When it comes to replacing an exterior door, steel and fiberglass both have a lot to love
Your front door should greet you and your visitors while boosting your curb appeal. But if your old wood door has seen better days, fiberglass and steel are two common candidates for a replacement. Both offer significant advantages to traditional wood doors in terms of durability and security. We break down the pros and cons of fiberglass and steel doors so you can feel confident in your choice.
The key differences between fiberglass and steel doors are design options, price, and security. Fiberglass doors come in a wider range of colors and designs, so it’s easier to find the right fit for your home’s aesthetic. Steel doors are available in different designs, but they tend to have an industrial appearance or a plain look. Fiberglass doors cost considerably more and aren’t as durable as steel. If security is most important to you, then you can’t go wrong with a steel door.
Fiberglass doors are the most popular replacement option and are often found in newer homes. Many homeowners choose between fiberglass and wood doors when it comes time for replacement. They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles and can even mimic wood grain, making them a great option for style-conscious homeowners.
Fiberglass doors are constructed from a highly insulated core sandwiched between layers of high-impact fiberglass. Fiberglass is known for its durability and is considered one of the best options for patio doors and other exterior doors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Variety of colors and finishes | Expensive |
| Durable and low-maintenance | Less secure |
| Energy-efficient | Not eco-friendly |
Best for:
Homeowners who want a low-maintenance option
Style-conscious homeowners
Homes in areas with extreme weather
Lots of design options
Customizable color
Available with glass panes
Durable (won’t shrink, warp, split, or crack)
Low-maintenance (dent- and scratch-resistant, washable with soap and water)
Energy efficient (heat- and draft-resistant)
May be more costly than other door types but may last longer
Offers less security than steel doors
Finish may fade over time in direct sunlight
Will not decompose and cannot be recycled
Solid steel entry doors are a natural choice for industrial buildings, garages, and warehouse structures. They offer significant security improvement over hollow or wooden-core doors. The galvanized steel technology makes these doors nearly impossible to bend.
Most steel doors consist of 24-gauge steel with a coating that's 0.0250 of an inch thick and weighs 1.15 pounds per square foot. The steel is galvanized (coated in zinc oxide) to prevent rust and corrosion. These doors are mostly scratch-proof—but if a sharp object does scrape through the sealed surface, you might have to deal with rust.
The strong, durable steel makes them one of the most secure entry door types. And since you can paint them your preferred color, they don’t look half bad on residential homes.
Here are the pros and cons of steel doors:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offer maximum security | Prone to rust |
| Low-maintenance | Limited style options |
| Affordable | Less energy-efficient |
Best for:
Homeowners concerned with security
Budget-conscious homeowners
Households that value durability
Available in smooth or wood-grain textures, stains, and colors
Most durable doors available on the market
Requires less maintenance to stay in good condition
More secure than other door types
Very affordable (with long-term value) compared to other door types
Fewer design options than fiberglass doors
May rust if not properly primed and painted
May be drafty and less energy efficient compared to fiberglass doors
If you’re trying to choose between fiberglass and steel doors, review the categories below. While they’re both good choices, one will be a clear winner for you, depending on your needs and wants. You can also speak with a door installer who can recommend materials.
Due to the wide range of colors and finishes that fiberglass doors are available in, they’re a clear winner when it comes to appearance. While steel doors offer some finish options, they’re much more limited than fiberglass.
Both fiberglass and steel doors are durable, and steel doors have a slight advantage, as they’re unable to crack like fiberglass can. They will outlast other kinds of doors on the market with proper maintenance.
When it comes to security, steel simply can’t be beat. It’s far less vulnerable to break-ins than fiberglass, as it is one of the strongest door materials available. Steel can resist a tremendous amount of force, far more than it would take to breach a fiberglass door.
Fiberglass doors can be a little pricier than steel, ranging from $3,200 to $5,000. Meanwhile, the average cost of steel doors is $150 to $1,400, depending on market availability in your region.
While both types of doors are considered low-maintenance, fiberglass wins this category, as it’s not prone to rust like steel and can be cleaned with soap and water. Steel doors are also more likely to be scratched, which can cause rust to develop if the door isn’t repainted.
Fiberglass and steel doors are more complicated to install than traditional wood doors, but fiberglass doors weigh less than steel. They’re more likely to come preinstalled on a frame, giving them a slight advantage when it comes to DIYability. “Steel doors are stronger, but they’re also heavier,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “So be sure to use stronger hinges and longer screws when installing.”
Doors with high energy efficiency are ideal for those building airtight homes or looking to minimize their cooling and heating costs. Fiberglass doors are more energy efficient than steel because they don’t conduct heat. Also, fiberglass doors have a core made of polyurethane which acts as insulation. On the other hand, steel doors are more energy efficient than wood but conduct heat and can get hot to the touch on summer days.
Door installation costs depend on a variety of factors, but the average cost is $1,200 with most homeowners spending $500 to $1,950. The door size, materials, and style all impact cost. Whether it’s an interior or exterior door also has a bearing on how much you pay, with exterior doors averaging a higher cost.
Door installation can be a DIY project, especially if you’re simply swapping a door for a new one. However, you may not feel comfortable tackling a door install yourself or have the time, so hiring a local door installer is a great option. If you decide to hire a pro, expect labor costs of $40 to $90 per hour, not including the cost of materials.
Doors are made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, wood, and steel. Fiberglass is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient option that comes in various colors, although it’s not eco-friendly. Steel provides durability and maximum security but is not eco-friendly or energy-efficient. Wood is an energy-efficient, eco-friendly door solution, but you’ll spend more.
Both fiberglass and steel offer durability for exterior doors and can withstand extreme temperature swings. However, fiberglass is a better choice for the sun because it doesn't get hot to the touch like steel doors. Fiberglass doors have much better insulation compared to steel, too.
You do not have to purchase a storm door if you have a fiberglass door. Fiberglass doors offer numerous advantages, including durability and the ability to stand up to harsh conditions such as low or high temperatures. Fiberglass doors also have excellent insulation properties, so you don’t have to add on a storm door if you’re looking for better temperature regulation inside your home.
