Looking to upgrade your home’s curb appeal? A new front door can transform your house from drab and outdated to modern and sleek. Below, we’ll break down the best materials for front doors, including wood, steel, fiberglass, and glass.
And if you want to comparison shop, check out this article on the cost of installing different kinds of doors.
In this article:
Wood Doors
Wood front doors are classic and timeless. As the most common material for front entry doors, wood is also incredibly versatile. Wood exterior doors can range from $150 to $500. but if you’re purchasing a custom or solid hardwood door, expect to pay $1,500 or more.
Most wooden doors these days are built with an engineered wood core and a wood veneer outer layer. This prevents the wood from swelling or warping. Even with this innovation, you’ll want to apply a fresh coat of paint or polyurethane every few years or if you notice any damage.
Natural wood doors can be custom-made from oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, maple, and more. Additionally, wood doors can be painted or stained in an abundance of colors. Wood doors are often thought of as less secure but it’s usually the jamb, not the door itself, that is the weak point. To prevent burgalers from kicking in your door, install a security strike plate.
If your wood door includes glass windows, they should be hurricane rated to prevent break ins and damage. Installing a new wood front door yourself may require some carpentry skills and power tools so only attempt if you are an experienced DIY-er.
Pros
- They are versatile.
- Engineered wood is resistant to warping.
- They resist wear when properly maintained.
Cons
- Solid wood is vulnerable to moisture damage.
- They require more maintenance than steel or fiberglass.
- They are not as energy efficient as steel or fiberglass.
Steel Doors
Steel front doors are tan excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize security, privacy, and durability. Extremely low maintenance and energy efficient, these doors give your home a high-quality appearance. A new steel door will cost you at least $200 but could set you back as much as $2,000.
Steel entry doors are made with a polyurethane or polystyrene core and a steel exterior. Most steel doors are fire-rated and they are resistant to scratches from pets. Steel doors are heavy but hold up well to bad weather. If your steel door does become dented it can be fixed DIY with an auto body repair kit.
Properly maintained steel doors can last over 30 years. Unlike wood or fiberglass, steel won’t crack or warp. Instead, steel doors are susceptible to rust, which you may have to remove from time to time. Regularly cleaning your door and greasing the hinges can prevent rust from forming.
Steel doors can have a smooth or textured finish. You can select any paint color you like for your steel door or choose to have it mimic the appearance of natural wood.
Steel doors are typically thought of as the most private, most secure, and most durable entry door material. The steel skin of the door resists break in attempts and is the go-to front door material for security and durability.
Like the wood door, steel doors are somewhat challenging to install DIY. Due to the added weight of steel, these doors are heavy and awkward to handle by yourself. Contact a professional to make sure the door is installed properly.
Pros
- Steel doors are fire resistant.
- They offer excellent security when combined with a good frame and lock.
- They are durable.
Cons
- Steel doors are susceptible to rust.
- They can be dented.
- Steel doors are heavy.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass front doors are high quality and low maintenance. A decent fiberglass door typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500 but can be as much as $7,000 for high-end models. Fiberglass doors are even more resistant to damage than steel or wood. They don’t dent or scratch, and they won’t warp due to harsh weather conditions.
Other than routine cleaning, fiberglass entry doors don’t require any maintenance. Fiberglass doors have a realistic wood grain appearance and can mimic the look of almost any variety of wood without needing the same amount of upkeep
Due to their durability, fiberglass doors are considered one of the most secure front door options. These front doors have polyurethane insulating foam at their core that adds protection from storms and intruders. This insulated core is also what makes these doors so energy efficient.
Fiberglass doors are not easy to install yourself. If you’re installing the front door in an irregular opening, not every variety can be trimmed to size and most can only be trimmed slightly. Fiberglass doors are sold as complete sets and are best installed by professionals.
Pros
- They require little maintenance.
- They stand up to harsh weather conditions.
- Fiberglass doors offer good security.
- They are energy efficient.
Cons
- Fiberglass doors are not easy to install.
- They can crack if hit hard enough.
Glass Doors
Solid glass or glass panel doors are a contemporary front door design. You’ll see glass used most often in sliding glass doors and French doors. Exterior glass doors range from $400 to $4,500 on average.
Modern glass doors will be made to be as durable as possible but they won’t hold up as well as wood, fiberglass, or steel. Glass won’t rust or warp but a stray baseball could be a disaster for a glass door. The wheels of sliding glass doors will need to be lubricated on occasion, and you’ll want to clean the glass regularly, but overall these doors are low maintenance.
Glass doors allow natural light into your home, bringing brightness and warmth inside. These doors are great for warmer climates. However, glass doors also allow cold air inside, making them less energy efficient. In addition, glass doors don’t provide homeowners with the security of other varieties.
Since passersby can see through the glass they are also a privacy concern. You can purchase frosted, colored, or decorative glass to address this issue or add blinds or drapes. If you’re an experienced DIY-er you may be able to install your glass entry door yourself. You want to make sure it’s done right (and you don’t want to break the glass) so contact a professional if you’re a novice.
Pros
- Glass doors allow lots of natural light.
- They lend a contemporary aesthetic.
- Glass doors require little maintenance.
Cons
- Glass doors can crack or shatter.
- They are not very secure.
- They do not offer much privacy.
FAQ
A slab door only includes a pre-cut hole for a doorknob but does not have a frame or hinges. Prehung doors are basically an all in one package and come with a frame and pre-cut holes for a doorknob and strike plate.
Entry doors are heavy and awkward to handle and the process of installing them can lead to damage if you don’t have experience. Incorrect installation can mean higher energy bills.
Usually, if your home is a darker color you’ll want to select a lighter door for contrast and vice versa. For homes that are entirely neutral colors, selecting a bold color for your door can add some intrigue. Of course, you should pick whatever color you like best!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to installing a new front door you’ll want to review the pros and cons each type. Steel and fiberglass offer security and durability, while wood and glass offer unique and versatile style options for your home. Get an idea of what you’re looking for by comparing your price range with the prices listed above.
Remember that installing a new front door yourself is doable but tricky. Only attempt this if you’re a seasoned DIY-er and you have an extra set of hands to help you out. Otherwise, contact your local door installation professional.
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