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Fiberglass and steel doors are alternatives to wood doors for exterior entryways.
Both are secure, durable, and available in a wide range of designs.
Despite being made of different materials, fiberglass and steel doors share more similarities than differences.
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Learn about fiberglass versus steel doors and which is right for yourhome’s exterior entryway.
Similarities
Fiberglass and steel doors are the most commonexterior entry doorchoices, even above wood doors.
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All other differencesdurability, expense, moisture absorptionstem from the difference in cladding.
Fiberglass Doors
Steel Doors
Construction
Fiberglass and steel doors are manufactured similarly.
A wood perimeter frame is sandwiched between two thin skins of either fiberglass or steel.
Appearance
Both fiberglass and steel doors are available in smooth or wood-grain appearances.
Steel doors can present more of an industrial or contemporary look.
They can look like wood, but mainly because of their coating and not because of texture.
Security
Fiberglass and steel doors are equally secure against forcible home invasion.
Steel doors are no more secure against forcible entry than fiberglass doors.
Add a deadbolt lock, too.
Thebest deadbolt locks, certified as Grade 1, are made of anti-drill metal and are difficult to pick.
Insulation
Fiberglass and steel doors are similarly insulated with polyurethane foam or rock wool.
As long as the door does not have a glass insert, insulation values range from R-5 to R-6.
Fiberglass and steel doors have five times more insulating value than wood doors of the same size.
Installation
Fiberglass and steel doors are installed in generally the same way.
Both types of doors are available inpre-hung or slab form.
Pre-hung doors are door slabs that are already attached to the door frames by hinges.
The slight weight difference between fiberglass and steel doors may make a difference in installation.
Steel prehung doors are about 25-percent heavier than fiberglass prehung doors.
Durability and Maintenance
Fiberglass and steel doors have long lifespans if well maintained.
Unlike wood doors, they will not shrink, warp, split, or crack.
Cost
Fiberglass and steel doors both are less expensive than wood doors.
Steel doors are less expensive than fiberglass doors by an average of about $900.
Prices differ by about $100 on the low end and $1,700 on the high end.
Sizes
Fiberglass and steel doors are available in generally thesame size options.
Most entry doors are 36 inches wide, though some can be as narrow as 30 inches.
Most doors are 80 inches tall but can range up to 96 inches tall.
The thickness is 1-3/4 or 1-3/8 inches.
Choose a steel door for a utilitarian or contemporary look, especially formid-century modern homes.
Fiberglass doors can simulate real wood doors, even the exact wood grain.
They cannot be dented, though they are liable to chipping.
Steel doors are prone to scratching and denting but not chipping.
Fiberglass doors are generally more expensive than steel doors.
As with any exterior door, fiberglass doors can get hot in the sun.
However, fiberglass doors provide better insulation against solar heat than natural wood doors.
Also, their outer surface becomes less hot to the sun than steel doors.
However, a fiberglass door should be guarded against chipping and cracking and kept regularly painted.
If well maintained, a fiberglass door should last 25 to 50 years.
Jeld-Wen Fiberglass and Steel Exterior Doors.
The Best Front Door Material for Your Home.
Why Fiberglass Is the Leading Material for Entry Doors.
Washington County (NY) Sheriff’s Office.
Selecting New Exterior Doors.
Energy Saver / US Department of Energy.
How Are Front Doors Made?Feldco.
