steel doors come in many different designs. Maybe you love a modern, sleek look. Or your taste could be traditional. Either way, you’ll find a steel door to suit your taste.
• Low-maintenance. Steel is easy to maintain since it just requires dusting and wiping with a damp cloth.
• Affordable. This material is great value-for-money and is within most people’s budgets.

Disadvantages of steel doors

Be aware of the following points if you’re tempted by a steel door:

• Steel gets hot in full sun, making it less energy-efficient compared to fiberglass.
• It can also rust if exposed to moisture so it’s not always the best choice for humid or wet climates.

Fiberglass vs steel door: Head-to-head comparison

Should you choose a fiberglass or steel door—both have their pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at steel vs fiberglass doors to help you decide.

Cost & value

Fiberglass is good value-for-money since it’s a more affordable choice than wood. While it comes in at a higher price compared to steel, fiberglass does tend to last longer so it’s greater value over time.

However, if you’re on a tight budget steel is a good option. It’s less costly than fiberglass but may not last so long over time. This means it may not be such good value for money if you intend staying in your property for a long time.

The verdict? In terms of upfront costs, a steel door vs fiberglass door is cheaper. For a longer-term investment, fiberglass may be a better bet.

Security & durability

You can’t beat steel for a robust material that’s almost impossible to break down. So, a steel vs fiberglass door is the outright winner when it comes to security.

Bear in mind, though, that often fiberglass outperforms steel in terms of durability. It’s moisture resistant so won’t warp in wet weather, while steel is vulnerable to rust when exposed to moisture over time.

The verdict? If your primary concern is the security of your home, a steel vs fiberglass door wins hands-down. But if you’re factoring in longevity, fiberglass may win you over.

Style & aesthetic appeal

There’s no doubt that fiberglass is an attractive choice for homeowners. It looks very much like natural wood and can also be painted or stained if you want a personalized look that fits in with your property’s aesthetic.

If you love contemporary styles, steel may be right for you since it offers a sleek and minimalist vibe. It’s also versatile and you can find designs that incorporate decorative elements if you want something more elaborate.

The verdict? This one is down to personal choice. If you prefer traditional styles, opt for fiberglass or even decorative steel. Lovers of more modern architecture will naturally opt for steel.

Maintenance needs

Looking after fiberglass doors is easy—all you need to do is wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth to keep them looking good. They can also withstand rinsing gently with a hose.

The same goes for steel doors—gently wipe away dust and dirt so they look as good as new. However, you should be careful fix any scratches on steel doors straight away to prevent rusting.

The verdict? It’s hard to pick a winner in this category—both options are low maintenance and will retain their good looks over time. However, you should be aware that any damage to steel doors needs prompt treatment to avoid rusting.

Energy efficiency

Fiberglass is renowned as being an energy efficient choice for doors. It’s great at stopping draughts getting into your property and air escaping. It’s also a long-lasting material, so you won’t have to worry about it losing its effectiveness after just a year or two.

Steel is certainly more energy efficient than wood but can’t match the long life of fiberglass. Bear in mind that it also gets hot in high temperatures, which can lower its efficiency.

The verdict? Both are good options but a fiberglass door vs steel door is the winner in this category, making it a suitable choice for anyone conscious of keeping their utility bills low.

There’s clearly a lot to take in when it comes to choosing between fiberglass vs steel doors. If you’d appreciate some guidance and a free, no-obligation quote, reach out to the team at Plum ProExteriors.

We have an excellent track record of providing quality home improvement solutions across Massachusetts and New England and we’d love to hear from you!

Which door is right for you?

It’s hard to declare a clear winner when it comes to choosing a steel vs fiberglass exterior door. Both have clear advantages and disadvantages and offer different qualities, depending on your aesthetic, lifestyle and needs.

Here at Plum ProExteriors, we offer both types of doors and can guide you through choosing a steel or fiberglass door according to your unique requirements.

Rest assured, that whichever material you choose, we will work with you every step of the way to provide and fit a quality front door that’s the finishing touch to your home! Call us today to find out more!

Final verdict: Choosing the perfect door for your home

Deciding on the right door for your property is a big choice—it’s the first thing you notice about your home so it’s important to get it right! We hope this article has helped you understand more about fiberglass door vs steel door choices.

If you need further guidance, you can trust the experts at Plum ProExteriors to listen to your needs and help you choose the perfect front door for you. With our years of experience, attention to detail and commitment to customer service, we’re the clear choice for your front door needs! Give us a call!