steel door vs fiberglass

Steel Doors Overview

Steel doors are durable and highly secure. They’re typically constructed with an inner frame made of wood and a foam core. Only the outside layer is made of steel. Steel doors can be painted to match the color of your home.

How Much Do Steel Doors Cost?

Steel doors are the least expensive front doors. Pre-hung, unfinished steel doors start at about $100 to $150 without hardware. Finished varieties with decorative features might cost $250 to $350 or more.

Steel Doors Pros

• Less expensive – Steel doors are considerably cheaper than fiberglass doors. They’re a great option if you’re on a tight budget.
• More secure – If security is your top concern, go with a steel door. Steel doors are stronger than fiberglass. They’re nearly impossible to kick in, and they won’t crack or warp.
• Paint well – Steel doors take to paint well. You can change the color as often as you’d like.

Steel Doors Cons

• Shorter lifespan – Steel doors are durable, but they won’t last as long as fiberglass. They will rust eventually, and they’re susceptible to dents and dings.
• Not as attractive – Most people find steel doors less attractive than fiberglass doors. The look can be cold and sterile, not warm and inviting.
• Temperature sensitive – Steel conducts heat and cold, so it’s not an ideal choice for very hot or very cold climates.

Fiberglass Doors Overview

Fiberglass doors are also durable, and very long lasting. Like steel doors, they’re made with an inner frame of wood and a foam core. Only the outside layer is made of fiberglass, a man-made, glass-reinforced plastic. Fiberglass doors can have a smooth surface, or they can mimic they look of real wood with a grain pattern.

How Much Do Fiberglass Doors Cost?

Basic, unfinished, pre-hung fiberglass doors start at about $200 to $300. Finished, wood-grain varieties with decorative features such as glass panels usually cost about $600 to $1,200. Very high-end fiberglass doors can cost $3,000 or more.

Fiberglass Doors Pros

• Low maintenance – Fiberglass doors are nearly maintenance free. They can go many years without needing paint or stain touchups.
• Longer lasting – Fiberglass doors last longer than steel doors. In many cases, they are sold with warranties that last as long as you own the home.
• More durable – They hold up well to harsh climates, and fiberglass is highly resistant to rust, dents and dings.

Fiberglass Doors Cons

• More expensive – Fiberglass doors are almost always more expensive than steel doors.
• Not as secure – Fiberglass doors are not as strong and secure as steel.

Author: Ashley Smith