If you’re in the market for a new front door but aren’t sure whether fiberglass or steel is the best choice, you’ve come to the right place!

The front door of a home plays an immense role in the first impression people get when they walk to your doorstep. It portrays your personal style and what people should expect when they enter your house. The front door must be firm enough to resist scorching sun, strong wind, rain and potential intruders. In addition, did you know that the front door has a great significance on the value of your home? Replacing your old front door with an energy efficient door adds to the value of your home. Wood, fiberglass and steel doors are the three most common types of front doors. Nowadays, most people prefer steel or fiberglass doors because they are energy efficient.

Fiberglass Doors

Home experts recommend fiberglass doors for homes situated in harsh and humid climates. These are low maintenance doors which could last for years. The biggest advantage of these doors is that they are strong, they provide great insulation, and resemble real wood. Fiberglass doors can be stained to resemble the grain of wood such as oak or mahogany. Fiberglass entry door systems are engineered to be highly energy efficient.

Textured fiberglass doors replicate the grain of any wood type – providing the look and feel of traditional wood doors but with the long-lasting performance of superior fiberglass quality.

Adding multi-point hardware will increase the performance and security of fiberglass doors. The hardware will also prevent warping or rust development in cold and humid conditions. They are more secure when compared to wood doors. For example, if someone tries to kick the door or punch through the panel with a sharp object, the surface will not dent. When it comes to energy efficiency, fiberglass may be a better option. These front doors respond well to humidity and temperature change and, as a plus, they prevent condensation.

Steel Doors

If durability and security are your top priorities while selecting an entry door, a steel door is the perfect choice. This door is the strongest when compared to wood and fiberglass doors. A steel door does not warp or dent easily; any mark or dent on the door can be repaired easily.

A steel door is more affordable when compared to wood and fiberglass. However, a steel door system with extra hardware and sidelights could cost as much as a wood door. The inner frame of a typical steel door is made of wood though steel can be used if you want to make it stronger.

Premium steel doors have a steel frame and a 24″ outer layer. Traditional steel doors used to have a gray industrial-type look. This has changed over the years. Normal steel doors feature a smooth surface and/or resemble a real wood finish. The polyurethane finish on most steel doors wears off with time and may need occasional repainting. Premium steel doors have a vinyl coating that can weather harsh climatic conditions such as scorching sun and rain.

Depending on your budget, you could choose a steel exterior doors, which is very affordable when compared to fiberglass doors. They offer significant long-term value. The total cost can vary widely depending on door style and options chosen. The steel entry doors’ energy efficiency ratings will vary based on overall construction and components included.

For additional information and a comparative analysis of fiberglass and steel doors you can obtain more information at the Consumer Reports website: