It may surprise you to learn that the door industry is worth over $140 billion!
However, if you’re looking for new exterior doors for your home, you may be overwhelmed by your choices. Between glass, wood, laminate, and more, it can be hard to narrow down which is best for you. So the first thing you’ll want to do is Get More Information on the various styles and what type of door would be suitable for your home.
However, when considering a steel vs. fiberglass door, you’ll want to make the best decision for your needs.
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of which door is best for your home, you’ll want to keep reading to learn the significant differences between these two popular options.
Appearance
One of the most essential factors when choosing between a steel and fiberglass door is its appearance. As this is a central and visible part of your interior design and exterior curb appeal, this is a significant factor.
Fiberglass often looks like wood but doesn’t have the same matte finish or physical texture. Generally, fiberglass doors that resemble wood will have a wood pattern on them but have a bit of shine on them due to the material.
However, you can still have a fiberglass door in a solid color, which makes planning your exterior simple. It can still have a shiny and metallic appearance, which adds a bit of sparkle to your home.
Steel doors vary in appearance, coming in a lot of different styles. Like fiberglass, you can order a wood-style steel door. However, unlike fiberglass, the wooden texture is ingrained in the material.
However, steel doors are also available in different styles, including glass panels, which are perfect for french hinged doors to lead to patio spaces.
Price Range
Secondly, the other most vital factor when choosing a fiberglass or steel door is the price tag attached to each.
If you’re choosing based on the cheaper option, the steel door cost is your best bet as they tend to be around $1,000, depending on the size and thickness.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, tends to be anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. This is because fiberglass carries more customization options, meaning you can hand-pick all the components of your door.
Also, fiberglass tends to last longer than steel, so you don’t need to worry about paying more for repairs in the future.
Efficiency
Next, you’ll want to consider energy efficiency when choosing a new door for your home.
Energy efficiency is crucial, as it can influence your monthly electricity and utility bill. Similarly, a good door can actually help combat climate change, as it prevents the cool air from escaping, meaning you won’t have to waste electricity to crank up the air conditioning.
When it comes to energy efficiency, fiberglass is your best choice due to its longevity and lifespan when compared to steel. Not only do they last longer, but the materials used to build a fiberglass door are composite.
Composite materials are lighter than other options, meaning they don’t carry the same transportation environmental effects as other choices.
However, steel doors still offer some efficiency when compared to wood. Though not as effective as fiberglass, steel doors, especially when paired with a wooden frame, can help conserve energy in your home.
The reason fiberglass is more effective is due to the metal used to create steel doors. During hot weather and in direct sunlight, the metal can retain the heat, making your home feel warmer. This means you’ll need to increase the setting on your air conditioning unit to combat this, thus wasting energy.
Durability and Maintenance
When picking a door for your home, knowing that it will last a long time is crucial. After all, you don’t want to repeat the process in a few years, as investing time and money into a door can be an involved process.
Generally, steel and fiberglass options both last a long time. However, you may find that your fiberglass door can dent or crack if hit hard enough, whereas steel is a strong material that cannot be dented, warped, or manipulated.
In terms of cleaning, both are relatively easy to tend to. Fiberglass can be wiped, hosed, and even pressure washed clean, making it easy to remove built-up dirt and grime from your doors.
Steel, on the other hand, can be wiped down, but you’ll want to avoid spraying it with a hose. Similarly, you’ll need to be on the lookout for any scratches or nicks on your door, as you’ll need to repaint these areas to prevent rust from overcoming your door.
Safety
When dealing with exterior doors, strength and security are essential factors in your decision, as they keep you safe from unwelcomed visitors or ner do wells.
Generally speaking, one of the steel door benefits is that they tend to be more secure than fiberglass, thanks to the thick and heavy materials used to craft them. This is one of the most durable choices for home doors, as it is extremely hard to breach.
Steel vs. Fiberglass Door: Which Is Right for You?
Though choosing a door may seem as simple as picking the first one you see, weighing the options of a steel vs. fiberglass door is essential to ensuring you can select the best choice for your home’s needs.
If you’re ready to make the decision between these two doors, thanks to this steel and fiberglass door guide, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more of the best home tips and tricks.
