Your entry door is one of the most important features of your house. Whether you are building a new home or replacing a damaged or outdated door, researching your options is crucial to making the right selection. Here, Jaeger Lumber compares wood, fiberglass, and steel entry doors to help you determine which material provides the best value for your home.
Key Takeaways
- When selecting a new entry door, consider the following factors: aesthetics, security, durability, efficiency, and maintenance. Make a list of your priorities.
- Wood entry doors offer a classic aesthetic that is easy to update, but which comes at a high price point and requires annual maintenance.
- Fiberglass entry doors offer great energy efficiency, weather resistance, and almost zero maintenance while imitating the look of real wood.
- Steel entry doors are affordable and ultra-secure, but they aren’t as elegant as wood or fiberglass, and they can be prone to rust.
Why Does Entry Door Material Matter?
A high-quality entry door does so much more than let guests inside. It’s the focal point for the front of your home and the first thing guests see when they enter. It provides security, keeping your home safe by preventing unwelcome intruders. It enhances your interior with fresh airflow and natural light while preventing drafts. It can also last for several decades if well-maintained, making for an investment that will continue to benefit your home and lifestyle for years to come.
For all these reasons, choosing the right door is important. There are multiple factors to weigh when shopping for a new front door: its appearance, construction, security, durability, efficiency, and more. Start by considering each one and listing out your priorities. Different materials perform well in different areas. By knowing what you’re looking for, you can narrow down the possibilities and find a door you’ll love.
Wood Entry Doors
Wood entry doors are the classic choice for a reason. They offer a premium look that can’t be perfectly replicated by other materials, along with reassuring solidity. We recommend a wood front door for the following benefits:
- High-end appearance
- Timeless styling
- Solid, secure construction
- Customizable with fresh stains and paint
While beautiful, wood comes at a higher price point than other materials. It also needs regular maintenance. You need to seal, paint, or stain the door almost every year to prevent warping or rotting, especially in the damp New Jersey climate. Wood is best for homeowners who are willing to invest in a statement piece and don’t mind some upkeep to maintain its good looks.
Fiberglass Entry Doors
Fiberglass is another popular pick. This material has come a long way in recent years, with design advancements that mimic the look of real wood. While the resemblance isn’t perfect, fiberglass also offers multiple advantages over natural materials:
- Almost no maintenance
- Energy-efficient
- Warp and rot resistance
- Resilient in most climates
While durable, however, low-end models can look flat when seen up close. They also feel less solid than real wood and may be less secure, although modern models come with tamper-proof hinges and robust locks for enhanced protection. Overall, fiberglass is best for homeowners who want durability, low maintenance, and efficiency, along with some of the aesthetics of wood.
Steel Entry Doors
If you’re shopping on a budget, go with steel. The most affordable material on the market, steel also offers exceptional strength against intruders and the weather. The benefits of steel include:
- Low upfront cost
- Strong and secure
- Low maintenance
- Efficient if insulated
Although steel might be the strongest material on the market, it falls short in aesthetics. Steel doors can’t imitate wood as closely as fiberglass, and they are vulnerable to rust if the finish gets scratched. This option is best for homeowners who want a secure, budget-friendly option and don’t require the elegance of wood, or who prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Shop for Doors Near You in NJ
Wood, fiberglass, and steel entry doors all offer great benefits for your home. The right choice ultimately depends on your priorities. If you still aren’t sure which material to pick, the team at Jaeger Lumber can help you out with door products and expert advice. Contact us today to learn more about our selection or to start shopping near you in New Jersey.
Entry Door Material FAQs
Are fiberglass entry doors better than wood doors?
Fiberglass entry doors are superior in terms of durability, weather resistance, simple maintenance, and energy efficiency. They can have flatter aesthetics than wood doors, however, making them a less effective choice if appearance is your main priority.
Are steel entry doors more secure?
Yes, steel entry doors are the most secure type available. Fiberglass and wood doors are available with advanced features to improve their security, so they can still be a good option.
Which entry door material is easiest to maintain?
Fiberglass doors are the easiest to maintain. They don’t warp, don’t rot, and are impervious to moisture and pests. They also don’t dent or scratch easily, and they cannot rust.