Best Materials for Front Doors – Which Is Right for Your Home?

Your front door is more than an entryway: It welcomes visitors and sets the tone for your home’s exterior, reflecting your style while also providing security and insulation. But when it starts looking a little worse for wear, it can drag down your home’s curb appeal. Or maybe you’re trying to maximize your home’s energy efficiency or increase home security and your old exterior doors just aren’t cutting it.    

No matter what your motivation is, a fresh front door installation could be the update you need. But what’s the best material for front doors? You’ll have no shortage of options, but the three most popular materials are fiberglass, steel, and wood. Not sure which option is right for your home? Read on to learn about the features and benefits of each. 

3 Types of Front Doors to Choose From

Each of the different types of front doors offers pros and cons in terms of appearance, budget, durability, and maintenance. Fiberglass doors offer durability and low maintenance at a mid-range cost. Steel doors are budget-friendly and secure but lack customization. Wood doors offer classic beauty but can be pricey. Here’s what you need to consider for your front door project. 

1. Fiberglass Exterior Doors

Fiberglass front doors are made from a composite material that includes tiny glass fibers embedded in resin. The outer layer is made of fiberglass, which can mimic the appearance of real wood or have a smooth finish. Inside, the door typically has an insulating foam core, such as polyurethane or polystyrene, enhancing its energy efficiency and strength.   

Fiberglass is one of the strongest, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant types of front doors for homes. If you want a front door that looks like real wood but won’t require as much upkeep, then fiberglass may be right for you. 

Benefits of Fiberglass Doors 

• Durable: Fiberglass doors are tough and made to last, making them great for homes with children or pets who may scratch, dent, or ding the front door.  
• Weather resistant: Fiberglass doors hold up in extreme weather conditions. Unlike wood doors, they’re less likely to warp, rot, or swell due to humidity and high temperatures. 
• Customizable: Fiberglass doors are available in just about any color you can imagine and can even look like wood. You’ll have endless design flexibility when it comes to choosing a door that suits your home’s aesthetic. 
• Low maintenance: Unlike real wooden doors, fiberglass doors are low maintenance. They do not need regular painting, staining, or sealing, saving you time and effort. 
• Energy efficient: Most fiberglass doors feature polyurethane-insulated cores which offer exceptional protection against the elements and can dramatically reduce heat transfer so your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In fact, the average fiberglass exterior door offers five times the insulation value of a wooden door. 

Cons of Fiberglass Doors 

• Higher initial cost: Fiberglass doors tend to be more expensive upfront, which can be a barrier for budget-conscious homeowners. However, given this material’s unmatched energy efficiency, it won’t be long before it pays for itself. The average fiberglass exterior door yields a return on investment of about 82%, making it a great choice. 
• Color fading: Over time, the color on fiberglass doors can fade, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. Making sure you buy a high-quality door can help with this problem.  
• Susceptibility to cracking: Though durable, fiberglass doors can crack under severe impact. Repairing these cracks can be difficult and might require professional help. Again, a high-quality door is key to avoiding these disadvantages. 

2. Steel Exterior Doors

Steel front doors are made with durable, galvanized steel that provides strength and security. For some, the words “steel door” might conjure up images of an unsightly, gray, institutional-style door with a small wired-glass window. But the truth is, most residential steel doors are virtually indistinguishable from wood or fiberglass doors. 

In terms of popularity, steel doors are right up there with fiberglass, largely thanks to their unbeatable strength and durability. In fact, steel doors consistently score at the very top of forced entry tests. 

Adding to their durability, steel doors are also the most fire retardant of any exterior door material. It’s no wonder steel is considered the best material for front doors in government buildings, schools, businesses, and many homes. 

Benefits of Steel Doors 

• Affordability: Steel doors typically cost less than both fiberglass and wooden doors. Plus, because of their durability and the home security they provide, they offer an impressive 91% return on investment, making them a great all-around home upgrade. 
• Fire resistance: Steel doors can withstand high temperatures and help contain fires, improving safety and providing valuable time to evacuate during a fire. 
• Design versatility: Steel doors are available in more designs, styles, and finishes than you might think, including woodgrain and a variety of colors. Glass inserts and panel designs also add customization options.  
• Longevity: Steel doors are built to last. They’re less vulnerable to wear and tear compared to wood doors, making them a durable and long-lasting choice. 
• Noise reduction: Steel doors offer better noise insulation than some other materials. They can help reduce external noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment. 

Cons of Steel Front Doors 

• Energy efficiency: Steel doors can be less energy-efficient compared to fiberglass, potentially leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Still, steel doors with insulated cores are more energy-efficient than wooden doors. 
• Wear and tear: While they’re less prone to dents and dings than aluminum doors, heavy impacts can damage steel doors. Dents can affect the door’s appearance and be difficult to repair. 
• Rust: Over time, steel doors can rust if their paint or finish gets damaged, especially in humid or coastal environments. This can not only look bad, but also may cause structural issues. Buying a well-made door from a reputable company can help you avoid this.  

3. Wood Exterior Doors

Wood has been a popular material for front doors for centuries. For some homeowners, there is no substitute for the natural beauty that real wood provides. Others may be looking to upgrade their front doors while retaining the historical accuracy of their older homes. And then there are some who simply feel that natural materials are more luxurious than synthetic materials. 

However, wood doors are the least popular of the three different types of front doors. Most homeowners find that modern materials like fiberglass and steel provide a similar look with less maintenance and upkeep. Yet you may still want to consider the pros and cons of this material.  

Pros of Wood Doors 

• Natural beauty: While plenty of materials offer a “wood look,” there’s nothing like the texture and warm tones of real wood if you want a timeless, elegant front door. 
• Customizability: There are numerous wood species to choose from, each offering a slightly different grain pattern and color. You can also paint, varnish, or stain wood doors to really achieve the look you want.  
• Strength: Wood is a very strong material for a front door. To increase durability and weather resistance, wood doors may also be treated with sealants or finished with a protective coating. Overall, the craftsmanship of a wood door results in a sturdy, durable product. 

Cons of Wood Doors 

• Cost: Wood exterior doors typically cost more than fiberglass and steel doors. Wood is an expensive material, and the doors are often handcrafted and feature moldings or carvings. Those looking for a budget-friendly option may be better off with a steel door. 
• Maintenance: Wood doors’ good looks don’t come easy—they require the most maintenance of all the door materials. If you don’t regularly seal, stain, or paint them, they could warp, crack, or rot. 
• Vulnerability to weather: The reason wood doors tend to need maintenance is because they’re more affected by the weather than other materials. Moisture and humidity, as well as extreme temperatures, can cause wood doors to expand and contract or rot, which leads to damage. 

What Is the Best Material for Front Entry Doors?

The best material for front doors depends on your needs and preferences. Each material has strengths that cater to different priorities and budgets.  

• Fiberglass doors are ideal for homeowners seeking durability and low maintenance, but they can be pricey.  
• Steel doors are cost-effective and offer excellent durability. They’re a good option for homeowners on a budget or who need extra security, but they may not provide the look you want for your home.  
• Wood doors have a classic, elegant style and are best for those who value aesthetics and are willing to invest in regular upkeep. 

Extra Protection with Storm Doors

Once you choose the perfect front door, you’ll want to protect your investment. Storm doors help shield your main entry door from damaging weather elements like rain, snow, and wind, extending its lifespan. They can improve energy efficiency by adding insulation and increase security when made with impact-resistant glass. There are plenty of other types of glass for front doors, as well, including tempered and low-emissivity (low-E) options for insulation and UV protection or decorative glass for a customized touch. Add a retractable screen to make your storm door even more functional.  

Fast and Professional Front Door Replacement

Still not sure of the best material for front doors? It all comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and personal style preferences. If you need help deciding, the home improvement professionals at West Shore Home can help you learn more about the different types of front doors and choose the one that’s right for you.  

West Shore Home offers custom-fitted front entry doors in a variety of styles, finishes, and colors. Our front door remodeling packages can also be customized with storm doors, sidelites, transoms, and other add-ons. If you’re ready to improve your home’s curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency, contact us today.